Since Liberty Bell, the first three-reel slot machine, was invented in the late 1800s, slots have become the most popular attraction in the gambling industry. Thanks to these online platforms, Canadian players can also enjoy 50 free spins no deposit bonuses, alongside several other exciting offers.
However, while online casinos have several attractive features, you’d agree that nothing beats the thrill of being present physically at a slot machine. If you are visiting a physical casino, you must be aware that there are unwritten rules to keep things friendly. Let’s get into them!
Playing Multiple Games
As an experienced player, you can play multiple slot machines simultaneously. However, you should only do this when the crowd at the casino is sparse, so you don’t stand in the way of other players. On the other hand, if the floor is busy and more than one player is waiting, it is good etiquette to limit yourself to a single machine. Remember, this is not an online casino, and other players are there to enjoy too. Most casinos even put up a sign to show you can’t play at multiple machines.
In addition, playing multiple casino games is more common with 3-reel slots than classic video slots. This is because players can easily manoeuvre through a complete row of slots, hitting the max button on successive machines while the last one is still spinning.
Seats Are for Players
Every slot machine has a seat designated to it, and you must understand that these seats are meant for those who are actively playing. Therefore, when you are sitting at a slot machine without playing, you are not only blocking other players from having a good experience but also rendering the machine useless by not allowing it to generate revenue for the casino.
Note that no one will quiz you for sitting at a slot machine when the crowd in a casino is sparse, and there are other free machines. Also, resting from the machine after you’ve played for a while is normal. However, instead of sitting at the machine during breaks, it’s good etiquette to head to the lounge or any other place with seating provision for non-players, so you don’t block other players from playing.
Furthermore, when one person in a party is playing, it is bad etiquette for watchers to take chairs from other machines and leave actual players who come around standing.
Signal Your Breaks and Keep Them Short
Whether you need to grab a drink or use the restroom, breaks are sometimes inevitable when playing slot games. However, if you want to return to your game, you must leave a signal, or someone else will be within their rights to take your seat. In many casinos, you can request a “Reserve sign” from a slot attendant to be placed on the machine for the time you’re away.
In addition, a commonly used signal among Canadian players to indicate that a slot machine is being used is to tip the chair forward until the backrest is against the machine. You can also politely ask another player beside you to watch the machine while you are gone. However, note that they are not obligated to stay behind and can leave anytime.
While taking breaks is OK, you must leave the machine quickly. An average of 10 to 15 minutes is acceptable, lest you piss off fellow players waiting.
Respect Personal Space
When you are waiting for a particular machine used by another player to become free, it is good etiquette to respect their personal space. Below are some of the most frowned-upon behaviors at slot machines.
- Lurking;
- Hovering around;
- Leaning over;
- Resting on another player’s machine;
- Standing in another’s player’s vision scope.
You would also feel uncomfortable if someone stood too close to you as you enjoyed your favorite title. Therefore, if you must be patient enough to wait for fellow gamblers at slot machines, the best option is to stick with casino sites. So remember the good old rule of social distance that had its impact on gaming industry, and stay polite to fellow gamblers.
Also, note that the idea of favored machines is a fallacy. Like in online casinos, the probability of winning is the same with all slot machines, as every spin result is determined by Random Number Generators (RNGs).
Smoking at Slot Machines
If a casino allows smoking, there’s no crime in puffing away at the slot machine. However, remember to be courteous to fellow players who are also trying to have a good time. Don’t blow smoke in the direction of other people, and use an ashtray to avoid flicking your ashes everywhere.
Some Canadian casinos have designated smoking and non-smoking rooms. In this case, it is only ideal to respect the space of non-smokers and not light up in non-smoking areas. Also, some casinos entirely disallow smoking based on jurisdiction laws. Do not smoke in these casinos, or you may find yourself open to arrest.
Tipping and Positive Interaction With Casino Employees
Proper slot machine etiquette requires you to treat casino staff with respect and politeness like fellow players. Whether you are requesting a “Reserve sign,” requesting a comp or getting paid by hand, casino employees tend to be more eager to help you when you treat them courteously. Never scream at a casino staff or take out frustration on them. This prevents other people from having a good experience and reflects poorly on your image. If choosing gambling career as your own, you probably should know it.
Unlike online gambling, tipping at slot machines is common when a player wins a jackpot and gets paid by hand. While you are obligated to tip an attendant or security guard, it is good etiquette to do so when you win big at slot games, as tips go a long way in supplementing their income. While it is not the standard, 20% of huge wins is a common tip at slot machines. Also, note that some casinos don’t allow security guards to accept tips.
Online Casino Etiquette
There is almost no interaction with other players when playing online slots, as it is mostly just you, your mobile device, and the game. However, while most slot machine etiquette applies to land-based casinos, there are also some unwritten rules you must follow when playing at an online casino. For instance, online casinos have a live chat feature, and good etiquette demands that you interact with the casino personnel with courtesy, politeness and respect, just like you would at a live casino.
In addition, it needs better etiquette to use the chat feature in an online casino to promote personal products. Instead, you must only use the chat function to send relevant messages and share casino and game stories.
Conclusion
Slot machine etiquette is all about being considerate and respectful towards other players while enjoying your favorite casino game. By following these guidelines, you can create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere for yourself and other players and make your casino experience more pleasant. Also, they help you avoid the risk of suspensions, lifetime bans and police trouble.
