The dealer is not just a facilitator of the game but also a partner in the gambling experience. Their hope for a tip often accompanies their genuine interest in the player's success. While there's no obligation for the average visitor to splurge, adhering to tipping etiquette can brighten the dealer's day.
Arrival
Upon arrival at the casino, encountering a parking attendant is common. Though their primary duty is efficient service and equal treatment of all guests, tipping can hasten the process, particularly for students working in such roles.
At hotel check-in, don't overlook the bellmen. For those with heavy luggage, a tip of $10 is customary, and further requests like table reservations or purchasing items may warrant additional gratuities.
Tipping at Slot Machines
Slot machines have their own tipping customs. In most casinos, cashing out winnings exceeding $1,200 necessitates a visit to the cashier, typically accompanied by a $20 tip.
When players hit the jackpot, it's customary to tip the cashier approximately 3% of the winnings.
During a slot session, players might need to step away briefly, and tipping $5 to an employee to reserve their machine for a few minutes is appreciated. For longer absences, requesting the machine to be turned off is suitable, with $5 being the baseline tip amount, potentially increased based on the duration of the absence.
Tipping in Table Games
Dealers play a significant role in creating the casino atmosphere, and interacting with them is frequent in table games. Beyond enforcing rules, they also entertain guests, making tipping customary.
Blackjack
In fast-paced games, tipping is often done after 30-40 hands per hour, especially if a player ends up ahead despite low betting limits.
High rollers at $25 limits often tip as the game progresses, with $5 being a reasonable reward after a successful streak.
Roulette
Tips in roulette games typically range up to 5% of the winnings, with additional gratuity for dealers who go above and beyond, such as by managing multiple bets.
An unconventional method involves placing a bet on behalf of the dealer, with winnings being shared if successful. This could involve betting $10, with 10% designated for the dealer upon winning.
Poker
Tipping customs vary between beginners and professionals. Novices might tip $1 for a successful hand, while pros might share winnings after a favorable flop.
Craps
Amidst the excitement of the dice game, players often seek the dealer's favor by betting on certain numbers, and tipping at the game's conclusion, particularly after a streak of throws, is customary, with $5 being a common amount.
“Payment” for free cocktails
Waiters earn up to $3 per hour, and they need tips more than others. In the USA, it is customary to pay $1-2 for one cocktail, this also applies to soft drinks.
Casinos do not always offer free services. Sometimes an additional charge may be required for the number of drinks consumed.
At the exit
Leaving players are divided into 2 types - with and without chips. The first ones cash out the winners, but are no longer required to pay tips. You can safely take the money and say goodbye.
The casino allows you to leave chips as souvenirs. Collector Gregg Fischer was included in the Guinness Book of Records . He collected 818 $1 chips from different casinos.
If the client plans to return, he should issue a player card. On your next visit, she will provide benefits:
- Free dinner and cocktails.
- Discount on hotel room.
- Free transfer, etc.
Tip Amounts Across Various Games
Here's a simple guide to help you determine appropriate tip sizes for different games:
- Blackjack: $5
- Slot Machines: $10-20 or 3% of the jackpot
- Roulette: 5% of winnings
- Craps: $5
- Poker: $1 per successful hand
Tipping Customs in Different Countries
Gratitude for a pleasant gaming experience isn't always expressed through monetary tips. In the UK, tipping dealers has long been prohibited to prevent potential conflicts of interest. Even today, croupiers in England and other European countries are often hesitant to accept tips from players.
In regions like Macau and the Caribbean, while tips are appreciated, there are no strict rules governing them. Players can offer any amount they deem appropriate. Observing other players' behavior can offer some guidance. Alternatively, a common practice is to tip around 5-10% of the total winnings at the end of the gaming session.
