As with most behavior in public spaces, behaving properly usually helps provide a better experience for you and for those around you.  No where in the casino could that be true than the winding rows of slot machines, where, at busy times, you could find yourself shoulder to shoulder with a variety of others.

There’s a lot of slot machines to choose from out there!

To some, how “best to behave” is another way people try to harsh one’s happiness.  Alas, that usually is just nonsense from those who only want to do what they want at whatever expense there is to the rest of us, as if they are more important, more entitled – special.

The following also relates to playing video poker.  With either machine, while we enjoy the solitary play, one vs. machine, or want to make new friends while playing, consider the suggestions below.

Slot Machinr / Video Poker Etiquette.

1. Slot machine etiquette teaches that you should never touch the slot machine of another player. You should also not lean on their chair or shoulder as this motion could cause them to jerk and hit the wrong button concerning denomination or number of credits.
2. Slot machine etiquette allows a person to play two slot machines that are right next to each other as long as the casino is not overly crowded. There will be times in which people are waiting to sit down that a slot attendant might ask a player playing two slot machines to end one of their sessions.
   

   Territorial – “I am playing all these Machines!”

3. Slot machine etiquette frowns on those people that pound the buttons on a slot machine rapidly for good luck. Also, many casinos will frown on this since this wears the slot machines out over time. Plus, this is just distracting to other players around.
4. If you are going to watch a person play a slot machine, do not sit in the chair next to them unless you plan on playing yourself. This takes a seat away from someone else. Slot attendants will usually be quick to ask you to please move. This is a true no-no of slot machine etiquette.
5. Understand the rules before you sit down. Is the slot machine progressive? Is it a community game involving other players? How do you get the bonus(es)? Take time to watch the game from afar or how about this – check the menu and actually read the game rules and pay table! Don’t be lazy and expect others to teach you on their time.
6. If someone has leaned their stool or chair up against the slot machine, this usually means they haven’t finished playing it. Usually the person playing the slot machine has just went to the bathroom or to get a drink. Even if they haven’t got any money in the slot machine, by leaving their chair or stool leaning up against it they are stating that the machine is in use, so don’t think that you can just go up and play.
   If you’re that person, as an act of courtesy, you must not leave the slot machine reserved for several minutes. Get back to the machine immediately. (of course, casinos will favor high rollers and shut down a machine for hours)
7. Playing multiple slot machines or video poker machines simultaneously is not encouraged whether the casino is crowded or not. But, it is more tolerated when the casino isn’t busy. Besides, it does not improve your odds to play more than one machine at a time. Give someone else a chance to play.
8. There are times that some players have forgotten their players card within the slot machine. When you found this out, it is a practice that you must put the card on the top or to the side of the machine where the previous player can easily see and get the forgotten card.
9. Do not watch others play over their shoulder if they do not know you, that’s just creepy !!!! In small casinos it seems to be accepted to do that once your money runs out…just wander over and watch a total stranger play. Like I said – CREEPY!!
10. Don’t be a slob! – Ashes, spilled drinks, coughing without covering, sticky hands from food – these are just some of the things that annoy your fellow players. (Suggestion – always have hand sanitizer when playing.  It comes in handy)
    

    Drinks, cigarettes – what a mess!

11. Don’t share your superstitions, myths, or ignorance of how these machines work with those around you. Denomination, rhythm, which buttons to push, whether your rewards card is used or not – these are all just ignorant nonsensical notions of those players who just want attention.  Ig
    nore their suggestions.  The random-number-generator runs the machine, period.
12. If you need to use the restroom, put your service light on.  As long as you are not taking a 15 minute break, slot attendants are around to help you out in this area.  DON’T ASK THE PLAYER NEXT TO YOU TO WATCH YOUR MACHINE!  Let them have their fun without feeling like a hostage until you decide to come back. My response to strangers who ask is “No, thank you.  I don’t know how long I will be here.”
13. Wash your hands frequently, especially when using the restroom facilities. (Gentlemen, and I use the term loosely, WASH YOUR HANDS!)
14. Don’t “hover” over a machine you want to play.  Some people watch a person’s credits and watch until the player is done so they can “POUNCE!”  If I feel that kind of pressure from someone, I will use my phone, check my wallet, stand and stretch – basically anything to waste time to let them know that no kind of predatory pressure will make me succumb to their creepiness.
15. That brings us to the last point when it comes to behaving properly at the slot machines – tipping.
    

    Service with a smile? – Tip!

    When to tip? While tipping is a personal decision there are certain times where it’s customary to tip. For example, when you’re receiving a jackpot payout that a floor attendee must help you with, it’s customary to tip them (Granted, if the service is lousy and the attendant is incredibly slow to pay you out or perhaps not professional, you can think twice about tipping.) The rule of thumb is usually to tip around .5 – 1% of the jackpot amount, make sure to keep this in mind when working on your bankroll management budget.  Concerning beverages, yes they are free in many casinos, but tip the staff as you would in a restaurant. Again, if the service is lousy, don’t.  But if you especially make a specific request, be sure to tip.

Unlike some table games, slot machine etiquette is pretty easy to comprehend. With a little respect towards fellow gamblers and adherence to the golden rule, you’ll be able to improve the experience of other players, as well as your own. Use common sense, and be courteous to those around you.
That basically covers it. Bottom line is have fun, stay healthy, enjoy recreational gambling – but not at somebody else’s expense.

Binbin