Slot Player Rules of Conduct and Etiquette
Because it isn't every day that a player visits a casino, taking time to learn the rules of proper etiquette isn't the first thing you would think about just prior to robbing the piggy bank and heading out the door. Most people probably wouldn't even know that rules of polite conduct for slot players exist unless those rules were brought to their attention.
Everyone knows, of course, that the waiter or waitress at a restaurant expects a tip from the customer at the end of the meal. And it's no surprise that the hotel bell person who carries luggage to a guest's room also expects a gratuity or tip for his or her service. But slot players often do not know when it is appropriate to acknowledge those casino people who have provided cordial assistance and service. If you are thinking right now that you would just as soon remain in the dark on this topic, read no further. You cannot be considered impolite or unappreciative if you truthfully do not know that certain rules of conduct for slot players even exist.
How Many Machines Can You Play?
Slot player etiquette pertains to more than gratuities. For instance, many slot customers do not know what is considered the proper number of machines they can play at one time. It is because of this kind of misunderstanding that disputes over who was playing a machine first often occur among customers. In general, it is considered proper to play no more than two machines at one time. Both machines should be played alternately, and some coins should be allowed to remain in the tray of both machines at all times. The presence of coins in the tray should signal to other players that those machines are in use. Where exceptions to this general rule exists, signs reading "One Machine Per Customer Only" are usually placed on the front of each machine.
If you are uncertain whether someone is playing a machine that you want to try, check whether there are coins in the tray or ask before you begin to play. Above all, don't barge up and accidentally play off someone's jackpot while he or she is waiting to be paid.
Reserving Your Favorite Machine
Another custom that often causes confusion is what to do if you want to continue to play the same slot machine but must visit the restroom, make a phone call, or stop for lunch or dinner. Every day, slot customers return from a short break only to find that someone else has become very comfortable playing their favorite machine. It is permissible in many casinos to request that your machine be closed while you are away. All that is necessary is to ask the floor supervisor in the slot area to reserve your machine until you return and give them a specific time when you plan to be back. If you plan to be away not more than ten or fifteen minutes, there would be no problem. If, however, you will be away longer or you would like to have lunch or dinner or take a nap, it may not be possible to close your machine for that long.