When it comes to venue dress codes, few are more complex than land-based casinos. Some casinos have completely different dress codes depending upon the time of day, while others have extremely high standards at all times, and that’s just the casinos in the US, never mind casinos elsewhere in the world.
Still, though it may be tricky to decode casino dress codes, it doesn’t have to be so complicated as, here, we’ll be going through all the rules you may be faced with and suitable styles you can try regardless of what casino you visit.
Why Do People Still Visit Land-Based Casinos?
Now, before we get into what to wear to a casino, we should probably make it clear that yes, people do still go to these entertainment venues. However, there’s no denying that the introduction of internet-based gambling has had an impact on casinos around the world.
As early as the late 1990s, online casinos began to pop up all over the web, offering thousands of slots, table games and even sportsbooks that can be accessed from the comfort of our own homes. According to Statista, the global online gambling market was worth $45.8 billion in 2017 and will double to $94.4 billion by 2024 if iGaming platforms continue to be successful – which they almost certainly will.
There are so many online casinos and sportsbooks now that big names such as bgo, Casumo, and Sky Vegas can often be found on comparison sites such as Oddschecker, offering incredible deals that land-based casinos simply cannot compete with. Really, it’s quite a surprise that land-based casinos still remain as popular as they do today. So, why do people still visit land-based casinos when they can access any game they like online?
Well, for the experience! Online casinos are undoubtedly fun, packed full of games and convenient, but there’s something about physically entering a casino that some people still love. The bright lights, the atmosphere, the music; it all comes together to create a seriously fun experience.
Since you’re reading this article, we can only assume that you totally understand what we mean, so let’s get right into how you can dress for success next time you plan to hit the casino floor.
Basic Common Fashion Sense: How To Dress For The Casino
Since land-based casinos tend to have different dress codes, the very first thing you need to do in order to put an outfit together is look up the casino you’re visiting’s dress code. Usually, if a venue is particularly precious about what their patrons wear, that information will be on their website but, if not, don’t be reluctant to call and get the information you need.
More often than not, the rules will be pretty simple to adhere to. For instance, they may require men to wear a tie or for women to dress smartly, while others will be happy as long as you don’t wear flip flops and a baseball cap. Don’t worry though, as we’re going to go a little more in-depth on what you can wear to ensure you’re neither overdressed nor underdressed for you casino venture.
Consider The Time Of Day or Night
While the basics of a dress code will be available from the casino, do bear in mind that many casinos tend to become more formal as the day progresses, so what may be appropriate in a morning is unlikely to be suitable for the evening.
After exploring some of the biggest land-based casinos and their dress codes, we found that, for morning and mid-afternoon visitors, appropriately casual is fine. This pretty much means you can usually enter a casino in your everyday attire, as long as that’s not a vest, beachwear, a tracksuit or anything else that usually isn’t permitted in other establishments either.
From 2 pm onwards, this tends to change, with many casinos preferring their customers to wear smarter outfits and smart-casual is a must from 7 pm onwards. Throughout the afternoon and into the evening, consider your outfit as though you were visiting a nice restaurant or a bar, and dress appropriately.
Think About Your Footwear
From flip-flops to trainers, there are quite a lot of footwear options that are ruled out entirely when it comes to casinos. Since finding the perfect shoes is likely to be the trickiest part of your outfit, we recommend starting there.
For women, heels are an obvious choice but not everyone is a fan, so ballet pumps are often also acceptable. If you do opt for heels, we cannot stress enough that you wear a comfortable pair as it’s likely you’ll be on your feet for quite a lot of the time. Also, remember that casinos are often carpeted, so stiletto heels may not a great idea as they tend to catch on, well, everything. Instead, try out a chunkier heel, as these are not only less likely to catch but are often more comfortable.
As for men’s shoes, there are plenty of options out there that aren’t sandals or sneakers. Loafers, derby shoes, Chelsea boots, boat shoes, brogues; you name a fancy shoe and you can probably wear it to the casino.
Fancy & Fun From The Feet Up
With all that in mind, it’s time to select an outfit. For men, this is pretty simple: anything from a cool shirt and slacks to a full 007 moment is appropriate regardless of what time of day. Of course, if you want more information on what that entails, there are plenty of resources such as The Art of Manliness that’ll help you out.
Women may have a harder time picking an outfit, but classic and contemporary styles are always a winner. A lovely cocktail dress, a smart pantsuit, a skirt and blouse: they’re all more than appropriate, so have a rifle through your closet and you’re sure to find a killer outfit to go with the shoes you’ve chosen.
Yes, casino dress codes can be tricky, but they’re there to ensure that the establishment remains a classy joint. Once you’ve ensured you’re not breaking the rules, you can let your own special style shine through.
