Casino tipping is a common practice in many American casinos, as most of them outsource payroll to customers. This means that around 80% of the staff you encounter will be low paid and looking for a gratuity. Tipping in casinos can be a great way to show appreciation for good service and make your experience more enjoyable.
Valet Runners and Bellmen
When you arrive at a casino, valet runners can save you a lot of walking. Tipping them $1 or $2 when you arrive, and a few dollars when they bring your car back around, can make a big difference, especially on rainy or cold nights. Similarly, tipping bellmen a few dollars per bag, up to $10 or $20 for the entire luggage cart, can make your stay more pleasant and save you time.
Slot Machines
Casino tipping at slot machines is relatively straightforward. While there is some debate about tipping an attendant who fixes your machine, a dollar or two can encourage them to come back quicker next time. If you win more than $1,200, a slot floor person will pay you in person. Tipping here starts at about $20 and goes up to between 3-10% of the jackpot, depending on the customer. If you call an attendant over to hold your machine, tips should be based on the length of time you’re gone.
Table Games
Tipping in table games can be confusing, as dealers initially earn between $4.35 and $5.00 per hour, and the casino expects customers to make up the rest. However, tipping dealers is a way to show appreciation for their entertainment value. For example, if a dealer gives you a 30-minute roll on the dice table, you should tip them. In blackjack, most people prefer to make a bet for the dealer, while in roulette, you can offset the dealer’s bet on top of your own chips or hand them chips when you’re finished playing. In craps, players may give the dealers a six or eight or all the numbers, and in baccarat, most players tip when they’re coloring up.
Cocktail Servers
Cocktail servers are an essential part of the casino experience. They bring drinks, give encouragement, and make your gaming experience better. They are paid a low hourly wage, so it’s customary to tip a minimum of $1 and preferably $2 for each drink, whether it’s alcoholic or not.
Cashing Out Chips and Dining Out
When cashing out your chips at the end of the evening, most transactions won’t require a gratuity. However, in some rare cases such as cashing out a big win or a wire transfer, a small tip should be considered. When dining out either at the casino or nearby restaurants, tipping etiquette in America is 10-25% of the cost of the meal.
Taxi and Rideshare Services
If you need to take a taxi, especially in Las Vegas, look for a taxi stand. A 10% tip of the fare is a good baseline starting place. Uber or Lyft should be treated the same as taxi drivers.
International Casino Tipping
Tipping in UK casinos was illegal until recently. In most European casinos, tipping is still quite rare, or at least discreet. Even Macau doesn’t have a tipping culture, and many of the tips are appropriated by the managers. Only in the Caribbean will you find an American model of low paid staff and an expectation of a gratuity-filled evening.
In summary, casino tipping can greatly enhance your overall experience and show appreciation for the hardworking staff. Tipping valet runners, bellmen, slot attendants, dealers, and cocktail servers can all make a difference. However, tipping should be based on whether you had a good time and received good customer service. Remember that the staff is working hard to make sure you have a memorable and fun-filled adventure. A couple of bucks, a smile, and a bit of understanding will go a long way in showing appreciation for their hard work.