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.

The Etiquette of Tipping 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 dealers
• A well-tipped dealer will often slow down the game or offer helpful strategic advice to the player

How Much to Tip the Waitress

One of the greatest perks of playing in a physical Las Vegas casino is the steady, endless flow of complimentary alcoholic beverages.

Remember, these waitresses carry incredibly heavy trays through crowded, smoke-filled rooms for miles every single shift; tip them generously and consistently.

What to Do When You Hit the Jackpot

If you are incredibly lucky and hit a massive slot machine jackpot exceeding $1,200, the machine will lock up and require a “hand pay.”

For example, if you win a $5,000 jackpot, peeling off a crisp $50 bill and handing it to the attendant is considered perfect, generous etiquette.

Tipping is the ultimate grease that keeps the massive, chaotic gears of the physical casino machine running smoothly and pleasantly.