Abstract: A protective skirt is disposed on the surface of a gaming table of the type having a player area and a dealer area. The gaming table additionally includes a rail covering the margin of the gaming table proximate the player area. The skirt includes an inner edge, which may be optionally tapered, and an outer edge disposed proximate the rail such that the skirt extends onto the gaming table surface to overlay at least a portion of the player area of the gaming table. Optionally, the outer edge has a shape to substantially conform to the shape of the gaming table. Thus, for a gaming table that is arcuate, the outer edge is substantially arcuate. In an optional embodiment, the skirt may be fixed by securing the outer edge between the rail and the gaming table.