There’s nothing wrong with playing live dealer casino games in your pajamas, but what about when you visit a traditional casino? While there’s a lot of emphasis on the dos and don’ts of classy casino wear for women, most men have bought into the James Bond fallacy that it’s enough to don a stylish tux. But nothing could be further from the truth.
If you’re new to the gambling world, you may still be trying to wrap your head around what passes (and what doesn’t) when it comes to appropriate casino outfits. The last thing you want is to dress as though you’re heading to the Oscars, only to find everyone else sporting more casual casino outfits. That said, visiting a casino in something too casual can be just as humiliating.
So, as a man, what do you wear to a casino? We’re about to kit you out with all the knowledge you need to make a grand entrance the next time you’re keen to dance with Lady Luck in person.
Understanding Casino Dress Code Rules
While there are definite “yays” and “nays” when it comes to good outfits for men, every casino’s dress code rules will differ. That’s why it’s a good idea to visit the casino’s website to get a clear understanding of what’s expected before you dress up and head out. After all, there may be strict rules at some casinos and easy-to-follow dress code guidelines at others. However, if a casino’s website states that it has no dress code, don’t get excited and reach for your distressed jeans and trainers just yet.
Even without a dress code, there are general rules you should follow no matter which casino you’re visiting. Here are five simple things to keep in mind when you’re deciding what to wear.
1. Avoid Flip-flops, Crocs and Sandals
As a rule of thumb, if the bouncer or security staff can see your toes, you’ll probably be denied entry. Also, remember you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking and standing while you’re on the casino floor, so try to wear shoes that are comfortable as well as respectable.
2. Ditch the Streetwear
Even though you can wear smart casual attire to most casinos, trainers and sneakers don’t count as smart casual. Athleisure may be trendy and comfortable, but it’s not the right outfit for earning the respect of your gambling peers.
3. Don’t Wear Torn, Worn-out or Dirty Clothing
So, since you’ve been following a few fashion influencers for inspiration, you’ll probably know that cut-out shirts remain a big menswear fashion trend for 2023. Unfortunately, they probably won’t pass in a casino. Of course, in the world of fashion, the lines between punk and classic are always a bit fuzzy. If your favorite cut-out top goes well with the smart casual outfit you’ve put together for your casino visit, just check with the establishment ahead of time to see if it’s allowed.
4. Let Your Dress Code Match the Time, Activity and Location
What you wear in a Florida casino may seem inappropriate in a New Jersey casino, so think about where you are when selecting your casino outfit.
The time of day that you’ll be visiting the casino will also affect your decision. For example, what you’d wear for a daytime casino visit to play slots won’t necessarily be the ideal outfit for an evening spent playing table games in the VIP suite.
5. Be Yourself and Be Comfortable
Formal casino attire doesn’t mean you have to drown in a stiff suit. It’s not a uniform. You can still express your individuality and be comfortable while dressing respectably.
Match Elegant Clothing With Proper Etiquette
Do you know what looks amazing with the perfect casino fit? Perfect etiquette. The following etiquette guidelines will help you look and act like a gentleman.
- Even though you may be accustomed to using your phone anytime and anywhere, be sure to put it away during your casino visit or while you play table games.
- Treat yourself to a revitalizing shower ahead of your visit, followed by a spritz of cologne. It doesn’t matter how good you look if your scent doesn’t complement your fashion efforts.
- Don’t touch any cards on the table unless you are told to, especially not face-up cards. Don’t touch any of the chips you have in play either.
- Although Vegas is known for good times, playing table games while intoxicated is frowned upon.
- Always be polite. Don’t criticize your opponents’ strategy or playing style.
- Tip your dealers – they deserve it. Waitstaff, keno runners and slots attendants can be tipped too. Tipping may not be compulsory, but it’s what separates a true gentleman from a well-dressed penny pincher.
- Don’t sit at a table if you’re not betting.
- Don’t ask your dealer for gambling advice; this could cost them their job.
