Tipping Etiquette at American Casinos

Tipping etiquette at American casinos has always been a bit complex. Casinos outsource their payroll to customers, so about 80% of the employees you encounter, from the valet who parks your car when you arrive to the cashier who cashes you out when you leave, are typically low-wage workers who rely on tips. But don't worry, we'll guide you on who to tip, why, and when when it comes to casino tipping.

Tipping Upon Arrival

Valets are quick and efficient, saving you a lot of walking time. Not everyone opts for valet parking, but tipping just $1 or $2 when you drop off your car or when they retrieve it from the curb can be well worth it, especially on rainy or cold nights. Note that in most valet departments without parking facilities nearby, runners will pull your car up when there's lightning. If you're staying at a hotel, bellmen can save you a lot of time. A few dollars per piece of luggage, and maybe $10 or $20 for the entire luggage cart, can make your stay much better than dragging your luggage to the elevator, through the corridors, and to your room. Plus, the sooner you settle in, the sooner you can head to the casino floor.

Tipping Slot Attendants

Tipping slot attendants is relatively straightforward. There may be some debate about whether to tip when they repair your machine, but if giving them a dollar or two means they come back faster next time, what's the harm? In most jurisdictions in the United States, any payout over $1,200 will be paid out by in-house personnel at the slot casino. Tipping here starts at around $20 and can go up to 3-10% of the jackpot, depending on the patron. If you call an attendant over to assist you with a machine for any reason, the tip should be based on how long you are away. If you'll be gone for a while, the amount can range from a few dollars to $5 or more. If you might be away for more than 5-10 minutes, simply ask them to lock the machine. You can use the service button to reopen it when you return.

Table Game Tipping

Tipping at table games can be a bit perplexing. Sometimes, it's intentional. Most casino dealers in the United States start with an hourly wage of around $4.35 to $5.00, and the casino hopes that patrons will make up the rest. However, once money goes into the toke box, the casino can't win it, so they sometimes make tipping difficult when it comes to dealers. There are many different schools of thought on tipping dealers, but it really comes down to whether you're having a good time. Dealers are entertainers first and dealers second. It's not like someone who parks your car or brings you a drink. Tipping here has less to do with the service provided (or at least not directly provided) and more to do with the entertainment value. Yes, if a dealer gets you a straight flush in Mississippi Stud or rolls dice for 30 minutes at the craps table, you should absolutely take care of them, but even then, it should be within the range of whether you had a good time or not, even if you lost. Even if you lose, the dealer should always ensure you leave with a smile. We'll go into different tipping scenarios in more detail, but ultimately, the service you're tipping for is customer service, and if they provided that service, they should get a little extra.

Tipping Your Blackjack Dealer

Tipping in blackjack can be done by handing chips directly to the dealer or by placing a bet in front of you. Most people prefer betting for the dealer because they feel it makes the dealer more likely to root for them and gives them a chance to win. On low-limit tables, tipping a few dollars per blackjack or perhaps if you win several hands in a row is common. For higher-limit games of $25 and up, a $5 chip is a better choice. Most blackjack games now have some sort of side bet, and if you hit one, about 3-10% is fine. It's not necessary, but it's a nice form to bet for the dealer if you're splitting bets or doubling down and for any substantial wins.