How to Properly Tip Casino Dealers and Staff
The flashing lights and ringing bells of a casino can be incredibly distracting, making it easy to forget the human element of the floor.
Knowing who to tip, when to tip, and exactly how much to tip is a crucial part of proper casino etiquette.
Tipping the Dealers: The Most Important Rule
Unlike standard minimum wage jobs, dealers work in an incredibly high-stress environment, absorbing the anger of losing players all day long.
To place a bet for them in blackjack, put a chip slightly outside your betting circle; if your hand wins, the dealer’s bet also wins.
- Do not use tips to try and bribe a dealer into making a ‘mistake’ in your favor; they will lose their gaming license and their job instantly
- If a dealer is rude or unhelpful, you are under no obligation to tip them, regardless of how much money you are winning
- Tipping heavily will often cause the dealer to slow the game down slightly or offer helpful advice if you are a beginner struggling with strategy
Who Else Should You Tip in a Casino?
While the drinks are usually ‘free’ while you are actively gambling, the physical labor of carrying heavy trays through a crowded casino is not.
When you arrive at the resort, tipping the valet $2 to $5 when they return your car is standard practice.
| Casino Staff Member | Standard Tip Amount | When to Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Table Game Dealer | $5 per $100 won, or place a $1 bet for them | Periodically during a winning streak, or when leaving |
| Cocktail Waitress | $1 to $2 per drink minimum | Immediately when the drink is handed to you |
Tipping is the invisible grease that keeps the massive gears of the casino hospitality machine turning smoothly.