A Beginner’s Guide to Casino Confidence
Category: Video Production
Company: MGM National Harbor
Background: MGM National Harbor is a luxury gaming destination that actively promotes responsible gaming on its property. Distinguishing gaming (a source of entertainment) from gambling (a high-risk behavior linked to addiction), the company produces comprehensive resources that help guests identify healthy gaming habits which encourage safe, fun and rewarding experiences while on property.
Challenge: In 2024, marketing research revealed that while 55% of participants had visited a DMV casino within the past year, many participants did not play a table game, stating that they were unfamiliar with the rules and felt intimidated by more experienced guests.
The Solution: To combat this feeling of intimidation, I collaborated with MGM National Harbor and The Washington Post to produce an educational video, which would inform beginners of basic casino etiquette and provide an introduction to popular casino games. The final product was a six-minute video which was published on The Washington Post, alongside an article (written by another team member), to help beginners relieve their social fears and feel more prepared before entering a casino.
A beginner’s guide to casino confidence
By MGM National Harbor
November 22, 2024
There’s nothing quite like your first casino experience. MGM National Harbor offers the largest gaming floor in the DMV area, where colorful slot machine lights and cheers from the table games create an exciting buzz in the air.
Joining your first game, however, can be intimidating. To guarantee a great experience, it’s important for guests to understand the rules of each game, as well as the dos and don’ts of casino etiquette.
In this video, DC-based travel blogger Marissa Strang visits MGM National Harbor’s dazzling 160,000-square-foot casino to learn the basics of blackjack and roulette – two of the most popular games for beginners. Strang also speaks to MGM’s Vice President of Casino Operations Alex Alvarado and Table Games Shift Manager David Miller for expert tips on navigating the casino floor.
For beginners, Alvarado suggests setting your budget before you start playing and signing up for an MGM Rewards card. Guests can consider using electronic table games first to become more familiar with the rules.
“One of the most popular ways to learn how to play a live table game is to play what’s called an electronic table game,” Alvarado said. “This is where a dealer is dealing a live game, but you’re entering your bets into a terminal. It’s easier because it doesn’t let you make a mistake.”
In blackjack, Miller shares that players communicate with the dealer through hand signals.
“We do not use verbal commands,” Miller said. “A hand signal for a hit is tapping the table. If you don’t want a card, then you would swipe your hand across the table, which means stay.”
With MGM Rewards, each game you play earns points that can be used for hotel stays, dining experiences and more.
Book now for an ultimate gaming experience.
Must be 21+. Please play responsibly.
For help, visit MDGamblingHelp.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.