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What to Wear to a Casino: Dress Codes by Country and Region
When you visit a casino in another country or region, whether in South Korea, Macau or Las Vegas, one of the first questions is what to wear. Many players are unsure what is appropriate and whether they could actually be turned away for wearing the wrong clothes.
Land-based casinos do have rules on what guests may wear, known as a dress code, and if you arrive in clothing that does not meet it, you may be refused entry.
What You Will Learn
- You need to follow the casino’s dress code to be admitted.
- Most casinos admit guests in smart casual clothing, but some, such as long-established casinos in Germany, require men to wear a jacket on the table-game floor.
- Many casinos let you bring a smartphone inside, but you cannot use it while playing.
This article takes about 11 minutes to read.
Contents
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What Is a Dress Code? Standard Attire for Each Level
A dress code is a standard for what to wear, set by venues such as party hosts and upscale restaurants according to the place, the time of day and the occasion. Casinos, long regarded as places for adults to socialize, have dress codes as well.
In this article, we group dress codes into seven levels, from “formal,” the attire worn at weddings and state ceremonies, down to “smart casual,” the level many hotels and restaurants ask for. This grouping is our own; English-language dress codes usually use terms such as white tie, black tie, cocktail attire, business attire and smart casual, and we give the closest equivalent for each level.
Formal (White Tie): The Highest Level
Formal is the highest level of dress code. It corresponds to white tie, or black tie at some evening events.
Think of it as what you wear when you are the center of attention, as the bride or groom at a wedding or as a participant in a state or official ceremony.
- Example for men
During the day, men wear a morning coat: a shirt and vest worn with a coat whose hem curves away from the front toward the back.
In the evening, men wear a tailcoat (white tie). - Example for women
During the day, women wear an afternoon dress with an ankle-length skirt; in the evening, they wear a floor-length evening gown.
Many evening gowns have a low neckline or an open back, like those seen at Hollywood awards ceremonies.
When to wear it
Weddings (the bride and groom and their parents), hosts of parties and ceremonies, and international award ceremonies such as the Nobel Prize ceremony and the Academy Awards
Semi-Formal: One Step Below Formal
Semi-formal is the level just below formal and corresponds to black tie optional or cocktail attire. It is attire one step less formal than that of the main figures at an event, such as what guests invited to a wedding and reception wear.
Because the informal dress code has become the norm, there are few occasions to wear semi-formal attire today.
- Example for men
Men wear a stroller (a black lounge-style jacket with striped trousers) during the day and a tuxedo in the evening. A black suit can be worn at any time of day, and a jacket and trousers with a tie are also acceptable. - Example for women
Women wear a dressy daytime dress during the day and a cocktail dress in the evening.
When to wear it
Guests invited to formal occasions
Informal: The Most Common Formal Wear
Informal is the most common level of formal wear. In English-language dress codes, “informal” means a dark suit, not casual clothing.
When an invitation to a wedding or a similar event asks for informal attire, this is the dress code it means. Be careful not to read it as everyday clothes.
From informal down to smart casual, the same outfit works for both day and evening.
- Example for men
Men wear a black or dark suit. Silver or gray is also fine. - Example for women
Women wear an elegant dress or suit.
When to wear it
Weddings and parties where the invitation asks for informal attire, wedding receptions, class reunions and similar events
Smart Elegant: A Dressed-Up Look
In our grouping, dress codes fall into two broad types, formal wear and casual. Everything down to informal counts as formal wear, and the levels from smart elegant onward are casual dress codes. Smart elegant and casual elegant are not common terms in English.
From smart elegant onward, there are no strict rules, but the kind of clothes worn to a party generally fits.
- Example for men
Men wear a dark suit. - Example for women
Women wear a dressy, eye-catching dress or an elegant suit.
When to wear it
Hotel bars and lounges, dinners at upscale restaurants and similar occasions
Casual Elegant: Slightly More Relaxed
Casual elegant is a little more relaxed than smart elegant, but you will be turned away if your outfit is too casual. If you are unsure, aim for a smart elegant look.
- Example for men
As with smart elegant, men wear a dark suit. - Example for women
An eye-catching dress, or a skirt with an elegant top such as a blouse, is fine.
When to wear it
Relatively casual parties, dinners and similar occasions
Business Attire: The Standard for Business Settings
Business attire is the dress code for events such as company parties and receptions, and it is based on what businesspeople wear. Both men and women wear suits, but choose something slightly dressier than everyday office wear.
