Casino Tipping Etiquette
Heading down to your favorite casino to play a game? Before you go, arm yourself with these poker tipping etiquette rules so you know just how much to tip…and how much you can keep in your pocket.
What a lot of people don’t realize is that casino workers are just like waiters or shoe-shiners. They’re in the service industry and most of them make 66% of their income not from wages, but from tips! Without tips, well, they’re barely making enough for their studio apartment.
Here are the etiquette rules for tipping. Keep in mind, because these are focused around games, they usually apply only when you’re winning. If you’re losing, even casino workers have mercy on you. :)
Blackjack
Tip at least one $5 chip/session. (A session is how long a dealer stays before she is replaced with another dealer.) Some players like to place a side bet for the dealer, up to 10%.
Craps
Tip at least one $5 chip/session. Some players like to place a side bet for the dealer, up to 10%.
Keno
Tip both the writers and the runners. Tip at least $1 for the first ticket. You can also tip 5% if you win.
Poker
Tip at least one $5 chip/session. You can also tip 10% of your winnings, but it shouldn’t exceed $25.
Roulette
Tip at least one $5 chip/session.
Slot Machines
Tip the changers if there are any there. Most casino’s use machines now, but if not, tip at least $1 per change made. You can also tip 5% if you jackpot, but it shouldn’t exceed $25. If an attendant is called to repair your machine, it’s common courtesy to tip them at least $1.
Waiter/Waitress
Tip at least one $1 chip/free drink.
Those are the basic tip etiquette rules for casinos. Of course, remember you may have to adjust these based on the stakes of the game you’re playing. For instance, it’s silly to tip a $5 chip to a dealer when you’re playing a dollar poker game. Likewise, it’s equally silly to tip a $5 chip to a dealer in a high stakes no-limit poker game. Use your best judgment, and ask yourself what you would hope for if you were in their shoes, reasonably speaking. Then have fun! And do your best to win more than you tip!
