Whether you are an experienced player or a newbie, as a guest at a casino, you’re expected to dress a certain way. Now, not every casino has a specific dress code, more and more land-based gambling establishments are requiring that guests wear certain casino clothes. As some gambling establishments feature dark wood-panelled cathedrals with marble stones and huge halls, others look like some roadside stores with only a couple of aisles of slot machines, so in that way, the casino outfits will very much vary.
If you see a casino scene in a gambling-themed movie, you’ll notice everyone is perfectly dressed in designer tuxedos and expensive dresses. But, we’re all aware of the fact that it is not what you will see when you enter some random real casino combined with a hotel or a restaurant. Casino dress codes are totally different nowadays and have become more relaxed over the past decades.
With all that in mind, we’ll go through casino outfits and explain the process of preparing and dressing for the gaming floor, just in case you ever wonder what to wear in Vegas.
History of Casino Dress Codes
The modern casino dress code is an old habit dating back to centuries ago. Even nowadays, chances are you will find certain brick-and-mortar high-class casinos that you won’t be able to enter unless you adhere to their strict rules of dressing.
Throughout history, in order to maintain a common casino environment for clients, regardless of their social class, a common dress code had to be respected and maintained, as well as adhered to by each individual.
Back in the 60s, the casino games were generally connected to the rich class, so players were supposed to show their riches through their attire. Clienteles were limited to wearing a more formal dress code that obliged them to wear black ties.
What to Wear to a Casino?
Whether you are gambling in Las Vegas or any any of the popular gambling capitals, you should know that each casino has its own dress code. Still, it is always a good idea to visit the websites of the casinos you are interested in, and figure out the rules and the atmosphere prior to going to these places. Also, depending on what you plan is and what kind of games you want to play – sitting at slot machines or playing table games against other people – different casino outfits may apply.
Especially if you already know which casinos you’re going to visit, take a good look at their guidelines and they will help you choose the appropriate casino attire. That way, you’ll know what to wear to the casino so that you’re not turned away at the entrance. Here’s an example of what you can wear:
- A pair of khaki pants or some nice blue jeans
- A pair of loafers
- A conservative button-down shirt
Truth be told, the majority of present-day casinos are just casual places. In other words, if you’re staying on the general casino floor, in most cases, their staff won’t even care how you’re dressed as long as you are not trying to enter the casino’s VIP section, since special sections of the casino require a certain kind of clothing.
It’s perfectly okay to dress for comfort, but in case you’re going out and you plan to be out much past 6, perhaps you should dress up a bit. If you’re a boy - choose a button-down instead of your t-shirt and, if you’re a girl, slip a sweater over your shoulders to go with your cocktail dress. Also, adding nicer shoes is always a good choice.
You can keep it casual, but be aware that being dressed properly for the occasion is part of good casino manners, as we've shown in our casino etiquette guide.
What Not to Wear to a Casino?
Although the majority of land-based casinos don’t normally exclude gamblers if they’re not dressed to the highest degree, these places certainly discourage super-casual dressing. As most places may require you to be more formal, these are some tips in general that will save you from making any major mistakes when it comes to wearing appropriate casino attire.
- Don’t wear dirty or torn clothing
- Avoid wearing flip flops
- If it’s late afternoon, or evening, don’t wear shorts or sweatshirts
- If you’re looking for some high-dollar casinos, or willing to access VIP lounges, definitely avoid casual clothing
- Do not appear in overly revealing clothing, clothes with offensive images or slogans, or anything that can be used to cover your appearance
Of course, depending on what your plan is and what kind of casinos you want to visit, different dress codes may apply.
In case you don’t feel like dressing up, you can always look for online casinos and play from the comfort of your home.
Casino Attire Guide: Western Dress Codes Required by Casinos
Just like every gambler should be familiar with casino terminology, they may as well get acquainted with what kind of dress codes are required by casinos. According to the descriptions of appropriate attire on the casino websites, we’ve prepared a list of clothing items that you may want to bring along if you’re planning on visiting a casino.