- Example for men
Men wear a suit. - Example for women
Women wear a dressy suit.
When to wear it
Corporate receptions, shareholders’ meetings, company functions and similar occasions
Smart Casual: Neat but Relaxed
Smart casual is the least formal of these dress codes and is often required for meals at hotels and restaurants.
Aim for clothes that look neat without seeming stiff. What casinos mean by “smart casual” varies from venue to venue: some, such as casinos in the UK, accept clean jeans and sneakers, while others turn away T-shirts and jeans.
- Example for men
Men wear a jacket and trousers. - Example for women
A dress, or a top with a skirt, is a good choice.
When to wear it
Meals at hotels and restaurants, and similar occasions
Dress Codes at Casinos Around the World
Note: The information below is as of August 2026. Dress codes and entry requirements may change, so check each venue’s official website before you travel.
Casino dress codes vary widely by country and region. Some venues require a jacket on the table-game floor, while others are fine with T-shirts and sandals, so check the dress code before you go.
| Region / Country / City | Typical Dress Code | Clothing Most Often Turned Away |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas (North America) | Casual is fine during the day; smart casual in the evening | T-shirts and sneakers in the evening |
| New York (North America) | Smart casual in the evening | T-shirts and sneakers in the evening |
| Central America (Costa Rica, Honduras, etc.) | Almost no rules | – |
| South America (Peru, Argentina, etc.) | Smart casual | Collarless shirts and shorts |
| South Korea | Casual (overly casual clothing not accepted) | Tank tops, sweats and sandals |
| Macau | Almost no rules | – |
| Singapore | Close to smart casual | Sandals and shorts |
| Australia | Smart casual (neat casual) | T-shirts, shorts and sandals |
| New Zealand | Smart casual | Revealing clothing (such as sleeveless tops) |
| United Kingdom | Smart casual | Sportswear and worn-out sneakers |
| Germany | A jacket for men at the tables; neat everyday clothes in the slot area | No jacket on the table floor |
| France and Monaco | Smart casual during the day. No T-shirts or sweatshirts after 7 p.m. (a jacket is not required but suits the evening atmosphere) | Shorts and sandals |
| Africa (Egypt, South Africa, etc.) | Smart casual | Collarless shirts and shorts |
Note: “–” means there is no particular type of clothing that is commonly turned away.
North America
Casinos in North America, particularly in the United States, attract large numbers of tourists from around the world.
Requiring formal wear from every guest would be very difficult, so today most casinos admit guests unless their clothing is overly casual.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has a reputation for requiring guests to dress up, but its dress codes have relaxed considerably. If you visit a casino in the evening, though, avoid T-shirts and sneakers and choose smart casual clothes.
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New York
New York State has authorized commercial casinos in recent years, and several venues are now open. As in Las Vegas, smart casual clothing is fine for an evening visit.
Central and South America
Dress codes in Central and South America differ by region: Central America has almost no rules, while in South America smart casual is the norm.
Central America (Costa Rica, Honduras, etc.)
In Central America, there are hardly any dress code rules. Many casinos admit guests even in a T-shirt and sandals.
South America (Peru, Argentina, etc.)
In South America, plan to dress smart casual as a rule. For men, a collared shirt, long trousers and leather shoes are fine. For women, a minidress or other dress with heels is fine.
Asia
Casinos in Asia have few dress code rules, and formal wear may even make you stand out. Overly casual clothing can be a problem at some venues, but casual clothes are usually enough.
South Korea
South Korea has many casinos, in Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island and elsewhere, and in most of them casual clothing is fine. Unless you are dressed too casually, for example in a tank top or sweats, you are unlikely to be refused entry.
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Macau
Macau has almost no dress code, so you can enter in jeans or other casual clothes (avoid sandals in VIP areas). Many players do come in smart casual clothing, though, so dressing neatly is also fine.
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Singapore
Singapore’s dress rules are somewhat stricter than those of South Korea and Macau. Unless your clothing is extremely casual, you are unlikely to be stopped at the entrance. It is safer to avoid sandals and shorts, however, and smart casual is the reliable choice if you are unsure.
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Oceania
In Oceania, mainly Australia and New Zealand, dress codes are stricter than in Asia. Australia in particular has higher standards, so check what to wear before you go.
Australia
In Australia, casinos require smart casual or what Australians call “neat casual,” tidy everyday clothes. Men wear a collared shirt and long trousers, and women wear a dress or similar. Avoid T-shirts, shorts and sandals.
