Las Vegas casinos operate under some of the strictest gaming regulations in the country, and security teams are trained to spot behaviors that violate house rules or state gaming laws. Many first time visitors are surprised by how quickly certain actions can lead to intervention or removal, especially at tables with high financial stakes. From improper handling of chips to taking photos in restricted areas, each mistake has clear reasons behind it, grounded in fraud prevention, game protection, and guest safety. Knowing these rules helps travelers enjoy Vegas without drawing unwanted attention from surveillance or floor staff.
Touching Your Bet After the Deal
Casino surveillance teams closely monitor chip movements because altering a bet after cards are dealt is considered a form of cheating under Nevada gaming law. Even if the mistake is accidental, dealers must call over a supervisor, and guests who repeatedly reach for chips at the wrong time may be asked to leave the table to prevent game interference.
Taking Photos at the Table
Most Vegas casinos prohibit photography at gaming tables to protect player privacy and prevent any possibility of recording cards or dealer procedures. Security teams enforce this rule strictly, and guests who keep pulling out their phone during play may be escorted away, especially in high limit rooms where privacy expectations are higher.
Giving Advice to Other Players
Interfering with another player’s decisions can disrupt the pace of the game and violate house etiquette. Dealers are instructed to stop the game if someone repeatedly gives unsolicited coaching, especially at blackjack tables where strategy influences outcomes. Persistent interference can lead to removal for disturbing gameplay.
Acting Intoxicated
Nevada casinos can lose their license if they allow visibly intoxicated guests to continue gambling. Staff are trained to identify signs such as slurred speech, imbalance, or aggressive behavior. When a guest appears impaired, security may remove them from the floor to comply with state regulations and prevent disputes over wagers.
Using Your Phone During a Hand
Phones are banned from active hands because they can be used to communicate odds, transmit information, or stall gameplay. Dealers immediately halt action if a player picks up their phone once cards or dice are in motion. Repeated violations often result in players being asked to step away from the table.
Trying to Count Cards Obviously
Card counting itself is not illegal, but casinos have the right to remove anyone they believe is gaining an unfair advantage. Surveillance teams look for betting pattern changes or players who consult strategy cards excessively. Even moderate suspicion can lead to being backed off from blackjack or removed from the property.
Touching the Cards Incorrectly
At many blackjack tables that use hand dealt games, players must hold cards with one hand and keep them in full view. Bending, hiding, or lifting cards too high violates procedure. Dealers report these actions immediately because they resemble methods used to mark cards, which is grounds for removal.
Harassing Dealers or Staff
Casinos treat staff safety seriously, and verbal aggression, insults, or persistent complaints can trigger intervention. Gaming floors have zero tolerance policies for abusive behavior toward employees, and security will escort guests out if they disrupt the work environment or threaten staff.
Trying to Sneak Drinks or Outside Alcohol
Nevada liquor rules require casinos to control what alcohol is consumed on the gaming floor. Bringing in outside drinks circumvents those regulations and can lead to confiscation or removal. Casinos must comply with licensing laws and are required to stop service or eject guests who violate them.
Sitting at Reserved or High Limit Tables Without Minimum Buy In
High limit sections enforce strict minimums that are monitored by pit bosses. Sitting down without meeting the buy in, lingering at a table, or touching chips without committing to play can disrupt the game. Security may escort guests elsewhere if they repeatedly occupy seats without wagering.
Using Fake IDs or Incorrect Player Information
Casinos verify identification for jackpots, loyalty rewards, and age checks. Presenting inaccurate documents or mismatched details triggers fraud protocols. Gaming regulators require mandatory reporting of any suspicious identity activity, and guests may be ejected or banned from the property.
Trying to Hide a Companion at the Table
Only active players are allowed within designated table areas. Attempting to squeeze in a partner, lean over gameplay, or stand in restricted zones interferes with dealer procedures and surveillance lines. Staff often issue one warning before asking non players to leave the immediate gaming area.
Refusing to Follow Dealer or Security Instructions
Nevada gaming rules give dealers and floor managers full authority to maintain the integrity of the game. Ignoring instructions such as stopping bets, removing hands from the table, or turning off a phone can be interpreted as intentional disruption. Once a guest refuses to comply, removal becomes mandatory for game protection.
