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 hand them a chip, simply slide it toward them and clearly say, ‘This is for the dealer,’ ensuring the security cameras see it.
- Never hand cash directly to a dealer’s hand; the strict security rules require you to place the money flat on the table first
- In most modern casinos, all dealer tips are ‘pooled’ and split evenly among everyone on the shift, ensuring fair pay for dealers stuck on slow tables
- If you hit a massive slot machine hand-pay jackpot, it is customary to tip the slot attendant who brings you the cash roughly 1% to 2% of the total
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.
If you tip $5 on your very first drink order, the waitress will actively seek you out for the rest of her shift, ensuring your glass is never empty.
| 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 |
A few extra dollars given to the staff will exponentially improve the quality of your entire casino experience.