What are stakes? 

Casinos impose both minimum and maximum stakes on each table game. The minimum stake is the lowest amount that can be bet on a game; the maximum is the highest amount that may be bet. However, within each game, the stake levels on different tables may vary. For example, in roulette, some tables will offer a low minimum stake (for example $5), while others have a higher minimum stake (such as $10). To enter a game, players must bet the minimum amount, but they have the option of betting up to the maximum stake, it is not mandatory.

A sign on the gaming table, or suspended above it, indicates the table stakes. Each game has different stakes, and individual bets may differ within the stake level. The value of the table chips is automatically the value of the minimum stake. The lowest staking tables are often the most crowded, and the highest staking tables are generally located in the salon prive (private room).

Stakes within Stakes

Bets within a game may also vary. On roulette, for example, the minimum stake on the outside bets may be higher than the minimum on the inside bets (see roulette tutorial). Although the value of the color (table) chips is automatically the minimum stake, customers may request a higher value. For example, the minimum stake on a roulette table may be $2 (meaning that each color chip is worth $2). If a player requests that his or her chips are marked to, say $25, a special marker is used to denote the new value of the chips.

Stakes vary with times

Casinos often have lower minimum stakes during the quieter mid-week period, increasing the stakes over the weekends and holidays, when the casino is busy.