You could mistakenly believe that you can act any way you want while seated at a slot machine in a crowded casino. It’s not like you stand to irritate anyone around. After all, you’re the only one feeding money into the machine.

Wrong.

The rules of casino behavior don’t just apply to conventional table games, and you must be aware of it at the slots to benefit both you and other players.

There is no shortage of people who show up at casinos and act as though they are property owners. Immediately put everyone nearby on their backs as you do this.

Nothing about slot etiquette will ruin your fun; it isn’t rocket science either. They are asking for basic decency, which isn’t too much to expect of anyone in a casino.

With that in mind, here is a quick rundown of six unwritten guidelines for proper slot etiquette in a casino setting:

Avoid Taking Long Breaks

Yes, you have every right to take a quick break from a lengthy gambling session. In most casinos, leaning your stool against a machine lets other patrons know it’s busy, but you just need to use the restroom or get a drink.

Not an issue; however, if you overdo it with these breaks, others who are waiting their turn will get angry. For instance, it’s a big no-no to leave your computer “reserved” while you go to the restaurant or spend an hour at the bar.

Let someone else take their turn unless you intend to return in the next 10 minutes. You have no right to complain if someone climbs on the slot and pushes you to the back of the line beyond the 15-minute mark.

You can moan and complain all you want, but it’s unlikely that anyone (staff included) will side with you in this case.

Generally, avoid hogging machines

Similarly, it’s polite to be considerate of others who are awaiting their turn in line. It’s true that you go there first and that there are no restrictions on how long you can stay in any particular position. But there is such a thing as hoarding slot machines, and that is never a good idea.

How many people are interested in playing a machine determines how long you can politely remain on it. It’s generally advisable to avoid sitting there all night if it’s clear that several neighbors are keeping an eye on you to see when you leave—giving people an opportunity to participate in more important than simply fleeing out of pure intimidation.

Generally speaking, you’ve probably spent too much time on the machine if you sense others are growing impatient with how much time you spend on it.

Don’t inhale down other people’s throats.

On the other hand, everyone in the casino is free to occupy any available slot for as long as they like. No regulation says they can’t, so if they unfairly hog your favorite game for hours on end, that’s their problem.

Unfortunately, this motivates some people to unconsciously (or not) employ annoyance and intimidation strategies to get rid of slot hogs. They keep an eye on them from close range, giving them the best possible frown while breathing down their necks, tutting, sighing, and doing other things.

If there is a surefire way to switch positions and be the jackass when there is a significant slot hog, this is it. They may be hogging your game, but it doesn’t imply they’re breaking the rules, and it certainly doesn’t give you license to behave badly.

Make Sure to Tip

Think again if you believed that playing only casino slots exempted you from leaving tips. When you visit a casino, you should budget for recommendations of a respectable denomination regardless of the games you play.

Be sure to tip your waitress when they bring you a complimentary drink or retrieve your order from the bar. If you dine or drink anywhere for an extended amount of time, be sure to tip the staff. In addition, if you are fortunate enough to win large that evening, make sure to spread the wealth and give something back to everyone kind to you.

It makes sense that the dealers at the more traditional casino tables typically get most of the tips. However, it’s important to remember that everyone working in the casino puts in just as much effort and is just as entitled to information or two.

Avoid giving advice.

You’ll find an infinite supply of know-it-alls in a casino, and nobody likes them. People who direct you, criticize your actions or want to state emphatically that they (think) are smarter than you.

You don’t want to be around someone like this when playing slots at a casino. Don’t offer counsel if you weren’t asked to.

It’s a formula for disaster because what would happen if the person you’re imparting your wisdom to lost? They hold you accountable and will always view you as someone to stay away from and disregard.

Respect other players, please.

Last but not least, most casino slot etiquette advice revolves around showing consideration for other players. When emotions take the place of reason, it’s shockingly simple for things to go pear-shaped quickly.

As with any other casino game, all customs regulations are in effect. Don’t blame the machine or charge the house with cheating if you start to lose a lot of money. Also, don’t lose your temper, curse, or become an emotional wreck just because you made a lot of poor choices.

In the opposite situation, keeping your composure after being lucky is wise. While most of those in your immediate vicinity could be suffering severe losses, you might have made out very well. Smugness has no place at the slots, and neither does flaunt it in the faces of those less fortunate than you.