1If You Sit at a Slot Machine, Play It
In land-based casinos, there is usually only one seat at each slot machine. Do not occupy a seat unless you actually intend to play the game in question. This behavior is frowned upon by the floor personnel because it prevents the machine from generating profit for the house. More importantly, it stops other guests from trying their luck at the slot and possibly scoring a nice payout.
The same principle applies when you visit the floor with friends and one of them is playing while you are not. Rather than taking the seat at the vacant machine next to your friend, we recommend standing behind them.
Doing so clearly signals to other casino patrons that you have no intention of playing the neighboring slot. If your legs begin to tire, the best option is to relax at the casino’s lobby bar or buffet.
2Don't Be Stingy, Tip the Floor Attendants and Cocktail Servers
Some newcomers to the casino floor assume tipping is practiced only at live tables, but slot players are also encouraged to tip on certain occasions. Small slot wins are automatically credited to the player’s balance, but that is not the case when you hit a larger jackpot.
Large wins are usually hand-paid by a floor attendant. While tipping the person who pays you is not mandatory, it is appreciated. Like table dealers, slot floor attendants often work for minimum wage and are grateful when you tip.
This raises the question: how much of your big win should you give away? Ultimately, it depends on how generous you feel and how much you have won.
But what if you score an even bigger windfall? Such occasions may require several members of the floor staff – a supervisor, a floor manager, and a security guard. Whom should you tip then?
The precise amount is again up for debate. Whom you can tip depends on the policies of the casino. Some venues prohibit security staff from accepting gratuities, so it is best to ask beforehand.
If tipping security is allowed, you can split the amount you planned to give between the guard and the slot attendant. Managers are not reliant on gratuities because they earn larger salaries than other floor personnel, which is why most big winners do not tip them.
It is not unusual for a player to leave a $50 tip on a $1,500 or $2,000 jackpot, but we have also seen people tip only $20, $10, or even $5. The decision is entirely personal.
3Play One Machine at a Time During Busy Hours
It is acceptable to bet on multiple slots during off-peak hours when the casino floor is not crowded. However, occupying several machines at once during busy times is considered poor etiquette.
Foot traffic is especially heavy on weekends and holidays. Denying other slot enthusiasts a chance to play would be selfish, so stick to one machine when the floor is packed.
Some casinos even display signs stating that playing multiple slots simultaneously violates their policy. Look around before you start hitting the spin button on one game after another. If you notice players waiting, give them the opportunity to join the action and limit yourself to a single machine.
4Clearly Indicate Your Breaks and Keep Them Short
If you enjoy playing sessions that last several hours, it is natural to take brief breaks to use the restroom, answer the phone, or grab a snack. As we noted, the emphasis is on “short breaks,” and for good reason.
It is acceptable to leave your machine for 5 to 15 minutes, but any longer is a clear breach of slot etiquette.
Holding a game while you go on a full lunch break is out of the question. Give someone else the chance to play while you handle your personal business.
With that said, you should clearly indicate that you are holding the machine during a short break. If you fail to do so, you have no right to be upset with an unsuspecting spinner who takes your seat.
Years ago, when slots accepted only coins, a player would leave a coin cup in plain sight to show the machine was taken.
Modern machines accept paper currency and print a ticket with your balance at the end of a session, so a different signal is required.
Some modern machines feature a waiting-period function that deactivates the game, keeping it “locked” for up to 20 minutes.
If this option is unavailable, you can show you are on a short break by leaning your chair against the machine.
Other reasonable options include leaving a piece of clothing on the chair or another personal item like a pack of cigarettes or your player card. Just be sure not to leave anything valuable – you may not find it when you return, no matter how quickly.
If a friendly person is playing the machine next to yours, you can ask them to reserve your seat until you get back, but be sure to return promptly.
Otherwise, your neighbor may finish their session and leave your machine unattended. Another alternative is to ask a floor attendant to hold your seat in exchange for a small tip.
5Keep Your Cool During Losing Streaks
Streaks are an inseparable part of gambling. Both winning and losing runs occur, but it is the latter that sting and sometimes cause players to behave inappropriately. We understand that nobody likes to lose, but it is inevitable when you play against the house.
Do your best to keep your temper in check during prolonged dry spells; they are simply part of the game. You have no right to throw tantrums or hurl accusations at the floor staff. Anger will only prompt you to act against your better judgment. There is no room for such emotions in gambling.
When luck favors the player at the machine next to you, do not sulk. Be a good sport and keep the atmosphere friendly. If you find it impossible to handle losses, you probably should not have set foot in a casino in the first place.
6Show Some Courtesy to Non-Smokers
Smoking is permitted in some land-based casinos, but there are always exceptions dictated by local laws. For example, the United Kingdom has banned indoor smoking in recreational venues such as restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and casinos.
If you enjoy both cigarettes and slots, familiarize yourself with the local rules. Even where smoking is legal, you should be considerate of non-smokers, especially those seated at the machines beside you.
Smokers’ transgressions can lead to complaints and, on occasion, direct confrontations. At the very least, refrain from blowing smoke into other players’ faces.
Whenever possible, move to the sections of the floor designated for smokers. Ask a server or floor attendant for an ashtray, even if nearby players are already smoking. Doing so prevents you from disturbing their sessions by reaching across them to flick your cigarette.
7Be Respectful to Fellow Spinners and Members of the Floor Staff
Disputes between players are more common at the tables, where people often argue about correct strategy. In games like blackjack, it is not unusual for players to gang up on someone who they feel “made the whole table lose with that silly move.”
Slots are less social, but reel spinners are not immune to conflict. When disagreements do arise, they usually involve personal space, bumps on a crowded floor, or spilled drinks.
Keep things civil if another patron inadvertently bumps you. Should you have an issue with a fellow spinner, address it politely and respectfully.
Verbal or physical confrontations will ruin everyone’s experience, including your own. If matters escalate beyond your control, locate a floor attendant and ask for assistance in resolving the dispute.
On a side note, leave forgotten player cards on top of the machines where you find them. This makes it easier for the owner to spot the card and spares them the hassle of requesting a new one.
The same principles apply to your interactions with floor staff. Slot attendants and waitresses are human, too, and you should treat them accordingly. You will likely need their help at some point – whether to obtain a player card or fix a malfunctioning machine. You will receive better service if you approach them politely and respectfully.
8Don't Pressure Players into Ending Their Spinning Sessions
When the floor is overcrowded during peak hours, you may have to wait in line to play your favorite slot machine. Do not pressure the player currently using it to cut their session short just so you can sit down.
Try another machine nearby until the one you want becomes free. If you insist on playing that particular slot, respect the other spinner’s personal space and keep your distance.
Standing directly beside someone and waiting for them to get up is considered rude. Instead, politely ask the player to let you know when they are about to quit.
Likewise, avoid monopolizing the same slot for hours if you notice another spinner eager to give it a try. Denying them the chance is simply selfish.
9Conclusion
Unlike table games with more complex etiquette, such as craps, roulette, and blackjack, the rules of conduct for slot machines are straightforward. Civility, good manners, and respect for other people’s personal space will take you a long way, and they will greatly enhance your enjoyment of playing slots in the authentic setting of a land-based casino.
| Updated: September 26, 2025