- Never accuse another player of cheating. Even if it is the case, calling someone out in front of the whole casino will be seen as tacky and tactless. Instead, if you ever suspect someone isn’t playing by the rules, approach a member of security on the floor and discretely communicate your concerns to him or her.
Casino Dress Codes
Most casinos will notify prospective attendees of their dress codes by using specific casino jargon on their websites – which isn’t helpful to anyone new to the gambling or fashion game!
Can’t work out the difference between white-tie and semi-formal? We break down these terms below and provide some up-to-date fashion advice for optimizing your outfit choice.
White-tie
White-tie casino attire is reserved for the most special occasions. It’s the most formal dress code and is usually worn at private casino events. In such a case, you’ll need to go all out with a black dress coat with matching trousers, a white waistcoat and a coordinating bow tie. Don’t forget black leather shoes, a stiff-front white shirt, cufflinks and studs. White gloves are usually optional.
White-tie Fashion Trends
Strong and stiff shirt collars for men are a big fashion trend for 2023. This style is easy to incorporate into your white-tie outfit. If you’re someone who likes to stand out, opt for a velvet blazer. The shiny and luscious fabric oozes glamor and sophistication.
Black-tie
A black-tie dress code is recommended for casino evenings. Even at the most exclusive casino table games you won’t look too casual in this classic formal look. To break down the term, black-tie casino attire consists of a black dinner jacket with matching trousers and an optional waistcoat with a formal white shirt under it. Black dress socks and shoes are essential.
Black-tie Fashion Trends
Recent years have given boring gray suits the revamp they deserve. For a modern look, feel free to be creative with your suit’s tailoring and color. Opt for a breezy shirt jacket instead of a blazer and swap out the stiff fabric for light cotton or linen. Your tried-and-true, well-tailored suit is still fashionable, but why not step outside of your comfort zone? Follow the trends inspired by some of the biggest high-fashion menswear designers and try a baggy retro cut.
Semi-formal or Business-casual
While some might consider black-tie clothing as the only respectable casino attire, we disagree. We believe an elevated business-casual casino outfit can turn heads for all the right reasons, especially when you’re visiting a casino during the day. Plus, transitioning your casual daily look to semi-formal or business casual is simple.
For a laid-back semi-formal look, pair a shirt or a plain, round-neck T-shirt with a smart jacket or blazer. For a slightly more formal look, put together a business casual outfit. Wear a pair of slacks, khakis or chinos with a dress shirt and a sports coat or blazer. Shoes can be stylish loafers and a slim tie is optional.
With semi-formal and business casual attire, it’s wise to check ahead to make sure it’s acceptable for the casino you’ll be visiting. Worst-case scenario, you’ll be denied entry and you may have to play online slots at your favorite online casino instead!
Semi-formal and Business Casual Fashion Trends
Varsity jackets were a central feature of the autumn/winter 2022 fashion shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris – and they’re still a favorite in 2023. The most stylish jackets featured bold vintage styles and colors with fun badges and appliqués. For a more casual look, swap your blazer for a vintage varsity jacket. Pick a jacket with leather sleeves and wear it with a button-down shirt for a more sophisticated look.
Embrace the retro vibe of the jacket and pair it with penny shoes. If you’d like to add a little bit of flash to your style, a thick chain is a surprisingly on-trend accessory. This will personalize your outfit and make you stand out from your fellow bettors.
Ditch the Dress Codes and Play Casino Games With Borgata Online
Casino dress codes are not simply about compliance. They maintain the elegance and esteem of your favorite betting venues. With our fashion trends and tips, it’s easy to make a dress code a reflection of your own personal style. But if you prefer to bet in your sweatpants, come to Borgata Online to play our wide selection of exciting online casino games, including jackpot slots, casino table games, card games and more. Our dress code is no dress code and we mean it! So why not leave the makeover for another day and bet online instead? Register with Borgata Online to check out what our premium gaming and sports betting platform has to offer.