Page 10 - August 2003 • Southern California Gaming Guide

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
Slot Player’s Etiquette Tips
Sby Bill Burton
lot playing is a pretty solitary activity that doesn’t usually require interacting with other players. There is, however, some etiquette that will make your casino experience hassle-free and enjoyable for you and other players. Here are a few slot player’s etiquette tips.
Saving Your Seat. When you see a coin cup on a chair in front of a slot machine, it usually means that the machine is being saved while a player has taken a break, perhaps to go to the rest room or to get change. Where coin cups are not available in casinos that use coinless machines, players may also place an ashtray, or jacket on the chair to hold it. Respect this sign and look for another machine. If you are saving a machine, get back to it as quickly as possible. In some casinos if you want a break from your slot play, you can ask a slot attendant or host to stand by your machine until you return. (It is customary to offer a small tip for doing so.) It is usually prudent to cash out, so you don’t leave your credits in the machine.
Playing Multiple Machines. If you like to increase your chances of winning (or losing) fast, and like to play more than one machine at a time, be considerate of other players. During crowded times (this usually means weekends) refrain from playing more than one machine. Many casinos have signs stating “One machine per player during busy times.” Respect the casino sign, and relinquish one of the slot machines if another player asks. Think about how you would
feel if the situation was reversed, and you were looking for a machine to play on a busy day. If your spouse or friend has joined you at the casino just to watch, and likes to sit next to you (not playing a machine), give the machine to another player. You can socialize later. Slot machines should be free for players who want to play.
Player’s Cards Left in Machines. Sometimes players forget their player’s (or slot) club cards when they leave a machine. If you nd another player’s card, just place it on top or next to the machine. Many times a player will realize that they have forgotten their card and go back to the last machine they were playing. If you place it close by the machine they can nd it quickly, saving time instead of standing in line for a new card.
Smoking. As smoking is a controversial subject, I will refrain from social commentary. However, if you are a smoker in a casino that allows smoking, whenever possible, position your cigarette or ashtray in a way so your smoke is not annoying another player at an adjacent machine.
Tipping. Tipping is a personal choice, usually determined by the quality of service you receive. When you have won a jackpot requiring a hand pay,
it is customary to tip the attendant when they bring your cash. If the jackpot is paid quickly, then a tip is in order. Usually one-half to one percent of the jackpot is considered fair. So you might give ve or ten dollars on a one thousand dollar jackpot. Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s a very common practice in casinos when you win. Many times I have received nine one hundred dollar bills and ve twenty-dollar bills for a $1,000 hand pay. The attendant is usually hoping I will just give them one of the twenties. I carry a few ve and ten dollar bills with me to cover this type of situation.
I hope you nd these slot etiquette tips helpful. They are pretty basic and all you really need to remember is the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have done to you.” Have Fun!
Until next time, remember: “Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever!”
Bill Burton is the Casino Gambling Guide and columnist for the Internet portal About.com. He also writes for several national gambling publications. He is the author of Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold’em available for $15 postage paid, at Bill Burton, P.O. Box 310299, Newington, CT 06131-0299 or online at: http://vegas.home.attbi.com/. Bill Burton’s website is located at: http://casinogambling.about.com.
Page 10 August 2003
Column: Bill Burton About Gambling