Casino Etiquette: Is Gambling Gentlemanly, Ever?
Life is but a gamble, but should flipism guide your ramble? A short read on whether a fleeting flutter is a gallant pastime becoming of a modern gentleman.
Gambling can be great fun, the rush of excitement as one places a bet. Perhaps there's some psychological phenomenon attached to it, but we really do believe we could win any bet despite knowing the astronomical odds.
Some readers may have gathered by now that one overarching approach of the Man For Today Journal is to create content that's informative, well-written, and thorough - technically and diligently. I'm going to kick that approach to the side briefly and discuss something in another light - is gambling ever gentlemanly?
I ask this not wanting to point fingers at anybody or conversely pretend that it's just harmless fun. Instead, I'll offer my terse thoughts on this issue with a smattering of casino and gambling etiquette tips at the end, naturally.
In short, I think gambling is one of those activities that looks and seems more glamorous than it truly ever is. I love the idea of going full black tie and putting it all on red, but here I can only suggest one single piece of golden advice that all gentlemen should heed whenever they make any gambling bet:
Don’t bet what you are not willing to lose.
But no risk, no reward, right?
Gambling cannot be equivocated to the inherent risk of life generally or that in, say, business or real estate. That's why risk management exists because we do have some control over putting the odds in our favour. The only so-called control you have in the casino, if any, is stacking the odds by legitimate means (betting on all outcomes) or illegitimate means (cheating). The former dilutes the pay-off. If you had the money to buy 14,000,000 lottery tickets, why would you need to play at all? The latter is off-limits.
If I lose my money then so what, it's nobody else's money is it?
This is true, but that's only ever true for now. The gallant gentleman always considers the consequences on others his actions may have.
“The safe way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it on your pocket.”
Gambling & Casino Etiquette Top Tips
If you're in a relationship, don't hide any gambling activity. Be transparent about any wins or losses.
Never bet more than you are willing to lose.
Stay off your phone in casinos lest you draw suspicious looks and get thrown out.
Don't ask the dealer for tips or advice.
Know the exact game you are playing and how the rules work.
Cards dealt face-down are touched with one hand only.
Cards dealt face-up are never touched with the hands.
Alcohol doesn’t make you a shrewder gambler, it just makes you think you are. Be wary of false confidence and hope.
