Casino dress code: why you used to have to wear a tuxedo
Modern players can enter online casinos in their pyjamas and slippers, but in the past, things were different. For a long time, casinos were associated with the elite, luxury and a strict dress code. Tuxedos, evening gowns and patent leather shoes were all part of the atmosphere.
Origins: casinos as clubs for the select few
The first European casinos — Monte Carlo, Baden-Baden, Venice — were created as private clubs for the aristocracy. You could only get in by invitation or by meeting a number of conditions, including appearance. Formal dress served as a filter: it separated wealthy guests from ‘undesirable’ elements. Tuxedos and tailcoats were symbols of respect for the establishment and other players.
A symbol of status
Clothing in a casino is not just about aesthetics. It is part of the gambling ritual. Men came in suits, women in diamonds. This attire emphasised the importance of the event: gambling was perceived as an evening out, not just entertainment. Looking the part helped players feel more confident and fit in with the establishment. Breaking the dress code was considered disrespectful.
Hollywood and culture
20th-century cinema cemented the image of the ‘gentleman in a tuxedo at the roulette table.’ Films about James Bond, Las Vegas casinos and gangsters reinforced the romanticisation of the gambler's image. The dress code became not just a rule, but part of cultural heritage. Many casinos, especially in Europe, still adhere to tradition. For example, in Monte Carlo or Baden-Baden, you may simply not be allowed in without a jacket in the evening. The dress code in casinos is a reflection of an era when gambling was not only a chance to win, but also part of a social ritual. Today, it is no longer a mandatory requirement, but for many players, it is not only the game that is important, but also the atmosphere. The tuxedo can stay in the wardrobe, but style and respect for the process are still relevant, especially in a digital space like Yoyo Spins.
Modern realities
Nowadays, most land-based casinos have become more democratic. During the day, you can enter in casual attire, but VIP rooms still require a dress code: suit, tie, evening gown. Online casinos have completely broken down the boundaries. Players choose comfort — and this has become the new standard. Platforms such as Yoyo Spins provide access to a high level of service without the mandatory ‘packaging.’ But you can recreate the atmosphere yourself — at home, with a glass of wine and jazz playing in the background.