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SH Sunset Harbor Resort & Casino · Lake Tahoe
The Ridge & Shore Journal / First-Time Guests

Casino Floor Etiquette for First-Time Visitors

A plain-language guide to table minimums, tipping, and the small rules nobody explains out loud.

A surprising number of guests tell our players club desk they've avoided the casino floor entirely on past trips simply because nobody ever explained the basics. None of it is complicated once you know it, so here's the short version.

Table Minimums Aren't Fixed

Every table posts its minimum and maximum bet on a small placard, and minimums shift by time of day and how busy the floor is — a $10 blackjack table at 2 PM on a Tuesday might be $25 on a Saturday night. If a table feels too expensive, it's completely normal to walk the floor and find a lower-minimum table instead of asking to change the limit.

You Can Ask Questions at the Table

Dealers deal with new players constantly and are generally happy to explain the basics of a game before you sit down, especially at a quieter table. Standing behind a table to watch a hand or two before joining is normal and not considered rude.

Tipping the Dealer

Tipping dealers isn't required but is customary when you're winning, either by placing a small bet for the dealer or handing them a chip directly between hands. There's no fixed amount — guests typically tip in proportion to how the session is going.

ID Is Required, Always

Nevada gaming law requires guests to be 21 or older with valid photo ID to enter the casino floor, and staff will check ID at the entrance regardless of how the floor is staffed that night. Bring a physical ID — a photo of one on your phone isn't accepted.

The players club desk near the main entrance is the best first stop for any first-time visitor — signing up takes a few minutes and gets you a card that tracks comps from day one.

The Sportsbook Lounge Has Its Own Rhythm

Unlike the table games, the sportsbook lounge is mostly self-serve — place a bet at the counter or a kiosk, then find a seat to watch. It gets loud during major games, so if you want a quieter spot, ask a staff member for seating away from the main screens.

When in Doubt, Ask the Rewards Desk

Beyond table games specifically, the rewards desk near the main entrance can answer almost any first-timer question — where a specific game is located, what a promotion actually means, or how comps work — without any pressure to play.

See the Casino Floor

Get the details on table games, the poker room, and the sportsbook lounge.