Luckily, different casino games don't require particular attire, you just need to make sure you're following a few simple rules.
Casual
With casual dress today there is no direction, no predefined set of rules about what you should or should not wear. By definition casual means - relaxed, informal, spontaneous, comfortable - suited for everyday use. For men, it is always a good choice to wear a casual button-down shirt and jeans. Women have more options, as long as their shirts are not low cut or too revealing. It’s a perfect opportunity to show off your style - pick cute separates like a skirt, put on a short-sleeve shirt, and add some nice jewellery or scarves (even hats!) to match with some unique shoes.
Business Casual
Business Casual attire can imply different things in different companies, depending on the cultures, cities, and even industries. If you are not sure what to wear, it's better to stumble on the side of dressing too formally, than too casually. It’s always a good option to go with a sweater, a shirt, a belt, some dark shoes, dark socks and khakis. An appropriate business casual outfit for a woman would comprise a skirt or dress pants, blouse, sweater, stylish trouser suit, and jacket with closed-toe shoes.
Business Formal
Business formal clothing is probably the highest level of professional attire. To be more specific, a business formal look requires a suit, while a business professional looks with work-appropriate clothing items. Clothing needs to be ironed, straight, neat, to make a professional, “business formal” impression.
Semi-formal
Semi-formal attire is clothing that is classier than what you'd normally wear to an office, but not as elegant as a formal evening gown or tuxedo. This type of attire is somewhere between casual and formal, so perhaps you better clarify what is meant specifically if you aren't 100% sure.
Black Tie Optional
Black tie-optional by definition means one should wear a tuxedo or dinner jacket where black tie is requested. However, guests have the option to wear a dark business suit in case they choose to do so. These kinds of events usually take place in the evening, just as standard Black-tie events do. Women, on the other hand, might want to choose a long flowing chiffon dress or stunningly printed tea length cocktail dress.
Black Tie
Known as the semi-formal Western dress code, Black Tie originates from the UK and the US conventions for attire, from the 19th century. The dress code is meant for men to wear tuxedos and for women to wear floor-length gowns. More precisely, for men, Black Tie dress code may require several things like – a black bow tie, a white dress shirt, a waistcoat, a cummerbund, a tuxedo jacket and patent leather shoes. As for women, Black Tie cocktail dresses – long dresses or skirts – usually remain the safest options, alongside jewels with plenty of sparkles. The dress does not need to be black and mustn’t be too short.
White Tie
White Tie is usually required for major prize ceremonies including dinners or noble events. For women, a White Tie dress code can mean only one thing – a long, floor-length evening dress, sometimes it may require long white gloves and small purses, and sophisticated jewellery. For men, however, the White Tie dress code means they are expected to wear a white shirt with wing necklines, shirt buttons and cufflinks. At certain times, this may even require gloves, white or grey, plus a white vest with a white bow tie. Of course, black leather shoes are a must.
Differences Between Day and Night Outfits in a Casino
Daytime casinos usually have more casual dress code in comparison with the expected night outfits. If you are planning on visiting a casino during the day, wearing a casual outfit like jeans or trousers with a sports t-shirt is doable. Once the sun sets, you’d be expected not to wear shorts or t-shirts, so just choose a button-down or collared shirt instead.
If you want to get into a nightclub, the dress code may be different than at the casino, so do make sure to check in advance what the atmosphere is like just to avoid waiting in a long line only to be rejected on your way in. Of course, the more classier a casino is, the nicer you’ll need to dress.
How to Dress When You Gamble: Quick and Dirty Tips
We know you would want to be perfectly dressed for the occasion and atmosphere, so try to imagine how you would dress if you wanted to go to a fancy restaurant, a nice bar or to an art gallery. As we mentioned earlier, avoid casual attire and sportswear and a super casual attire! These are a few suggestions you can take into account!
Casino wear for ladies:
- An elegant dress, with a cardigan and fancy shoes
- Khakis with a button-down shirt and some high heels
- If you wanna go the extra mile, you can dress in a long gown with heels.
