Las Vegas Casinos: What First-Time Visitors Need to Know

More than 35 million people a year visit Las Vegas, a city that has long been known as one of the world’s great tourist destinations. Sin City has a lot to offer tourists, including world-class shows, helicopter trips to the Grand Canyon, and, of course, some of the best casinos you’ll find anywhere on the planet. To many, this is the standout casino destination.

Unlike the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo, Las Vegas casinos are open to everyone. Still, while there are fewer rules than in other destinations, there are still a few things that first-time visitors need to know before they make their maiden appearance in Sin City. If you’re planning a trip, then the below tips will help you get the most from your visit.

Hit the Strip

Las Vegas is a casino city, and you’ll find top-notch offerings in all corners of the city. However, if it’s your first trip, it’s best to stick to the casinos located on the famous Las Vegas Strip. This is where you’ll find all of the most famous casinos, and in reality, there’ll be little need to venture elsewhere. Most people spend the entirety of their trip to Las Vegas on the strip, and with good reason — it’s more than 4 miles long and has everything you need.

Understanding How to Play

Las Vegas casinos are open to all levels of gamblers, including beginners, but it’s generally best for visitors to have a sense of the correct way to play their preferred game before sitting down at one of the live tables. While a kindly dealer may walk a newcomer through the rules during quiet periods, don’t bank on it! Online sites like PokerStars Casino offer blackjack, roulette, and other popular games that can bring Las Vegas visitors up to speed before they travel. Even players with experience will find that brushing up on their skills can help them once they land in Sin City

What to Wear

Remember how we said Las Vegas casinos were less concerned with glitz than in Monte Carlo? That’s true, but there are still some fashion standards that must be met. In general, visitors to casinos are expected to show common sense when it comes to their outfits. In truth, most anything that you would realistically pack to take on holiday with you will be fine — but it’s best to keep a clear line between ‘outfits for the pool’ and ‘outfits for everything else.’ So long as you’re meeting basic clothing expectations, you’ll have no problem walking into any of the major casinos.

Claim Those Free Drinks

Vegas can be hot all year round, and in the height of summer, it can become unbearable. They keep the casinos nice and air-conditioned, but there’s also another way you can beat the heat in the casinos: by drinking free, ice-filled sodas. Drinks are free in Las Vegas, provided that you’re playing a game (table and slot games are both included). Just remember that, as with everywhere else in the United States, you’ll be expected to tip $1-2 per drink.

Put Your Phone Away

It’s fine to take a couple of photos at the entranceway of Las Vegas casinos, but beyond that, it’s best to keep your phone use limited. While Vegas is very much a tourist destination, the casinos aren’t necessarily tourist attractions — they’re casinos! This is especially important if you’re playing a table game, where you’re expected to pay attention to what’s happening. Keeping your phone in your pocket (not on the table) shows respect to the deal and other players.

Look Beyond the Games 

The games might be the casino’s main draw, but they’re not the only ones. The leading casinos offer a host of other attractions well worth visiting — it varies from casino to casino, but when you’re not gambling you may be able to ride a roller coaster ride, view priceless art, or see a world-class aquarium. Check it out!