Being dressed in a way a casino demands is a must if you want to enter the venue. But it’s also a part of the experience and a player should enjoy it rather than dread it. If you are closer to the latter, maybe you should stick to online casinos and wear whatever suits you.
Most of us have this picture of everyone dressed in very glamorous attire, like in the movies about Las Vegas casinos. However, not every casino has these high standards about what its patrons have to wear.
So, before you go to the casino of your choice, you will definitely check what clothes you are expected to wear. More often than not, casinos will only inform you about the name of the dress code and it’s up to you to know what those names mean. This, you can find out in the next lines.
White and Black Tie dress code
White Tie is, to put it simply, what you would wear to meet the Queen of England. It’s a dress code that includes tiaras and white gloves for the ladies. These should be matched with long gowns and elegant shoes with or without high heels. Some fine jewelry, other than the mentioned tiara, is a must too.
As for men, when they are dressed in accordance with the white tie code, also known as Full Evening Dress, a white bow tie is absolutely necessary, on top of a white waistcoat, bibbed tux shirts, black suit where the jacket has tails and black shoes.
If after this description all you can think of is a ball at Downton Abbey, you are not far from the truth. There is barely any casino that would demand this dress code on a regular basis, as this type of style is expected for special events like award shows and state dinners.
A little less formal and a little more often is Black Tie. If there you are attending a formal casino night, chances are this will be the dress code you are expected to apply.
Women in Black Tie attire should wear an evening dress of course, but in this case, it doesn’t have to be a full-length one. They can also opt for a skirt, and, since modern times have finally arrived at formal events as well, ladies can even choose trousers.
For men, choices are similar to White Tie, but as you probably guessed, their bow tie should be, well, black. Another thing that is different is the waistcoat or cummerbund, as they are optional. What you can’t do is wear both of them.
Business Formals and Business Casuals
When a woman is dressed in business formals, she is wearing a formal skirt with stockings or elegant pants, of course, blouses, blazers, or jackets accompanied with some simple jewelry. Shoes are formal, with or without high heels.
Men in business formal wear are likely to have a dark suit with a lighter color shirt. The tie part here is optional, but the shoes have to be leather and elegant of course.
If you think this sounds like something you would wear to work in an office, you are right. That is why the word business is in the name of this dress code. This is probably the most common dress code a casino requires. So, when in doubt, like you can’t find the official information about the dress code of the casino you are headed to, wear business formal.
Business Casuals on the other hand is a more relaxed version of the above. For women, it means dresses or skirts, or of course pants. They should just make sure nothing is too revealing. Men can wear sports coats with pants. A shirt is great but even polo is okay.
This is also a great dress code to go for, when in doubt. Especially if you are spending a day in a casino, rather than a night. As a great quote about gambling says, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” And as trivial as it might seem, being dressed properly and comfortably is a part of that preparation.
Smart Casuals
The last dress code on our list is one that’s easy to explain when you list all the things that don’t fall into its category. When you are wearing smart casuals, you are dressed in a relaxed type of clothing but still with many limitations. No matter the gender, don’t wear flip-flops or ripped jeans, no yoga pants, no trainers.
To sum up, for this dress code, choose comfortable clothes that aren’t too revealing, that have no unwanted holes, and that are, of course, clean. And you will be good to go to most of the casinos, especially the ones that have more daily visitors.
Wrapping it up
Casinos are famous for having dress codes. But you can still choose a casino that has the one most suitable for you. As we have already said, being comfortable in your own skin and satisfied with your appearance is considered a part of the preparation, and preparation could help you win.
So, if you feel business attire will make you feel nervous or uncomfortable, try looking for a casino that allows smart casual. Or just play online, that’s always a good option. Especially if you are the happiest in your pajamas.
