Casino for Beginners: Etiquette to Follow

A casino is one of those places you should enter without being prepared. With all the people, machines, and tables, you can lose your way if you aren't aware of what's happening. You might be confused about how things run on the floor. In the process, you might not only lose yourself, but you also might spend more money than you intend to use. Thus, you must first know the rules (whether publicly announced or unspoken) about the casino you are about to visit.

Whether it's a small-time casino in resorts in Rizal or a known casino chain, you must be aware of the layout of floor and the people who will be in it. You might mistaken dealers as players or regular hustlers as security guards. Though it's an honest mistake, it only shows that you are a rookie. To avoid being in any of these situations, here are a few casino etiquettes to remember before you hustle.

1. You must not be below the age limit

Most casinos have the same age limit. People under 21 years old cannot enter the playing field. The age limit still depends on your country and location. Some places allow players as young as 18 years old. Also, you cannot play with a youngster in tow. Guards won't stop you if you are merely passing by the casino floor. The security guards will immediately lead you out the door once they spot you staying in any of the tables or attempting to play at the slots while in the company of a child.

2. Keep your electronics out of sight

A casino is a place for entertainment. Thus, there's no reason for you to use your smartphone. Using phones and other devices are not encouraged on the floor. If you plan to sit for a game, you should switch off your phone or turn it to silent mode. Anyway, you won't be able to get much cell reception when inside the casino. Most large casinos have thick walls to block reception. You won't get a dial tone even if you try. You have to go outside to get a connection.

3. When in doubt, ask security

Some casinos don't allow players to take photos. But nowadays, gambling is widely accepted. Being at the casino is now a mainstream past time. Therefore, some casinos are no longer camera shy. However, some establishments wish to protect their high-profile clients. That is why management is wary of those taking pictures or pointing their cameras at other people. These high-profile clients might leave the gaming floor. If you aren't sure about the policies of the casino you are going to, you should ask the security guards in the area. They are the best people to give you a rundown of the do's and don'ts on the floor.

4. Find out if there's a separate smoking area

Not all casinos have a smoking room or separate playing floor for smokers. Some casinos don't allow smoking indoors. If you have to light a cigarette, you should find out where is the nearest smoking area. That way, you won't have to exit the building to get your smoke break. If you don't smoke, then you should ask for the no-smoking table or slots area. It'll help you avoid the majority of the crowd who smokes.

5. Be responsible for your things

If you are playing alone, you shouldn't rely on others to watch your valuables. Even if the casino has several security guards on each post and cameras installed everywhere, pickpocketers can quickly get past them. The crowd and other distractions can overwhelm guards on duty or get distracted giving other people a chance to steal valuables from players. Hence, you should always place your purse on your lap. Keep your wallet secured. If you have to put it in your pocket, you should avoid placing it at the back.

You shouldn't leave your casino tips on top of the table or have the dealer watch it for you. You might become a victim of short-changing. Always recount the casino chips you receive from casino personnel. Don't leave the table at once. You should wait until you are sure you have the exact number of chips you need.

6. Always have company

As much as possible, you shouldn't leave the casino by yourself. Having someone with you ensures your safety. If you have to depart from the casino late at night and walk over to the parking lot, you should ask a security guard to escort you. You never know who you run into on your way to your car.

When you know someone from the crowd, someone can track your whereabouts while on the playing floor. You might not be joined at the hip all the time. You can meet up after you are finished playing. As long as you have someone by your side at the end of the day, then you can be safe.

7. Take advantage of free daily lessons

Some casinos offer lessons to beginners who wish to hustle at the table. If you have prior knowledge of the game, you can spend time at the table to build your confidence. If not then you should get to the casino early to get a free chance of learning the rules as well as the ins and outs of the game. Ask the questions you have in mind to find out as much as you can about the game

But, you should remember that not all dealers are the same. Some croupiers do not entertain questions. Others are rude especially when they know the player is riding for free. If you experience this, you should leave the casino at once and look for a different place that orients beginners and welcomes newcomers. Of course, you should keep in mind that you should avoid peak hours to have a one-on-one chance with the dealer.


