A Guide To Casino Tipping Etiquette
Navigating the incredibly complex, unwritten rules of social etiquette on a bustling casino floor can be highly stressful for a first-time visitor.
Tipping, commonly referred to in casino slang as "toking," is not strictly legally mandatory, but it is deeply ingrained in the culture of the gambling industry.
Tipping the Table Game Dealers
Table game dealers are the absolute lifeblood of the casino, standing on their feet for hours while managing complex math and difficult, often abusive players.
In blackjack, you simply place a chip just outside your betting circle, slightly closer to the dealer; if your hand wins, the dealer's tip also doubles.
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
One of the greatest perks of playing in a physical Las Vegas casino is the steady, endless flow of complimentary alcoholic beverages.
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.
Slot Attendants and Jackpot Payouts
A slot attendant will arrive, verify the massive win, process the required IRS tax paperwork, and physically hand you stacks of hundred-dollar bills.
The standard tip for a slot hand pay ranges from 0.5% to 1% of the total massive jackpot amount won.
SituationStaff MemberAppropriate GratuitySlot Hand Pay ($5,000)Slot Attendant$20 to $50 (roughly 1%)Valet ParkingValet Driver$5 when picking up the car
By budgeting an extra 5% of your bankroll specifically for gratuities, you ensure that everyone around you shares in the excitement of your vacation.