The flashing lights and ringing bells of a casino can be incredibly distracting, making it easy to forget the human element of the floor.
Understanding the unwritten rules of the ‘toke’ (casino slang for a tip) will ensure you are treated like a VIP by the staff.
The Etiquette of Toking the Dealer
Casino dealers are highly skilled professionals who often rely on tips to make up more than 70% of their total annual income.
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
Tipping the Waitresses, Valets, and Cashiers
While the drinks are usually ‘free’ while you are actively gambling, the physical labor of carrying heavy trays through a crowded casino is not.
When you arrive at the resort, tipping the valet $2 to $5 when they return your car is standard practice.
| Service Provided | Suggested Gratuity | Pro-Tip for Better Service |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Attendant (Hand Pay) | 1% to 2% of the total jackpot | Tip them in cash, not in slot tickets |
| Valet Parking | $2 to $5 upon retrieving the car | Tip $10 upfront if you want the car kept close to the door |
Tipping is the invisible grease that keeps the massive gears of the casino hospitality machine turning smoothly.