These are the basics of casino etiquette. As a first-timer, you should observe them avoid feeling out of place of getting thrown out of the playing floor. Also, these help you feel confident about yourself and build your playing skills.

Casino for Beginners: Dress Code

Casinos are places of leisure. They have no specific dress code unless there's a party or an announcement before their opening. You can wear what you wish as long as it is acceptable to society.

Since a few casinos are near luxury hotels Philippines, it best to wear appropriate clothing. Some events require formal wear while regular days require casual attire. Philippines casino may need both, so be ready before going into one.

If you have nothing to wear, below are some tips to enhance your casino experience.

1. Know what smart casual means and stick to it.

Typical days in the casino don't require cocktail dresses and sharply tailored suits. Instead, you must dress how you usually do when going to a nice bar or restaurant. Most of these clothes are comfortable and easy to manage.

Smart casual is key to dressing on a casual day at the casino. A casino is a place for leisure. Don't overthink of what others say about what you wear as they are busy having fun.

2. Dress according to the theme.

Some casinos hold themed celebrations. Avoid sticking out in the crowd by wearing sandals or clothes with several holes. Most of all, don't be out of place by choosing an inappropriate article of clothing.

If there's a theme or strict dress code, follow the rules. The casino is not the place to try something unconventional. With a lot of buzz and excitement around, you may feel uncomfortable with showing too much skin or ill-fitting clothes.

3. Keep it simple.

The rule is to keep the outfit clean and simple. Avoid patterns, prints, and designs that may distract others. Try not to wear anything that may get caught in machines or other people's way.

4. Stick with solid colors.

Solid colors camouflage the surroundings. These colors don't distract players and other people in the room. This is an essential rule for ladies who plan to dress up in an event in the casino.

5. Keep it simple and sharp.

Men look attractive and handsome when in a charcoal or navy suit. The look is best with a white dress shirt. It's a casual and classic attire for refined casino players.

If you plan to wear such outfit, you must undo the top two buttons only. Let half quarter inch of the shirt's sleeve showing from the suit. Add a pocket square and allow it to peek. Complete the look with some brown or black dress shoes.

6. Wear comfortables shoes.

The excitement from the games can make you jump while the games lead you to walk back and forth the area. Thus, it's a must to wear comfortable footwear. Closed, flat shoes are your best bet when in the playing field. The pair protects your feet from low temperatures and other players running and walking in the area.

7. Avoid sportswear and scruffy, torn clothes.

The poker room is the only room where you can wear sportswear. However, there is no place in the casino that allows scruffy and torn articles of clothing. Wear something appropriate whenever in the casino to avoid problems or any commotion.

8. Show a limited amount of skin.

Unless there's a party or you are spending a night in Vegas, limit the skin you plan to show. Don't combine crop tops with plunging necklines or backless tops, and high slits. Wear or bring a coat to add style and maintain your elegance if you wish to wear these.

9. Limit the stuff you bring.

No need to bring a huge bag to fill with cash. Only carry the essentials. Lugging a lot of stuff keeps you from enjoying the games you play.

10. Bring the cash, don't wear them.

Place the money in your wallet. Don't flash them around. Jewelry is great for self-expression and fashion, but large gems and heavy chains can distract you and other people playing the game. 

Looking good makes you feel good. It also makes you enjoy your time at the casino. Don't overthink what you are to wear when going to play in Philippines luxury casino. Focus on the fun instead of how you will look.

10 Best Casino Games To Try at Local Casino

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Gambling is fun and exciting. Unfortunately, it's designed to strap you from your money. You may have a dose of beginner's luck, but it's nothing but a fantasy to keep you from hitting several rounds at the table. Celebrate your wins with a shot of drinks and you'll end up with nothing by the time you get out of your funk.

Before you get to that state, aim for some clean fun. Check several Metro Manila casinos and find which offers the best service and amenities. As a player, you must be in your best behavior and state of mind if you want to get bag some wins.

