A First-Timer's Guide to Riverboat Casino Etiquette

Louisiana's gaming floors trace their legal history back to riverboat gaming laws from the early 1990s, and while most properties — ours included — now operate from fixed buildings rather than actual boats, a lot of the etiquette and terminology still carries the riverboat name. If it's your first time sitting down at a table, here's what actually matters.

Bring Valid ID, Every Time

Louisiana law requires guests to be 21 or older to enter a gaming floor, and every property checks ID at the door, no exceptions. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID even if you're clearly over 21 — it's not optional and it won't be waived because you're a hotel guest.

Table Minimums Change by Time and Day

Minimum bets at table games typically rise in the evening and on weekends as demand increases. If you're new to a game, look for a table with a lower posted minimum, usually found earlier in the day or on weeknights, and don't be shy about asking the dealer or a floor supervisor to point you toward one.

Tipping Dealers and Servers

Dealers are typically tipped either by placing a small side bet on their behalf or by tipping directly when you leave the table, especially after a good run. Cocktail servers on the gaming floor also work for tips, even when drinks are complimentary while you're playing.

Ask Before You Sit

At a full table, it's standard to ask "mind if I join?" before sitting down, particularly at poker tables where an empty seat may already be reserved for someone stepping away briefly. Dealers will let you know if a seat is open.

Nobody expects a first-timer to know the house rules cold — ask the dealer, they'd rather explain than watch you guess.

Know the Basics of Players Club Enrollment

Signing up for a resort's players club is free and takes a few minutes at a kiosk or the cashier cage. It's worth doing before you start playing, since most properties track comps and offers from the moment you're enrolled — not retroactively.

Responsible Gaming Comes First

Every Louisiana gaming floor, including ours, is required to post responsible gaming resources at entrances and cashier cages. Set a budget before you sit down, and if gambling stops feeling like entertainment, floor managers can point you toward self-exclusion programs and support resources at any time, no questions asked.

Read more about our gaming floor on the casino & gaming page.