- A dress top with a flowy skirt and court shoes
Just make sure that the dress is not too revealing. Keep it simple and classy and remember that less is more.
Men's casino attire:
- Blazer and a tie for the late hours
- A pair of khakis, a button-down shirt and dark shoes
- Plain T-shirt, cardigan leather jacket, jeans and sneakers
- A tux – in case you are going to a very classy place
Casino Dress Codes - Notable Examples
When it comes to famous casino destinations, at the Venetian Macao you can find luxury hotels and endless entertainment – with casinos included. If you’re planning on trying your luck there, have one thing in mind – do not wear shorts! Stick to a shirt, khakis, and a pair of loafers.
Being the casino with the strictest rules when it comes to casino wearing, Casino Monte Carlo requires clients to be dressed appropriately. So, if you are on your way there, avoid shorts of flip-flops and wear something semi-formal like a good dress, button-downs, or similar outfits.
Although the Bank Nightclub at The Bellagio doesn’t require specified casino clothing, you should still avoid wearing flip-flops, athletics clothes and sweatpants. Just choose something you feel comfortable in, formal or semi-formal.
If you want to enter the venue at Glasgow Riverboat Casino, be aware of the casino dress code and wear something that is not too casual. No ripped jeans or shirts, just glam up a bit and put on some nice shoes.
What to Wear in Vegas?
Going to a Vegas casino at night could be a good excuse to dress up, put on some cool casino outfits and have a great time with your friends. While most casinos in Vegas do not have a formal dress code, the more expensive casinos and nightclubs will require a specific outfit especially during the late evening hours. Just put on a collared shirt, khakis or fine jeans if you are a guy, and some nice blouse if you are a girl. As long as you avoid shorts, flip flops, ripped clothing and sports t-shirts, you’ll be good to go.
FAQ on What to Wear to Casino
Now let us give you the straightforward answers to the following questions you might be wondering about:
What is the casino dress code?
Even though there are some casinos that don’t require a specific dress code, more and more gambling venues are expecting their guests to wear certain items of clothing.
What do you wear to a casino night?
Most brick and mortar casinos expect men to wear a tie and a blazer, and women to appear in an elegant evening dress. However, for dressy-casual casinos, it is perfectly OK to be a little less formal.
Can you wear jeans in the casino?
Pressed jeans are fine casino wear, as long as they are worn with the proper top. But, at casinos where dress codes are strict, no jeans and no sneakers will be accepted.
Can you wear sandals in a casino?
Flip-flops will almost never be appropriate for any casino, except the gaming bars and beachfront casinos. Sandals can be acceptable, unless you are going to a very classy and luxurious casino.
What should I wear at night in Vegas?
If you’re wondering what to wear in Las Vegas - you are not the only one. In certain places, Las Vegas casino dress code means clients are dressed to the nines, as at Vegas nightclubs men are encouraged to wear suits and avoid athletic wear.
Can you wear sneakers in Vegas clubs?
A rule of thumb for men is to avoid wearing baseball caps, tennis shoes, shorts, flip flops and athletic attire, especially if you are in doubt, but most Vegas clubs state their casino night attire is “upscale casual.”
Can you bring a bag into the casino?
Although there are no restrictions about carrying a backpack into a casino, their security may ask you to open it so that they can check what’s inside.
Can you wear ripped jeans to a casino?
The chances are you will get in even though you’re wearing ripped jeans, but there’s also a chance you may not.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re going to spend a lot of money, you can probably wear almost any clothing item and appear in any casino outfit without the blink of an eye. However, there are still certain gambling places that will require you to abide by the casino dress code. Depending on what your plan is, and what kind of casinos you want to visit, different dress codes may apply.
Now that we went through the process of preparing for and dressing for the gaming floor, you should be all set. And, while you are getting dolled up for the gambling night of your life, play our podcast on Spotify to learn more about slots, and how they work - you never know when you'll need the knowledge!