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New Zealand
New Zealand is less strict than Australia. T-shirts and jeans are accepted, but revealing clothing, such as sleeveless tops, is often turned away.
Europe
Europe is the birthplace of the casino, and the clothing required varies widely from one venue to another.
In Germany, some long-established casinos, such as Casino Baden-Baden, require men to wear a jacket on the table-game floor. Some also ask for a shirt and tie, but a tuxedo or black suit is not necessary. The slot machine floor is more relaxed, and neat everyday clothes are accepted there. Some venues rent jackets at reception for a fee.
In the UK, casino dress codes relaxed considerably after the Gambling Act 2005 came into force, and the major chains now ask for smart casual. Clean jeans and sneakers are accepted. Upscale casinos with a private-club feel, such as those in Mayfair, and VIP areas may still ask for a jacket or a tie.
In France and Monaco, too, many venues admit guests in smart casual clothing during the day. In the evening, T-shirts and sportswear are often not allowed, and a jacket, while not usually required, suits the setting (VIP areas may be stricter).
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Africa
At casinos in Africa, including those in Egypt and South Africa, smart casual clothing is generally accepted. The guideline is the same as in South America: a collared shirt, long trousers and leather shoes for men, and a dress with heels for women, are enough.
Clothing You May Be Asked to Remove or Check at a Casino
To prevent cheating by guests, many casinos do not allow the following items.
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Face masks
- Clothing with many pockets
- Long coats
Sunglasses and hats are not allowed because the casino needs to be able to see your face. For the same reason, you may be asked to remove a face mask when you enter.
Clothing with many pockets and long coats usually have to be checked at the entrance before you go in.
Staff look for these items when you enter and will ask you to remove them as needed. If you do not follow their instructions, you may be refused entry.
What You Can and Cannot Bring Into a Casino
As a rule, you can bring in your valuables and a few small items. Large luggage such as suitcases, carry-on cases and backpacks is not allowed, so use a handbag or a small clutch bag instead.
Casinos that admit only foreign visitors almost always ask to see your passport at the entrance, so take your passport with you.
Cameras and Smartphones Are Generally Allowed
Casinos once banned guests from bringing in cameras and smartphones. Now that almost everyone carries a smartphone with a camera, restricting them has become very difficult, and in recent years casinos have generally stopped prohibiting them.
Once you sit down at a table, however, taking photos, making calls and using messaging apps are usually prohibited. Putting your phone in airplane mode helps you avoid using it by accident.
Photography is not allowed on the main gaming floor, but high rollers may be able to play in private VIP rooms. Some casinos allow photography there, so if you plan to play with a larger budget, it is worth asking the casino.
Frequently Asked Questions About Casino Dress Codes
- Is it OK to bend the dress code a little?
-
It depends on what “a little” means, but a dress code exists to preserve the casino’s atmosphere, and the casino decides whether you meet it. If the casino decides your clothing is not acceptable, you will be refused entry.
- Do I need a jacket for casinos in Europe?
-
The major chains in the UK ask for smart casual, and a jacket is optional. Some venues, such as long-established casinos in Germany, require men to wear a jacket on the table-game floor, but a tuxedo is not necessary. Some venues rent jackets at reception for a fee, so if you are unsure, check the official website of the casino you plan to visit.
Summary: Most Casinos Let You In Unless You Dress Too Casually, and the Official Website Has the Details
Casinos around the world set dress codes to preserve their atmosphere.
That said, more and more casinos no longer require formal wear, and many now admit guests as long as they are not dressed too casually.
Most casinos describe their dress code on their official website. If you are not sure what to wear, check the website before you go.
When in doubt, use smart casual as your baseline, and pack a jacket only if you are heading to a venue that requires one at the tables, such as a long-established casino in Germany.
World Casino Guide
- Las Vegas Casino Guide
- Okada Manila Casino Guide
- Macau Casino Guide
- Casino de Monte-Carlo and Monaco Casinos
- Singapore Casino Guide
- Casinos in Canada
- London Casino Guide
- Casinos in Dubai and the UAE
- What to Wear to a Casino
- Casino Chips and Their Values
- Casino Dealer Salary by Country
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Bell | Editor of Online Casino Winners Club. Since the site launched in 2003, Bell has written guides to casino game rules, tested betting systems and covered land-based casinos around the world, and still plays the games before writing about them. Bell's core advice: choose the bets with the lowest house edge, and decide in advance how much you are prepared to lose.