While online casino gaming can be incredibly exciting, there are times when you might crave the tangible experience of a land-based casino. But while PJs, onesies, tracksuits, or even birthday suits are completely acceptable forms of attire at home, the casino dress code tends to be much stricter in brick-and-mortar establishments.
To help you navigate your wardrobe and dress for the casino appropriately, we’ve put together this handy guide that details what to wear and what not to wear to your local gambling joint.
Clothing That’s a No-Go
As we’ve already established, most casinos have a certain standard of attire they expect their patrons to abide by. That said, what you would wear during the day may differ considerably compared to what you would wear at night. Regardless, some overly casual items of clothing like what we’ve listed below should always be avoided:
Ripped jeans
Dirty or ripped clothes
Mini skirts/overly revealing clothes
Combat boots
Sneakers
Slippers
Flip-flops/beachwear
Styles to Consider
You might dress a bit more upmarket at a land-based casino compared to gambling at home. But you don’t need to rock up in an elegant ballgown or come suited and booted like 007, as the movies would have us believe. There is a time and a place for that, and it certainly isn’t at a downtown slot machine parlor on a Wednesday afternoon.
Nevertheless, most casinos will have readily available information on what they deem an acceptable dress code during the night and day – either displayed at the venue’s entrance or on their website so patrons can prepare themselves beforehand.
Black Tie
Opting for a black-tie outfit is the ideal choice when attending an event hosted at or by the casino. For men, this entails a white button-down dress shirt, a black bow tie, and a waistcoat paired with a jacket. While black is the safest color for the jacket, other bold options like navy blue or burgundy are acceptable. The ensemble should be completed with black leather shoes. Women, on the other hand, would be best suited to a long evening dress accompanied by high heels.
For casino nights or events, adhering to a black-tie dress code is a sensible choice, particularly for parties or fundraisers known for their luxury and elegance. Another variation is the black-tie optional dress code, which is less formal than standard black-tie events and is more popular in Europe than in the US.
In this scenario, women can opt for a medium-length cocktail dress in rich or neutral colors like black, white, burgundy, red, or navy blue paired with high heels. Men, while not obliged to wear a waistcoat or bow tie, can opt for a smart shirt and tie without the jacket.
White Tie
How should individuals dress when the casino’s code calls for white-tie attire? White tie is the definition of sophistication when it comes to formal wear. It’s worth noting that not many occasions mandate such a stringent requirement. However, if you find yourself in a situation that requires you to come in white tie, here are some options for you.
For women attending such an event, a floor-length evening gown is mandatory. Accessorize with elegant jewelry, a small bag, white gloves, a tiara, or fur wraps.
Men, on the other hand, should don a white tux shirt with a bib front and a well-fitted black dress coat with tails. This should be complemented by a white vest and white bow tie, along with shirt studs and cufflinks. Opting for black patent leather shoes, such as Oxfords or Derbys, completes the ensemble.
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal dress codes are typical for many casinos during the daytime. Unlike the above two dress codes, you also have a much broader and flexible range of options to choose from.
As opposed to a formal tuxedo, men should wear a wool or cashmere suit with a smart pair of trousers. Jeans, cargo pants, and similar bottoms are not appropriate, nor are casual tops like t-shirts, polos, or tank tops. Collared or button-down shirts, which you can choose to wear with a tie, are also acceptable.
For women, cocktail dresses are the norm for semi-formal wear. Alternatively, an elegant skirt paired with a stylish top or other sophisticated accessories is acceptable. Color schemes are something you should also take into account and aim to align with the time of day you plan to go. You should favor lighter tones for daytime events and darker hues for evenings. For footwear, pair outfits with heels or a smart pair of comfortable flats.
Casual Wear
There may be occasions where you don’t need to think twice about what to wear to a casino. Of course, strolling in wearing a mankini might raise a few eyebrows and prompt management to ask you to leave. But, if the dress code is casual, men can pretty much bank on getting in wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Women can also dress down in jeans, skirts, shirts, khakis, sundresses, and even t-shirts or a basic blouse.
While almost anything goes when a casino dress code states ‘casual’, it’s always best to check the casino website ahead of your visit to make sure there are no items of clothing that are strictly prohibited. The last thing you want is to get there and then be turned away.
Casino Wear: Tips for Men
Men generally have an easier time planning their wardrobe compared to women. It’s always a safe bet to wear a smart suit whenever visiting a casino. If the dress code is semi-formal or casual, a jacket over a shirt complete with a pair of dark jeans, Eden boots, or polished leather shoes should more than suffice.
Except for renowned high-end casinos with strict regulations, modern-day venues typically expect patrons to maintain a neat appearance with suitable clothing when visiting their establishments.
If a specific casino dress code applies, you should adhere to it if you don’t want to be refused entry.
Casino Wear: Tips for Women
For women looking to indulge in their favorite casino games, finding a balance between comfort and elegance is best. Again, if you’re not sure what the dress code is before you visit the casino, it’s always worth reading up on this beforehand to make sure you can prepare your wardrobe accordingly.
What if a casino has no specific dress code? Our advice is to opt for a smart pair of pants or dark jeans paired with a nice blouse or a button-down shirt. For a casual outing, this is always a good choice of attire. If you’re planning to visit the casino during the cold season, be sure to bring a sweater or a light jacket.
Even if the dress code is casual for a casino, it’s advisable to steer clear of sneakers. Instead, opt for more formal footwear, such as a nice pair of boots or flats.
What to Wear to a Vegas Casino?
Las Vegas stands out as the world’s hottest gambling destination. But surprisingly, the dress code is quite lax – even for the most prestigious venues. Nevertheless, visitors should use their common sense when it comes to their wardrobe choices. While casual wear is perfectly fine in most cases, the venue is not going to be happy if you dress inappropriately. Don’t appear in clothes that are dirty, revealing, or have offensive wording or images printed onto them.
As a general guideline for Vegas, it’s advisable to adopt a slightly more formal attire than you would for a casual night out in town. If you want to immerse yourself in the real glitz and glamor of the Vegas experience, we recommend opting for a smart/casual style that is trendy yet tasteful. You might not turn heads like you would if you were sporting a tux or grand ballgown. But at least you’ll be comfortable and guaranteed entry. And this is what matters the most!
