Coin Cups on Handles or Seats:
Usually when you see a coin cup on a machines handle or on the seat in front of the machine it means that the machine is being played by another player. They could have run to the bathroom or gone to get change. In casinos that use all coinless machines the player may place a personal object such as a jacket on the chair to hold it. You should respect this and look for another machine. If you are the one holding the machine then you should do what you have to do and get back to the machine as quickly as possible. In some casinos if you need to take a bathroom break you can ask a slot attendant to stand by your machine while go. If you do have an attendant watch your machine it is customary to tip them for doing so.
Playing Multiple Machines:
Some players like to play several machines at a time. For some reason they feel a need to be playing as quickly as possible. During crowded times you refrain from playing more than one machine and allow other player the opportunity to play. Some casinos have a sign stating "One Machine per player during busy times." This should be respected and if you happen to be playing two machines you should relinquish one if another player asks. Think about how you would feel if the situation was reversed and you were looking for a machine to play. A similar situation occurs when a player has a companion who is not playing sitting at the machine next to the one they are playing. Sometimes the companion will not get up or will just put a token coin in from time to time to justify sitting there. Players can socialize later; the machines should be free for the players who want to play.
Player’s Cards Left in Machine:
Sometimes a player will forget their card when they leave the machine. You will find it as you insert your card. It is customary to just place the other player’s card on top of the machine. Many times a player will realize that they have forgotten their card and go back to the last machine they were playing. If you place it on top they can quickly find it and it will save them time having to stand in line for a new card.
Smoking:
Smoking is a controversial subject and I will refrain from social commentary. However if you are a smoker and in a casino that allows smoking then when ever possible you should position your cigarette or ash tray in a manner so your smoke is not annoying another player at an adjacent machine.
Tipping:
Tipping is a personal decision that is usually determined by the service you receive. When you have a jackpot that requires a hand pay by the attendant it is customary to tip them when they bring you your money. Again this is based on the service received. If the jackpot was paid quickly than a tip is in order. Usually the ½ to one percent of the jack pot is considered fair so you might give five or ten dollars on a thousand dollar jackpot. This is not mandatory. Many times I have received $1,000 hand pay and I am given nine hundred dollar bills and five twenty dollar bills. The attendant is usually hoping I will just give them one of the twenties. I carry a few five and ten dollar bills with me to cover this type of situation.
I hope you find these slot etiquette tips helpful. They are pretty basic and all you really need to remember is the Golden Rule. "Do unto others as you would have done to you."
Have Fun![/b