When we think about the casino dress code, there is often something of a gulf between the image in our heads and the reality of the clothing that’s actually being worn around the gaming tables.
The picture of James Bond in a sleek black tuxedo, or Marilyn Monroe in a slinky cocktail dress and
diamonds are the famous examples that spring to mind when asked about casino dress codes, yet you’ll often find people at the gaming tables in Vegas wearing a t-shirt, cutoff jeans and sneakers.
So, what are the rules around casino dressing and how has the history of the casino shaped what we expect people to wear whilst they’re gaming? We’re going to take a look.
Where The Casino Dress Code Began
Betting games have been around for millennia, with examples of dice-rolling games from as far back as more than 2000 years BC. However, it wasn’t until the middle of the 17th century that casinos were invented. The Casino di Venezia (which you can still visit today) was the first official casino in the world and was opened in 1638.
It took a century or so for casinos to reach popularity, but by the 18th century, people from the higher classes were enjoying many of the same games that we enjoy today. People from lower classes would still enjoy dice and card games, but these would generally be played at the local drinking house, or at people’s own homes.
This is where the casino dress code began, as a way to determine whether someone was of the right social status to be allowed to play in the casino. If you could afford to dress smartly, then you were deemed worthy of entry to the casino.
In a strange kind of way, some of the luxury casinos that exist today employ this sort of thinking. If you want to play at an opulent casino, then you need to wear black tie.
However, the modern-day casino landscape has been transformed entirely these days. At venues, such as your friend’s home or online high roller casinos, the emphasis is on comfort & personal choice in the way you dress. In such environments, you are free to immerse yourself in the excitement of high-stakes gaming, as no adherence to traditional casino dress codes are required.
Yet, note that this doesn’t undermine the exclusivity of such spaces. After all, high-roller casinos, also known as VIP or whales’ casinos, serve those specific groups of gamblers who can wager large amounts of money and win big in return.
That is to say, the modern-day casino landscape retains the element of high stakes playing, yet, adjusts the needs and preferences of gamblers, including the need to dress comfortably, to facilitate more convenience. This way, they can enjoy the higher betting limits without compromising on comfort.
In other words, you can play in whatever you feel comfortable in. The choice is entirely yours. Las Vegas in the 19th and 20th Century Whilst the explosion in casino popularity undoubtedly began with the European aristocracy, by the time it spread to the United States, it was becoming popular with people from all walks of life. Las Vegas quickly became a hub for casino lovers and by the middle of the 19th century, people were visiting this location specifically to play in its famous casinos.
The Golden Gate Casino was the first to open all the way back in 1905, but after gambling was banned it was forced to close its doors until 1931. It was around this time that several other casinos popped open, cementing Las Vegas’ reputation as the gambling destination it is still known as today.
The movement of casino culture to the United States prompted a change in the dress codes that were typically expected of patrons. The era of Hollywood was very much upon us, and patrons were generally required to wear black tie, or even white tie attire.
There are countless photos from the 1950s and 1960s that show the great entertainers of the day wearing smartly tailored tuxedos, and jewel-encrusted cocktail dresses. For many, this was the
pinnacle of casino glamour.
The Big Relax of the 90s
If you take a look back through any kind of specific fashion history, it’s clear that the 1970s through to the 1990s was a time when fashion became much more relaxed. This holds true for the casino dress code too. It still wasn’t uncommon to see cocktail dresses and smart suits in the grander casinos, but it was now becoming much more commonplace to see punters in more casual dress.
People began to wear casual clothing, including short-sleeved shirts and jeans for men, and plainer dresses for women. It wasn’t unusual to see sneakers, a Hawaiian shirt, or a crop top at the casino, leading to some iconic 90s fashion moments. However, some of the grander casinos sought to change all of this.
The Explosion of the 21st Century
Whilst there will always be a place for casual dress in casinos, so too will there be a place for glamour. The casinos of the 21st century largely encourage dressing however you feel most comfortable.
With that said, if you’re planning on visiting a casino and aren’t sure what to wear, it’s best to err on the formal side. For men, it’s a good idea to take a dinner jacket, smart trousers, and a shirt, with the addition of a tie if you’d like.
Women should opt for smart/casual dress, making sure they bring something that can cover their shoulders, and avoid open-toed shoes. Dressed like this, you’ll be able to visit the vast majority of casinos. However, if you know you’ll be visiting a particularly prestigious casino, such as the Casino de Monte Carlo, then you should check out the dress code beforehand, to avoid being disappointed.