Try your luck at these games the next time you go to a Philippines casino.

1. Baccarat

The game involves the banker. The rule of the game is to draw cards and get a total that is closest to nine. Aces serve as one, tens are zero, and 2 up to 9 play as their actual value.

There are two hands dealt - Banker and Player; and three choices to wager: the Player's side, the Banker's hand, and Tie. The player's hand isn't related to you or any player while the banker isn't the casino or house. You must select which hand wins or all three occurrences.

If the Player's and Banker's hands are the same, it's a tie. Neither bet wins or loses.

2. Blackjack

Blackjack provides the best odds of winning. You play against the dealer and not other skilled players. All you have to do is have a number that beats the dealer's number without surpassing 21.

During a less busy time, the dealer can walk you through the game. A practice during an afternoon in the casino can make you comfortable with the game. Practice with friends and other people familiar with the game to understand the ins and outs. Though it's relatively easy to play, it is also easy to lose money from rash decisions.

3. Casino Poker

Players bet their money on the table, but the house (casino) gets a part of the winnings no matter who wins. The casino staff relaxes around the table as players police or "check" each other. They look for "tells" or read people and their actions it's a strategy to know what's on the hand of opponents.

A wad of cash to bet ante up the game and skill for a poker face will give you success on poker than other games on the floor.

4. Craps

If there's somewhere lively, full of hooting and hollering, the crowd is in for the excitement of the dice game. Craps is a dice game. All you must to do is bet on the roll of your dice on the appropriate box.

Craps is the second best when considering odds. It gives a 50-50 chance of taking some winnings home. However, don't get caught in the party at the table. The clapping and energy can be exciting and contagious. You may end up betting more to extend your stay at the table.

5. Pai Gow

Pai Gow is poker game against the dealer. It uses a 53-deck card where each player has seven cards in their hand. Each player makes two poker hands out of the cards - a five-card hand and a two-card hand. If a player loses one hand but wins with the other, it is a push and gets his or her bet returned.

Pai Gow players cannot arrange their two-card hand to have a higher chance of winning. They can't make it a better hand than their five card hand. Any player who arranges their cards automatically loses as it is a foul.

Pai Gow also allows players to be the baker if they have enough bankroll to cover bets. The banker has to arrange their cards the "house way."

6. Roulette

Playing the roulette is simple. It also pays well. To play, bet your chosen numbers or favorite digits. The dealer spins the wheel. If your number comes out, you win.

There's a 50-50 chance of winning when you bet on Reds or Blacks. If it landed on Red when you chose Red, it doubles your bet. It may seem easy, but there are an extra green 0 and 00 positions on the wheel.

7. Slots

The more money you bet, the higher the chance of winning. Placing the max amount in a penny machine gives better odds than putting the minimum, say two cents.

Progressive slots with multi-million dollar jackpots, such as Megabucks and Wheel of Fortune, will make you lose more money than betting at cards a table. Casinos take from those machines are higher as the slots rarely pay out.

8. Texas Hold'em

Texas Hold’em deals two personal cards and five community cards turned up on the board. You must make the best five-hand card using the seven cards you have.

Players do not put up any money to start the hand. The deal rotates around the table eventually making each player the big blind, small blind, and dealer.

9. Video Poker

Video poker is customizable as it enables game-play choices. It provides the player control over the outcome of the hands you play. Some games have standard "table" poker hands. You can hold or discard any of or all of the cards. If your hand matches any of the qualifying poker hands, you win the corresponding prize.

Different game variations exist to choose from, but it operates on the same standard. Pay attention to the type of machine you play and how to use it to guarantee a win. Video poker has the smallest house edges in casino, but it can give you the edge you need for big-ticket games.

10. Keno

A numbers game, Keno is fast-paced lottery-draw style game. Choose the numbers called spots you want to play per draw. You can select ten from 10 to 80 on each card. Select how much you want to wager and decide how many consecutive draws you want to play.


