If you have ever watched a James Bond movie, you have probably noticed that a floor of a casino looks like a fashion show. While it is true that some casinos require such strict dress codes, fortunately not all of them do.
When visiting a casino, it is prudent to find out what the dress code is in advance. You can save yourself some embarrassment and possibly a wasted trip if you arrive improperly dressed. For instance, if you try to enter a casino in Singapore in your Bermuda shorts and a t-shirt, you will be denied entry, since they insist on business casual. In that case, the only gambling you will do is on Scr888.
Here are some dress codes that casinos around the world require of their patrons.
Contents
White Tie
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This is the absolute top of the formal wear. It is a remnant of 19th century full evening dress and it is very rarely used today, even in Monte Carlo. Rare occasions when the white tie is required usually involve royal celebrations or other heads of state gathering. White tie for women amounts to a floor-length dress. For men, on the other hand, it is a black dress coat with tails, with matching trousers with a satin strip. Shirt must be white with stiff front and wing collars, with studs and cuff links. Then there is a white vest and of course, a white bow tie. Footwear is black shoes and black socks. White tie attire is topped with white or gray gloves.
Black Tie
Source: pinterest
One step below white tie is a black tie. In the old days, it was used for dinner, when it was inconceivable for posh people not to change before eating an evening meal. In order to relax, they used to wear tuxedos. Imagine what formal was if a tuxedo was a relaxed version. Black tie can’t be worn before 6 PM, as a rule. Again, rules of black tie are much stricter for men than they are for women. Ladies can wear pretty much everything they want, from cocktail dresses to ball gowns. Men must wear a black tie, white dress, waistcoat or a cummerbund, black or midnight blue dinner jacket and black Oxford shoes. If you are visiting European casinos, you should pack black tie attire, as chances you will need it. In the United States, if a casino is organizing a formal event, a black tie will be required.
Black Tie Optional
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This is a fairly modern notion of formal wear for events like weddings or receptions. The basic rule is that you should wear a black tie, but if you don’t have a tux or can’t rent one, you should dress as formal as you can. That doesn’t mean that there are no rules. For women, it is pretty much the same as back tie, so they get to wear whatever they want. Men should choose a dark suit, preferably black, a white shirt and a solid-color tie, but nothing too colorful. The color of the shoes will depend on the color of the suit, but they must be made of leather. The idea is that, even if you don’t wear a tux, you shouldn’t stand out like a sore thumb. Hence a dark suit and a white shirt.
Semiformal
Source: Semiformal
Unlike white and black tie attires, semiformal doesn’t depend on the time of the day. That means it can be used for the events that are held during the day or even before noon. For women, semiformal means a little black dress, a short cocktail dress, or even a long skirt with a matching top. For men, it is a dark business suit with a matching suit (so-called three-piece suit), a dress shirt and a tie. This is perhaps the most appropriate attire for visiting a casino.
Business Formal
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The next step is Business Formal. The easiest way to describe it is the clothes you wear to work. In essence, there is no difference between business formal and semiformal. That means it is an excellent choice for a casino. You may eventually leave out the tie if the place is not that elegant.
Business Casual
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This is probably the most used attire in the world. Business casual is dominating the men’s fashion in the last decade or so and for a reason. One reason for its popularity is that the tie is optional and many people don’t like wearing them, so they opt for business casual dressing. The top layer is either a sports coat or a blazer. Pants can be either slacks or khakis. As far as the shirt is concerned, everything foes, from dress shirts to polos. While the tie is optional, there are some events that require you to wear it, so make sure to check. Atlantic City casinos are infamous for their “tie required” policy.
Casual
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Finally, we have a casual style. It is important to note that casual doesn’t mean flip flops. Despite its name, there are rules and you should follow them unless you want to be left at the door of a casino. For men, the most popular combinations include khakis or jeans (not ripped ones, mind you), polo or a plain t-shirt or a button-down shirt, and loafers or sneakers. Sandals are not recommendable.
Conclusion
Most of the casinos around the globe are happy to let you in wearing casual dress unless there is some formal event going on. That being said, always try to dress comfortably for a casino and dress in layers. Even in a hot climate, casinos tend to be on the colder side, so having a jacket that you can put on or take off as needed can mean a world of difference.
If you are one of the high-rollers spending millions a night on the floor, you could probably walk up to a blackjack table wearing shorts and flip-flops. The casino management will probably turn a blind eye. But the rest of us have to adhere to the dress code set by the casino if we want to get in and play. Following our dress guide will ensure that every casino in the world will gladly admit you and your money.
