The secret to maintaining reputable slot etiquette can be summed up in three words: use your head.
To be fair, if it’s your first trip to a casino it would be perfectly understandable if you were uncertain how to deal with a card that has been left in a machine. There are so many options before you: put the card in your pocket (scruples should tell you that this is wrong), bring the card to an attendant if available, or run around the establishment trying to find the proverbial Cinderella to whom the card fits.
Ok, so none of those would have been the right answer. However, once you hear what is, it should make perfect sense. Let’s answer that along with a few others that will keep you in the good graces of your fellow patrons.
1) Mystery card: this goes back to the above scenario where someone has left their card in the machine. All you need to do is take it out and put it on top of the machine in plain view. This makes it easy to spot when the forgetful player returns. It also lets you get on with the fun.
2) Wrong kind of hog: once you are firmly seated in front of your preferred slot you may not want to give it up for some time. Makes sense. But so does keeping an eye on what’s going on around you. If you have been on a machine for an extended period with one or more people patiently waiting, it’s probably a good time to consider an exit strategy and give someone else a turn.
3) Two machines are not better than One: this goes out to those for whom one machine just isn’t enough – it’s also for their loitering friend. Unless you are dealing with a desolate wasteland of a casino, which we hope you’re not, there’s little excuse for playing two slots simultaneously. As for that friend – if you’re not playing you really shouldn’t be sitting in front of an open machine.
4) This seat is saved: some casinos have attendants to watch over machines while players go to use a restroom, grab a drink, etc. Other casinos don’t have this service, which means people will need to leave behind their cup o’ coins, jacket or loitering friend. In all seriousness, if someone has left an indicator that they are coming back, at least give them a window to work with.
5) Make it rain…0.5% – 1%: Attendants are accommodating. Whether holding a seat or bestowing a jackpot, they can really make a difference in your casino experience — just like a friendly server or barista. So here’s the deal: you don’t need to be tipping anyone 15%, however, if you happen to hit a $5000 jackpot, nothing says you can’t slip them between $25 and $50 for their troubles.
Have we missed any slot etiquette tips? Tell us the ones we left out in the comments section below.
