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.

How to Toke the Blackjack Dealer

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.

The most popular, highly appreciated way to tip a dealer is to actually place a bet directly for them alongside your own wager.

• 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

The universally accepted, unbreakable standard is to tip exactly $1 to $2 in chips or cash for every single drink delivered to you.

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.

What to Do When You Hit the Jackpot

A slot attendant will arrive, verify the massive win, process the required IRS tax paperwork, and physically hand you stacks of hundred-dollar bills.

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.

By budgeting an extra 5% of your bankroll specifically for gratuities, you ensure that everyone around you shares in the excitement of your vacation.