Casino Hotel Travel Tips

Before You Travel

Check the legal gaming age

Minimum ages vary significantly by destination. Bring valid photo ID (passport for international travel) — you will be asked at the door.

Understand dress codes

Most modern casino resorts on the Las Vegas Strip and in Macau are casual, but upscale European casinos (Monaco, Baden-Baden) enforce smart-casual or formal dress. Avoid sportswear, flip-flops, and shorts at heritage casinos. When in doubt, overdress.

Book accommodations early

Casino resort hotels fill up around holidays, major sporting events, and conventions. Las Vegas hotel rates spike during CES (January), March Madness, and New Year. Monaco doubles in price during the Grand Prix weekend in late May.

At the Resort

Set a daily budget

Decide before you arrive how much you are comfortable spending on entertainment — and treat it as an entertainment cost, not an investment. Leave cards in the room safe and carry only cash within your budget.

Take advantage of resort amenities

Casino hotels are full-service resorts. Most offer pools, spas, shows, fine dining, shopping, and fitness centers — often included or discounted for hotel guests. The best value in a casino resort is rarely at the tables.

Use the players club card

Signing up for a resort's loyalty program is usually free and can unlock room discounts, dining credits, and show tickets. You are not obligated to gamble to enroll.

Tip appropriately

In the US and Caribbean, tipping is expected — $1–$5 for drinks, bellhops, and valet. In Europe and Asia, service is often included; round up or leave a small token. Tipping the dealer is customary in the US but not expected in most European casinos.

Etiquette on the Casino Floor

• Know the game before you sit down. Watch a round first if you're unsure. Dealers are usually happy to explain rules during quiet periods.
• Don't use phones at the table. Most casinos prohibit phone calls, photography, and texting while seated at a gaming table.
• Handle cards and chips with one hand. This is a security rule, especially in card games.
• Don't touch your bet once a round starts. Wait until payouts are complete.
• Be gracious. Cheer for others at the table, don't berate dealers or other players, and respect personal space.

Currency & Payments

Most casino resorts accept major credit cards for hotel and dining charges, but gaming floors typically operate in cash or via chips purchased at the cage. ATMs are available but carry high fees — withdraw before arriving.

In Macau, gaming is conducted in Hong Kong dollars (HKD) even though the local currency is the Macanese pataca (MOP). In Monaco, euros. In Las Vegas, US dollars. Always check which currency a casino uses before exchanging money.

Travel Insurance

Standard travel insurance typically does not cover gambling losses. It does, however, cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage — all worth having for any international resort trip.