The 7 Types of Gamblers You’ll Encounter at the Casino

Some of the best people-watching in the world can be done at casinos. It doesn’t matter where or when you visit a casino, you’re bound to run into several people that will stick with you throughout your entire gambling career.

For those of you reading this who have never graced a casino, prepare yourself for the wide range of personality types you’ll encounter. Most people are just like you and me, regular folks who are just trying to do some gambling.

On the other side of normal, here are the seven types of people you’ll encounter on your trip to the casino.

1 ‒ The Beginner

If you’ve never been to a casino before, then you might find yourself in this category. New gamblers are among the more common personality types in casinos, especially in the popular gambling cities around the country. Beginners typically play games they’re unfamiliar with or might have a limited base of knowledge.

The beginners will make textbook mistakes, regardless of the game, and can easily be overwhelmed with the spectacles and distractions surrounding a casino. They are typically timid and afraid to rub people the wrong way, which makes them appear uncomfortable.

Some beginners are too stubborn to ask for help, while others lean on the dealer for information about the rules of each game. New gamblers will either walk out of the casino flush with cash or completely broke; there seems to be no in between. Some older gamblers might treat these new gamblers with disdain because they slow down the pace of play. But for the most part, new gamblers are well received, especially if they admit their naivete and ask for help.

2 ‒ The Bankroll Buster

This type of gambler is a recent college graduate and has more money than he or she has ever had before. They might be celebrating a big promotion or something of that nature. Whatever it is, they’re at the casino to play fast and loose.

While everyone else at the table is playing by the book and within their means, the bankroll buster wins and loses money at an alarming rate. Some of these gamblers are fine with losing an impressive amount of money, while others fully expect to win on every hand. They will routinely blow through all the money in their wallet before making consecutive trips to the ATM.

The bankroll buster can be a delight to play with or someone who ultimately jeopardizes the experience at a table. If the gambler knows that their style of play is reckless yet continues to make foolish decisions, it can adversely impact the rest of the table.

3 ‒ The Loudmouth

Once again, gambling next to this type of gambler can either be a blessing or a curse. You’ll usually find this type of gambler at the craps table or playing roulette. If you hear some loud commotion across the casino, it’s most likely one of these gamblers celebrating a big win for all to hear. Occasionally, the loudmouth will make their way to the blackjack table or the poker room, where they will be met with mixed reactions.

Most real money poker players and blackjack players prefer an even-tempered approach to the game, rather than a loud, boisterous energy at the table. However, some gamblers, primarily younger gamblers, enjoy the change of pace the loudmouth provides.

If you find yourself screaming after big wins and losses, you may fall into this category. Most gamblers of this nature are extroverts who want to include the entire table in their good time. They are quick to high five everyone after a table win and are often big fans of the drink service.

4 ‒ The Belligerent Bettor

Whereas the previous type of gambler I mentioned is relatively harmless, belligerent gamblers are among the worst types of people in the casinos. These people berate the dealers and fellow players for losses, even though they usually have no one to blame but themselves. They frequently deflect blame and treat dealers with animosity and anger.

Unfortunately, these types of gamblers are incredibly common in casinos, and I’ve come across too many to count in my time gambling. Each one of them is terrible in their own particular way and ruin a table’s chemistry wherever they go. While the dealers are typically the recipient of their constant complaining, several times, this leaks over into critiques of other players.

In blackjack, there’s a set of gamblers who believe that other people’s hands impact their own. So, when the belligerent bettor disagrees with someone else’s plays, they typically let them know in an aggressive manner. This kind of gambler is known to have a few too many drinks, which makes the situation worse.

5 ‒ The Unflappable Flat Bettor

I struggled to label this personality type appropriately and wavered between the flat bettor and seasoned vet. The most consistent bettors will usually bet the same amount every hand, otherwise known as flat betting. The trademark tells of this kind of bettor is their refusal to react to wins and losses, instead of maintaining composure throughout the night.

If you’re new to gambling, make sure to take some pointers from this style of play. Gambling is done best when emotions are left at the front door. By flat betting, these gamblers make sure not to let previous hands affect their decisions in subsequent hands. This tactic is crucial to successful gambling and helps to explain why these gamblers can sit at a table for hours, grinding out wins, and handling any losses like a champ.

6 ‒ The Slot Savant

Slot machines are the most popular type of games at casinos, which is evident in most casinos’ layout. The moment you walk in the door, you’ll come face-to-face with hundreds of machines that line the casino. And, more often than not, you’ll encounter dozens of slot savants.

These folks go to the casino, sometimes driving for hours, to sit in front of machines and pull the lever for hours on end. I personally find slots to be incredibly dull and tedious, but if you enjoy the mindlessness they provide, more power to you.

Slot fiends can usually be found with a player card hanging from a lanyard around their neck and a cup of coffee in their drink holder. They probably won a big jackpot at some point in their career and are just trying to recapture that lightning in a bottle.

7 ‒ The Helpful Dealer

A new gambler’s best friend is a helpful dealer. My first time gambling, I felt like a deer in the headlights while I sheepishly laid down my money at the blackjack table. After a few hands, my dealer looks over to me and asks if it’s my first time gambling, to which I can barely muster a reply.

To my surprise and delight, she shows me the ropes and offers advice whenever I need it. This dealer is typically an older dealer who has seen their fair share of action over the years and appreciates courteous young gamblers who aren’t too cocky to admit they’re clueless.

When they have to take their required break, you’ll miss them. Few things are better than seeing them pop out of the break room and come back to your table to continue dealing cards. Make sure to tip these types of dealers well; you truly don’t know how valuable they are.

Conclusion

You’re going to encounter all kinds of people at casinos, so it’s best to prepare for what you can expect. Despite all the people I’ve discussed on this list, most people at casinos are regular gamblers looking to have a break from the normal monotony of day to day life. But you’re also going to come across some interesting characters.

Not all of them are cause for concern, and some might even help you along the way. Helpful dealers are your key to understanding the rules and intricacies of each game and shouldn’t be undervalued.

At the same time, players like the savvy veterans will provide you with a guide on how to approach gambling. Conversely, players like the belligerent bettors might detract from your experience. If you plan on gambling regularly, there are pretty good odds that you’ll encounter a few of these. If they’re too much to deal with, color up your chips and look for a different table. No one person should ruin your first time at a casino, and make sure not to be that guy.