Tips for Tipping in Casinos
If you’re looking for ‘tipping tips’, you’ve come to the right tipster. In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about tipping, so you aren’t in the dark next time you’re at a casino.
But first, let’s get the big question out of the way. Should you tip your dealer? The answer is a resounding yes – in most circumstances. However, if you find yourself on a losing streak, you’d be forgiven if you decide not to.
There’s no exact science to casino tipping, but we’ll try to give you some key information in this guide. Next time you play the tables at the casino, you’ll be a tipping master!
Should You Tip Your Casino Dealer?
When thinking about whether to tip the casino dealer or not, it’s important for you to understand that a lot of these people need tips to get by. The salaries for croupiers aren’t that much, and part of the reason for this is to encourage them to work harder to earn tips.
Aside from helping these guys out with their earnings, it’s going to be great for your relationship with them if you chuck them a tip or two. Like the waiter or waitress in your favorite restaurant, casino dealers are going to remember the people who treated them well. Then, when you return to the tables, they’ll welcome you back with a friendly smile.
If you end up on a losing streak, and you’re down on your luck, the dealer probably won’t want to rub salt into the wound by demanding a tip. Just remember to give them a small percentage when you are winning, and you’ll be good.
How to Tip
So, now you know that you need to tip, you need to learn how to go about it. First, you should decide on an amount that you want to give to the dealer. The general consensus is that it should be between five and ten percent of your winnings – about the same amount you’d be expected to give in a restaurant.
When you pick up your winnings, you can easily tip the dealer by tossing a chip or two in their direction. You don’t have to do it all the time either, just after a big windfall or before you leave a table should suffice.
Bet for the Dealer
There’s a cool option that you may not have considered before in your casino tipping, and this is putting a bet on for the dealer. At the roulette table, for example, if you put five chips down on a number you could say one chip is for the dealer. If the number comes in, you’ll claim your winnings and the dealer will bag theirs.
This is a great way to get the dealer on your side and to let them enjoy the action with you. They’ll share in the excitement as the ball rattles around the wheel, and it will make the overall vibe at the table more exhilarating. This move is probably best for the high rollers who can afford to stake more on the games than others.
Piggyback Tip
Sometimes, you might hear betting for the dealer referred to as the “piggyback tip.” This means that when you put an extra tip down for the dealer on top of your bet, they are piggybacking on your bet. It’s the same idea as betting for the dealer, and it allows them to get in on the action.
Of course, you have to make sure you add the dealer’s bet to the same wager as yours, as they aren’t allowed to place their own bets. For example, if you place 5 chips on red, you could put down an additional one for the dealer. Just make sure you clearly state that a part of the bet is for the dealer, so they know they’ll be getting a share of the winnings if it comes in.
Direct From Winnings
Betting for the dealer isn’t for everyone’s tastes, and it doesn’t always equate to a realized tip for them anyway. In fact, if the bet doesn’t come in, and you continue to play at the table for a while, you’ll still be expected to tip them before you leave.
That’s why many casino frequenters would say that the best way to tip the dealer is directly from your winnings. After you’ve scooped up a nice return on your bet, it’s the perfect time to get generous and show the dealer some appreciation.
If it’s a massive win, they’ll be expecting to share in your joy by banking a small percentage. All you have to do is gather up your chips and leave one out for the dealer. Alternatively, you can pass it to them directly.
If it’s your first time tipping at a casino, have a look at what the other players are doing and try to replicate their methods. There are sure to be some seasoned pros around who can show you how it’s done.
How Much Should You Tip?
The amount you should tip your dealer isn’t written in stone, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s totally up to you, and how much you feel like giving. However, there are some general rules of thumb to consider. The main thing is that the tip should be at least five percent of your winnings or your stack at the end of your play.
If you manage to get lucky and hit a windfall, you may want to tip the dealer more. It’s always a great idea to give something back to these hardworking croupiers, as they are part of the reason why casinos are such fun places to be. So, next time you visit the casino, make sure you show some appreciation to your dealer!