Gambling is fun, but it's not a reason to waste hard-earned money. Always be responsible for your actions. Be aware of what it costs you. Spending time in a casino to try games is fine as long as you practice caution and set boundaries on spending.

Gambling Errors: The Four Worst Bankroll Mistakes You Can Do

“Gambling can be just as addictive as drugs and alcohol. Teens and their parents need to know that they are not just gambling with money, they are gambling with their lives.” –Jennifer McCausland

Gambling on its own is already considered a risk. After all, you do not just part with a reasonable amount of money and expect the odds to be always in your favor. A degree of chance is always at stake whenever you are playing any sort of betting game because no matter how lucky you might think you are; winning every single game is an impossibility. For some, it is precisely this probability that entices them to keep playing while the rest relish the idea of testing their luck. However, as anyone who has gambled for any period would know, mistakes whether big or small can be detrimental to your gambling experience—regardless of what motivates you to play.

Although controlling the odds or where certain cards would fall is beyond your control, it is best to learn how to be aware of what these mistakes are and avoid them in order to have a more lucrative gambling experience. So, before heading to one of the major casinos in Manila, it is best to have your playing technique in check and avoid the gambling mistakes listed below:

1.)    Gambling without a budget 

Only a very few people can walk into a casino and bet without care or thought of whatever happens to their money. These people have more than enough money to spare, and if you do not fall into this category and are constantly betting impetuously, you might want to rethink your choices. We all have limits, and it is perfectly fine to have them. Our gambling budget and constraints largely depend on how much we earn and how much we can spend for us to have a good time. However, take note that apart from those two factors, you do need to consider your obligations in coming up with a gambling budget. After all, if you have more bills to pay than money to burn in a casino, you probably should not even be there, to begin with.

2.)    Gambling with borrowed money 

If you had to borrow money just so you can gamble, you should not be gambling in the first place as it means you could not even afford to do so. Betting with borrowed money would only bury you deeper in the obligation hole. Similarly, people who routinely use their credit cards to bet can be incredibly irresponsible. As people do not see any cash changing hands, they tend to fall into the misguided manner of playing more recklessly or impulsively than usual. Should this be the case, you would only be effectively digging yourself deeper and deeper into debt. This is even worse if you are playing with borrowed money from a relative or a friend --which, consequently, is a cardinal sign of gambling addiction. In this case, you should probably go and seek professional help.

3.)    Betting with money set aside for another purpose 

Much like how you should never bet with borrowed money, you should not gamble with money for a specific purpose either. Money set aside for another purpose such as payment for the rent, bills, groceries and the like should never be used as betting money. Not only would it be considered as an incredibly bad mistake, but it is a bad investment as well and can point to signs of gambling addiction. Should you lack money to spare, then it might be best for you to walk away. Remember, the bills are not going to pay themselves and food is not going to magically materialize on the table.

4.)    Chasing your losses 

Losing can be incredibly frustrating. But losing even more in an attempt to recover what you have lost is even more infuriating. If you are spending more money gambling just so you can regain the money you have lost over a period of bad beats, do not. The logic does not make the remotest sense as there is always a likely chance you would not win. If this is the kind of gambling behavior you operate on, you might want to steer clear from gambling for a while.   

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Epic Night Outs: Six Steps to Prepare for a Night Out

“You might call it girls night, I call it therapy.”-Author Unknown 

Ever wondered what might happen during your nocturnal exploits with your friends? Wonder if you had prepared enough and dressed accordingly? Well, considering that Metro Manila is aptly named as the city that never sleeps, you would not be hard-pressed in finding a club, bar or hangout that sits perfectly well with your preferences. After all, with almost every nook and cranny having a unique hangout of its own, it would be rather east to find a place to rendezvous with colleague and friends in order to settle down for the night. But, just how prepared are you? Well, if you have been planning a night out with your friends, nightlife in Manila presents you with a myriad of opportunities and here is how you can adequately prepare for them:

1.)    Dress the part 

Depending on which club or hangout you go, patrons are generally free to dress as casually or formally as they wish. However, do take note that some clubs impose a strict dress code—particularly for the men who would be required to wear closed shoes and collared shirts. In this regard, it would be important to dress the part and don clothes that would not only make you feel confident but the sexiest as well. Remember, your outfit is the first thing people would see, so make sure what they see is worth their while.

