Tipping at a casino can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. Unlike restaurants where 15-20% is standard, casinos have their own unwritten rules that vary by service, game, and even location. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about tipping at casinos in 2025.
Why Tipping Matters at Casinos
Casino employees often rely heavily on tips as a significant portion of their income. Dealers, cocktail servers, and other service staff typically earn modest base wages, with tips making up the difference. Beyond the financial aspect, tipping creates goodwill, often leads to better service, and is simply part of casino culture.
That said, tipping is never mandatory. You should never feel pressured to tip beyond your means, and bad service doesn't deserve good tips.
Tipping Dealers at Table Games
Dealers are the heart of the casino floor, and understanding how to tip them properly is essential.
How Much to Tip Dealers
- Minimum: $1-$5 per session for low-stakes games
- Standard: $5-$10 per hour at mid-stakes tables ($25-$100 minimum bets)
- High-roller tables: $25+ per hour or more for high-limit games
- Big wins: 1-5% of significant jackpots or winning sessions
When to Tip Dealers
- After a winning hand or session
- When you're leaving the table
- After a big win (bonus round, blackjack, etc.)
- When dealers are particularly helpful or friendly
How to Tip Dealers
There are two main methods:
Direct tip ("toke"): Simply slide chips toward the dealer and say "for you" or "for the dealers." The dealer will tap the chips on the table and drop them into the tip box.
Betting for the dealer: Place a bet on the dealer's behalf. If it wins, they get both the original bet and the winnings. This creates excitement and engagement. To do this:
- In blackjack: Place a chip in front of your betting circle
- In craps: Announce "dealer on the line" or similar when placing
- In roulette: Tell the dealer "this one's for you" when placing a chip
Game-Specific Tipping Etiquette
Blackjack: Tip after winning hands, during hot streaks, or when leaving. Betting for the dealer on your hand is common and appreciated.
Craps: The most tip-friendly game. Players often make "hard way" bets for the dealers or tip during hot rolls.
Roulette: Tip when you hit your numbers or when cashing out. Placing a chip on a number "for the dealer" is a fun way to tip.
Poker: Different rules apply. In cash games, tip $1-$2 per pot won. In tournaments, tip 2-3% of your winnings at the end.
Baccarat: Similar to blackjack. Tip after wins or when leaving the table.
Tipping Cocktail Servers
Free drinks are a casino staple, but they're not really free—servers earn their income through tips.
Standard Tip Amounts
- Basic drinks (beer, well drinks): $1-$2 per drink
- Premium cocktails or wine: $2-$5 per drink
- Top-shelf spirits: $5+
- Multiple drinks on one order: $1-$2 per drink, not per trip
Tips for Cocktail Service
- Have your tip ready when the server arrives
- Cash is king—servers prefer cash tips
- Better tips often mean faster return service
- If you're at a slot machine, tip more generously (servers walk further)
- Tip every round, not just once
Tipping Slot Attendants
When you hit a jackpot that requires a hand-pay (typically $1,200+ in the US), a slot attendant will process your win.
Recommended Tips
- Small jackpots ($1,200-$2,000): $20-$40
- Medium jackpots ($2,000-$5,000): $50-$100
- Large jackpots ($5,000+): 1-2% of the total
When Slot Attendants Help You
- Machine malfunctions: $5-$20 if resolved quickly
- Explaining game features: $5-$10
- Regular assistance: Small tip for going above and beyond
Tipping Valets and Parking
Most major casinos offer valet parking, and tipping is expected.
Valet Tipping Guidelines
- Standard tip: $2-$5 when your car is returned
- Upscale casino resorts: $5-$10
- Bad weather or busy times: Add $2-$5 extra
- Tip when you get your car back, not when you drop it off
Self-Parking Attendants
If an attendant helps direct you or watches the lot:
- $1-$2 is appreciated but not expected
Tipping Hotel Staff (Casino Hotels)
When staying at a casino resort, standard hotel tipping applies with some casino-specific additions.
Bellhops and Porters
- $2-$5 per bag
- $5-$10 minimum for cart loads
- Extra for heavy or numerous bags
Housekeeping
- $2-$5 per night
- Leave tip daily (different staff may clean)
- More for suites or if you made a mess
Concierge
- Restaurant reservations: $5-$20 depending on difficulty
- Show tickets: $10-$25
- Special requests: $20-$50+
Room Service
- Check if gratuity is included (common at casino resorts)
- If not included: 15-20% of the bill
- $2-$5 minimum even for small orders
Tipping at Casino Restaurants
Casino restaurants follow standard tipping practices:
Restaurant Guidelines
- Casual dining: 15-20%
- Fine dining: 20%+
- Buffets: 10-15% or $2-$5 per person
- Comped meals: Tip on what the meal would have cost
Bars and Lounges
- $1-$2 per drink
- 15-20% of tab if running a tab
- Bartenders who spend time making complex drinks: tip more
Tipping Spa and Salon Staff
Many casino resorts have world-class spas.
Spa Tipping
- Massage therapists: 15-20%
- Facial/body treatments: 15-20%
- Manicure/pedicure: 15-20%
- Hair stylists: 15-20%
- Check if gratuity is already added
Tipping Entertainment Staff
Show Ushers
- Free shows: $1-$2 if they help you find good seats
- Premium seating assistance: $5-$10
Golf Caddies
- Casino golf courses: $50-$100 or more depending on course prestige
Who You Don't Need to Tip
Not every casino employee expects tips:
- Pit bosses and floor supervisors
- Security guards
- Casino hosts (though gifts are sometimes appropriate)
- Cage cashiers (some casinos prohibit)
- Surveillance staff
Practical Tipping Tips
Keep Small Bills Ready
- Get $1s and $5s from the cage
- Keep them in a dedicated pocket
- Have chip denominations ready for dealer tips
Budget for Tips
- Set aside 5-10% of your gambling bankroll for tips
- Factor tips into your overall casino budget
- Don't let tips eat into money you need
Tipping with Chips vs. Cash
- Dealers: Chips are preferred and traditional
- Everyone else: Cash is usually preferred
- Some high-limit areas prefer cash tips even for dealers
Regional Differences
- Las Vegas: Tips are expected everywhere
- Atlantic City: Similar to Vegas but slightly lower amounts
- Regional casinos: Often more relaxed, slightly lower expectations
- International: Research local customs—some countries don't tip
The Bottom Line
Tipping at casinos is about showing appreciation for good service while respecting your own budget. Start with the guidelines in this article, adjust based on service quality, and remember: a genuine "thank you" combined with an appropriate tip creates a better experience for everyone.
The best tippers aren't necessarily the highest tippers—they're the ones who tip consistently, respectfully, and appropriately for the service received.