If you’re going for some casual gambling during the day and stopping for a few light snacks, keep it casual. If you’re visiting in the evening and might have some cocktails in the lounge or go to a nightclub, go for trousers, skirts or dresses and more formal shirts and blouses.
Atlantic City Casino Dress Code: What to Wear to the Casino
When you visit the casino and play in person, there are rules and etiquette to observe. While not all casinos have a strict dress code, there are still some factors to take into account to fit with the common sense rules that apply. While smart casual is the requirement of most venues, you might also come across upmarket casinos. They offer a luxury experience, and your clothing needs to match the occasion.
To help you navigate the dress code, we’ve come up with some dos and don’ts for what to wear to the casino. We’re focusing specifically on Atlantic City casinos and the casino outfits that are suitable.
❓ What to Wear to a Casino: General Rules
Trying to decide what to wear to a casino to strike the right balance? It’s all about being stylish, a little more casual, but, most importantly, following casino dress codes. We’ve created a quick guide with some casino outfit ideas and general rules that you can apply whenever you visit a casino.
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Match the occasion
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Focus on your footwear
Shoes can dress an outfit up or down. Since we’re aiming for smart casual, it’s better to stay away from sneakers and flip-flops. Even though you’re in AC, beach wear and casino play don’t mix well. Aim for sandals and smarter shoes that help you to look presentable.
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It’s not always what you wear but how you wear it
Looking presentable and stylish is more than just the type of clothing you put on. You can fit with a dress code by creating a neat appearance with your grooming, ironing your clothes, and making sure you look and smell fresh. Avoid items that are torn, worn out, or dirty.
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Plan ahead
If you’re packing for a trip, it might be hard to imagine what kinds of clothes you need. A little research on a casino website can help. If you don’t find a dress code listed, you can use other signs to gauge how formal you should be. Lots of high roller tables, VIP lounges, and exclusive areas suggest that your outfit should be something smarter.
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Prepare to adapt
As you’ll see from our outfit suggestions below, it doesn’t take much to upgrade an outfit from casual to semi-formal. A blazer, black clothing, and, for women, a pair of heels can quickly elevate a look to match your location.
Whether you’re putting together a men’s casino outfit or considering casino attire for ladies, our clothing suggestions below can help:
- Stick to sandals, smart shoes, flats, and heels;
- Aim for dresses or smart separates;
- Avoid anything sporty or too baggy;
- Don’t wear hats or caps;
- Use a blazer or some smart shoes to elevate your outfit;
- Check if t-shirts are allowed and, if in doubt, choose a polo, blouse, or collared shirt for casual wear.
👍🏽👎🏽 Casino Outfit Dos and Don’ts
The movies have left us thinking that a tux or an evening gown is what everyone’s wearing in a casino. Things are actually a lot more relaxed than that in most venues. For most visits, you’ll want to aim for smart casual or semi-formal wear unless the casino or the event demands otherwise.
We recommend checking a particular casino dress code whenever possible. However, if you’re trying to pack for a trip with visits to several casinos, then these dos and don’ts can help you fill your suitcase with appropriate gambling outfits. Pay particular attention to the casino clothing that you shouldn’t wear, as casual casino attire is the hardest to define and where you might fall foul of the rules.
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🎩 Casino Attire Options
When planning your casino attire, it’s best to check the dress code for casinos. However, you might find a few words about the dress code that leave you none the wiser. The terms used won’t always give you clarity when it comes to knowing what to wear. We’re here to help with that by looking at the different phrases used to describe what’s required.
The most common types of dress codes are casual or smart casual, semi-formal, and formal, although you might also see that referred to as black tie. Those need to be interpreted for casinos specifically and any other connected event that you’ll attend at the casino. Keep reading to find the definitions for each dress code, casual casino outfits, including a casual casino outfit for ladies, and ideas for formal dress.
👠 Casino Attire for Ladies
Casinos are so much more than places to gamble. They have concerts, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, and formal dining options. It means that your outfit needs to suit the whole evening, not just your time spent gambling on the casino floor.
We’ve provided definitions for four common dress codes at casinos and given you some ideas for what to wear. Here are our recommendations for a casino outfit for ladies:
Casual
Casual dress codes typically apply during the day, which usually means before 6 PM. It’s the least formal level, but there are still standards to be met. When planning a casual casino outfit, think of what you’d wear to meet your friends for brunch or your family for lunch. You want to look well-put-together in an effortless way.
- Sandals
- Smart boots
- Loafers
- Jeans
- T-shirt or a shirt
- Khakis
- Sundresses
- Skirts
- Shorts (daytime only)
Smart Casual
Also referred to as business casual, this dress code is a step up from casual. It’s a balance between looking smart without going overboard and looking like you tried too hard. If a casino allows casual during the day, it might expect business casual in the evening.
- Skirts
- Trousers
- Shirts
- Blouses
- Sweaters
- Dresses that cover the shoulders
Semi-Formal
If you’re attending an event at the casino but not something formal, like a gala, then semi-formal is the way to go. You might opt for semi-formal in more upmarket casinos. Think elegant but still understated. Choose darker colors for evening wear.
