Navigating the incredibly complex, unwritten rules of social etiquette on a bustling casino floor can be highly stressful for a first-time visitor.
Understanding exactly who to tip, when to tip, and how much to tip ensures you are treated like absolute royalty during your entire casino vacation.
Tipping the Table Game Dealers
There is absolutely no strict mathematical percentage required (like 20% at a restaurant), but a general rule is tipping $5 for every hour of standard play.
The most popular, highly appreciated way to tip a dealer is to actually place a bet directly for them alongside your own wager.
When leaving the table, it is polite to toss a final chip to the dealer and say "Thank you"In craps, placing a "Two-Way Hard Eight" bet means you are betting for both yourself and the dealersA well-tipped dealer will often slow down the game or offer helpful strategic advice to the player
The Cocktail Waitresses and Bartenders
The universally accepted, unbreakable standard is to tip exactly $1 to $2 in chips or cash for every single drink delivered to you.
If you fail to tip the waitress on her very first delivery, she will likely completely ignore your section of the casino for the rest of the evening.
What to Do When You Hit the Jackpot
If you are incredibly lucky and hit a massive slot machine jackpot exceeding $1,200, the machine will lock up and require a "hand pay."
For example, if you win a $5,000 jackpot, peeling off a crisp $50 bill and handing it to the attendant is considered perfect, generous etiquette.
Tipping MethodProsConsBetting for the DealerFun, builds camaraderieThe tip is lost if the hand losesHanding Chips DirectlyGuaranteed money for the dealerLess exciting than a shared win
By budgeting an extra 5% of your bankroll specifically for gratuities, you ensure that everyone around you shares in the excitement of your vacation.
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A Guide to Casino Tipping Etiquette
Annetta Woodley edited this page 3 weeks ago