2.)    Wear your favorite underwear 

Although these items are generally not exposed, but wearing your favorite lingerie can give you an extra boost of confidence. After all, whatever makes you feel sexy would also make you exude sex appeal as a result. Furthermore, you will be granted the peace of mind that you are wearing at least something sexy should you ever get lucky on that particular night.

3.)    Leave your issues at home for the night 

More often than not when we are afflicted with problems either at work or in school, we tend to see night outs as an avenue for releasing some stress. In some cases, we may drown our problems with alcohol, but if you had intended the night to be a fun one, leave your issues at home and enjoy. Do not rain on everyone’s parade by acting all surly or rehashing your problems to anyone who would care to listen. Let the night liberate you from your problems, insecurities and any difficult challenges you might be facing.

4.)    Be positive 

Do not stress out and worry too much of what might happen and just let the good times flow. Put on your megawatt smile, and just have a positive attitude and you would notice how people would naturally gravitate towards you and your kind nature.

5.)    Relax 

Again, do not stress too much and just let loose. If you think that the worst thing is going to happen, then chances are you are going to look like hell as well. You might be wary of having your advances rebuffed or rejected, but this is not the end of the world. Should you fail at your attempts in trying to talk to someone, chalk it up to experience and start all over again. You are bound to find someone who is receptive to talking eventually.

6.)    Believe in yourself 

It might sound like a cheesy greeting from a Hallmark card, but it bears stressing that you need to believe in yourself. Know that you are a great person inside and out. If your plans on talking to a girl or guy do not go according to plan, do not let that bring you down. After all, you cannot please everyone all the time. Just be yourself, and you will effectively be the sexiest version of yourself that you can be. Disregard what anyone else is thinking about you and just go and have fun.

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Dining Decorum 101: Five Proper Manners for Eating at All-You-Can-Eat Buffets

“The food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.”-Ann Wigmore

Locals in the Philippines love to eat; there is no doubt about that. For this reason, restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat banquets would always have marketability for avid Filipino patrons. Back then, this dining option used to be reserved for special occasions such as birthdays, reunions and get-togethers. However today, with a wide array of all-you-can-eat restaurants offering competitive prices to diners, eating buffet style has never been easier or more affordable. But just because these restaurants offer an avenue for eating more for less, it does not mean that basic conduct and decorum should not be afforded as well.

These buffets may be known to be cathedrals of overindulgence and excess, but a semblance of propriety is required of its diners and patrons—regardless of whether you are eating at an affordable eat-all-you-can joint or at the best buffet in Manila. After all, eating at a buffet might be considered a free-for-all but your manners should be intact in that regard. Here are some of the basic manners one can reasonably expect from others and themselves when dining at all-you-can-eat banquets:

   Do not cut in line

You might be thinking that since the queue in getting your share for that roasted pork is about a mile long, you would never be able to have your share. Well, first things first, relax and remember patience is a virtue. Take note, you are eating at an eat-all-you-can buffet so there is a likely chance that anything that is consumed would be soon refilled. Furthermore, you would not want to encounter a scuffle in the queue—just because you could not wait your turn.

Do not hog food items

 Do remember that people are waiting for their turn to take food as well. So, unless the food item is literally the last piece on the serving tray, be courteous and leave some for those behind you in line. Do not monopolize the food and take a reasonable amount of serving. Although the buffet is likely to refill the tray once it is consumed, you would look not only rude but greedy if you took every last piece on the tray.

 Do not stack everything on one plate

 Buffet restaurants have an arsenal of different plates for a good reason: So that you do not play food Jenga. You do not need to see how high you can stack food on your plate when there is a collection of various plates at your disposal. Furthermore, a food tower does not make the possessor look any good—fact is you would look like a glutton. While it can be easily overwhelming to be surrounded with so much food, remember that this is not a race and you can always go back for more.