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Tops and blouses
- Sandals
- Flats
- Heels
Black Tie
When a casino has a dress code that says black tie or black tie optional, it means formal, so you should be dressing to impress. It usually only applies in the evenings and is often required for events, high roller tables, and VIP areas. Choose dark colors, such as midnight blue, black, or burgundy, something neutral, such as white, or metallic fabrics, including gold and silver.
- Cocktail dresses
- Evening gowns
- Suit separates
- Heels
👞 Men’s Casino Attire
The same definitions apply to men, but the outfit options differ. With that in mind, we’ve also listed ideas for casino attire for men.
Casual
If you keep it presentable and avoid any sports clothes, then putting together a casual casino outfit will be easy.
- Jeans
- Trousers
- T-shirt or shirt
- More formal sports shoes (daytime)
- Shorts (daytime only)
Smart Casual
This rule usually applies in the evenings and is a good rule of thumb for all casinos if they don’t have an event or a strict and formal dress code: Think about what you’d wear to a family gathering or to work in an office.
- Blazer
- Khakis or slacks
- Collared shirt
- Loafers or smart shoes
Semi-Formal
For men, semi-formal won’t feel too different from business casual, but there are one or two notable differences. You don’t need to go as far as a tux, but a suit is a nice touch.
- Trousers
- Shirt
- Suit jacket
- Tie optional
Black Tie
If the dress code says black tie is optional, then a suit could work. Otherwise, you should wear a dress shirt, dinner jacket and the rest of the formal wear to accompany them. Not many casinos will set this formal dress code unless it’s for an event in a VIP lounge.
- White shirt
- Black trousers
- Black dinner jacket
- Tie or bowtie
- Formal shoes
🎰 Atlantic City Casino Dress Code
If you’re planning a trip to AC, then you’ll want to pack the right clothing to suit the Atlantic City casino dress code. Not all AC casinos explain their attire requirements on their websites. A look at social media can help you gauge the appropriate dress code for casino entry.
Our rule of thumb that we recommend is, if in doubt, opt for smart casual or business casual. Paying attention to footwear and making sure you have a blazer or covering for your shoulders should mean that your casino outfits won’t cause an issue.
If you’re planning to attend an event at a venue or visit a restaurant or nightclub located inside one of the AC casinos, then you can usually use their rules as your guide. We’ve picked out a few and explained the rules below.
Caesars Pool After Dark Dress Code
This pool party, found in Caesars AC, isn’t one for swimwear. As with most evening venues, the instruction is to dress to impress. It means no swimsuits, bikinis, or shorts. Athletic wear, hats, muscle t-shirts, baggy clothes, and sunglasses are not permitted. Avoid flip-flops and slides, work boots, and oversized jewelry, and don’t bring a jacket or leave it at the coat check.
Borgata Premier Nightclub Dress Code
When you head to Premier nightclub at Borgata Casino Hotel AC, you’ll need to meet its upscale fashion dress code. A nice dress or stylish separates is great for women. Guys should go for a collared shirt; jeans are allowed, but shoes should be on the smarter side, with dress shoes or something less formal but more fashionable also accepted. Avoid hats, sports clothes, sandals, sneakers, work boots, shorts, and athletic wear.
Tropicana Kiss Kiss Nightclub Dress Code
Another club where dress to impress is the aim. Sneakers are permitted, but all other sports clothes should be avoided. Don’t wear work boots, and most importantly, leave your jacket behind or check it at the door. The club is found inside Tropicana Atlantic City, as you’ve most likely guessed from its name.
Ocean HQ² Dress Code
This renowned nightclub is located in Ocean Casino Resort. The upscale fashionable dress code means running shoes, shorts, work boots, sandals, and flip-flops aren’t allowed. You should also avoid baggy clothing, hats, and athletic wear.
FAQ
Is there a dress code for Atlantic City casinos?
Most AC casinos don’t specify, so sticking to business casual is best. You can check the requirements for specific venues, such as clubs and restaurants, as a guide.
What to wear to a casino?
You should choose your casino clothes based on your plans. For example, if you’re going for cocktails, aim for semi-formal. Otherwise, business casual is your best bet.
What does formal casino attire look like?
Formal casino attire means a suit or tux for men and cocktail dresses or evening gowns and heels for women.
Can you wear a hat in a casino?
No, hats, caps, hoods, and head coverings (unless for religious reasons) are not allowed in casinos.
What to wear to a casino during the day?
When choosing a casino outfit for the daytime, you can be more casual. A polo shirt or button-down, jeans, and smartish shoes will work well. Women can wear sun dresses or blouses and jeans and nice shoes.
What to wear to a casino during the night?
In the evening, you’ll want to make more of an effort. Avoid shorts, t-shirts, and anything too casual. Khakis or slacks with a collared shirt and a blazer can work unless a suit is required. For women, smart separates or a nice dress are excellent choices.