 Do not use your hands when serving yourself a dish

 Specifically provided utensils are there for a reason: So that you would use them in serving yourself a dish. In no case should you ever use your hands—even if the dish you are putting into your plate is known as a finger food. Using specific utensils prevents food items from mixing together and prevents you from contaminating the food with your hands. Be considerate of others and use the serving utensils.

      Do not eat in line

 The food may look delectable sitting on your plate and you might get hungry, but this is no excuse for you to just eat while you are waiting in line. Eating while you are waiting in line is not only unseemly to look at, but is rather uncouth and it is in bad taste. In fact, there is no reasonable purpose for you to eat while you are in line, so avoid it at all costs. Even in a buffet, it is never considered as acceptable behavior—wait until you are seated to eat your food lest you want to appear like an unrefined individual.

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Buffet Hacks 101: Four Foods You Should Never Eat at a Buffet

“It is easier to stay out of restaurants that offer all-you-can-eat-buffets than to get out of one.”-Felicity Luckey 

Without a doubt, Filipinos love their food--and what do Filipinos love more than food? Well, more food and various kinds of it for one. The Filipino’s love affair is very much evident and apparent from the array of diverse all-you-can-eat offers restaurants that have cropped up in almost every nook and cranny in the Philippines’ metropolis, Metro Manila. Indeed, Filipinos have a unique flair and penchant for piling liberal amounts of food onto their plates in many of these cathedrals of excess.

However, while indulging, your appetite may seem like a luxurious and feasible way to enjoy your weekend, there might be some food staples offered in the buffet that you want to steer clear of.  True enough, buffets were made with guilty pleasures in mind, but this does not necessarily mean you should mindlessly gorge on food—particularly if the food in question is listed as one of the worst foods you can ever eat at a buffet. Regardless of whether you are eating in the best buffet in Manila or not, here are some foods you would much rather skip than eat:

1.)    Fettuccine Alfredo 

Let us be real, when you are standing in line waiting for your turn to pile food on your plate at a buffet, healthy food would be the last thing on your mind. After all, it seems to be counterintuitive to be thinking about your health while you are in an all-you-can-eat buffet. However, you should not neglect to eat healthy entirely and at least choose food that is not bad for your well-being and waistline as well. Fettuccine Alfredo is largely cream-based considering it is made with a combination of ingredients such as butter, sour cream, mayonnaise and cream cheese—all of which are incredibly fatty. If you wish to eat pasta, choose the red sauce instead.

2.)    Fried rice 

It is no question that anything fried would be incredibly unhealthy—especially when they are eaten in large quantities. In this regard, it would be wise for you to avoid piling anything that is fried on your plate. However, this may not be so realistic as you would almost always find a fried staple that is almost too tempting to resist. To compromise, at least steer clear from the food that is already loaded with carbs and happens to be fried as well such as fried rice and noodles.

3.)    Salad dressing 

You might think that just because you are choosing salad over pasta, you are already making a healthy food choice. While that may be true, your deliberate effort in making a healthy food decision will all be for naught if you lather your salad with copious amounts of dressing and sauces. Salad dressing may look innocent enough, but unfortunately, that is not the case. Dressing and sauces are high in fat content and pouring a generous amount of that onto your salad can actually sneak up on you. Instead, take it easy on the dressing and ensure that the ratio of your salad and sauces remains balanced.

4.)    Tuna 

Tuna might be considered healthy and nutritious even making it a good choice in the buffet. Unfortunately, for all it is worth, tuna is also the top buffet contaminant—most especially if it is served raw. Fish should always be kept in cold temperatures the moment it comes out of the water to the moment it hits the pan. Of all the kinds of fish out there, tuna is the most susceptible to scombrotoxin, a component that can potentially cause cramps and headaches. Apart from that, tuna is that one likely food to spoil in buffet table if it is not stored and kept at appropriate temperatures.

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