How Much Should You Tip The Blackjack Dealer At A Casino?

The question should not be whether to tip or not, but rather how much to tip, especially from the perspective of service workers in America. Understanding the appropriate tipping etiquette at a casino can enhance your overall experience.

Online gaming is not currently permitted in Massachusetts, as only retail casinos are allowed. Lawmakers are currently prioritizing the passage of a sports betting bill, therefore the legalization of online gaming is not expected to happen anytime soon.

The realm of casino tipping can often be perplexing. Those from Massachusetts planning an evening of live gaming should anticipate tipping valets, servers, cashiers, slot attendants, and dealers. Nonetheless, it is important to note that tipping is not obligatory by definition.

Most dealers pool ‘tokes’

Although most casino dealers earn minimum wage or a similar amount, their income is largely dependent on tips. When considering tips, however, dealers have the potential to earn a substantial income, allowing them to lead a comfortable life.

Although tipping is not obligatory and is ultimately up to each individual player, it is generally anticipated, particularly for significant winners. There exists an unspoken understanding that more generous tips result in improved service.

In the language of dealers, tips are commonly referred to as “tokes.” The share that dealers receive from the collective pool of tips is known as the “toke rate.”

It should be emphasized that in the majority of casinos, dealers are obligated to share their tips through a pooling system. This entails dealers gathering all their tips and dividing the total amount equally among themselves, whether it be during a shift, a gaming day, or even over a week. However, it should be noted that poker dealers may be exempt from this practice, although it ultimately depends on the specific casino.

However, while the tip you give may not directly benefit the dealer, it still contributes to supporting the crew.

How much should you tip?

Tipping a blackjack dealer is not as simple as tipping wait staff at a restaurant because there are two ways to do it. One can either give the dealer money directly or place a bet on the dealer’s behalf.

According to industry experts, one suggestion is to directly ask the dealer about their preferred method of tipping. When it comes to tipping with money, there is no specific range set. One suggestion is to tip the dealer a certain amount per hour, while others propose basing the tip amount on the bets being placed. For bets of $5 or $10, a few dollars is considered acceptable. Similarly, a $5 tip is suitable for bets ranging from $20 to $30, and so forth.

If you plan on tipping your earnings, it is recommended to consider tipping between 2% and 5%.

At the blackjack table, best tips are chips

When playing blackjack, it is acceptable to tip either in cash or chips. However, it is common for players to tip in chips as the dealer will convert cash tips into chips regardless. When tipping the dealer with a bet, it is important to place the chip outside your playing circle specifically for the dealer. It may also be helpful to communicate to the dealer before the hand begins that you are placing a tipped bet on their behalf, saying something like “I’m playing for you.”

When the dealer wins, their tip is doubled; otherwise, they receive no tip. In most casinos, dealers submit their tips through a slot adjacent to the table, which then drops into a lockbox after each hand.

Remember to “color up” before you leave the table by exchanging your smaller denomination chips for larger ones. This not only helps the dealer manage their change more efficiently but also enables you to carry fewer chips with you.

Subsequently, before departing, you may consider leaving a gratuity with any remaining smaller chips, or even a more substantial amount, particularly if you emerged victorious.

Should I also tip on a hand pay jackpot?

One less apparent tipping situation in a casino is when players hit hand pay jackpots. These are wins that exceed the maximum payout limit of the machine, typically set at $1,200 in the United States. In such cases, an attendant will be responsible for both verifying the amount won and facilitating the payout. Depending on the jackpot size, multiple attendants may be involved in delivering the winnings and handling any necessary tax paperwork.

To begin with, it is acceptable to give a single tip to one person and let them divide it if multiple individuals assist in completing the transaction. Additionally, it is crucial to understand that there is no fixed amount for tipping in such situations. Currently, the customary range falls between half a percent and one percent. For instance, for a $1,000 jackpot, this would amount to a tip of $5 to $10.

Another important point to remember is that attendees are likely to pay with larger denominations. It would be wise for smart players to plan ahead and carry $5 and $10 bills for tipping situations like these.

Wait: What about the cashiers?

The tipping etiquette for cashiers at “the cage” when exchanging chips after a casino visit is subject to a wider range of opinions. While some believe that tipping is not customary in this particular setting, others suggest that offering a few dollars, spare change, or even a small chip can greatly benefit loyal customers.

To tip or not to tip

There is ongoing debate surrounding tipping in the US. One perspective suggests that the custom originated from the European caste system in the Middle Ages. Conversely, another viewpoint highlights how post-Civil War employers took advantage of formerly enslaved individuals by paying them minimal or no wages through this practice.

Despite this, it is crucial to bear in mind that not tipping only harms the individuals earning low wages at a casino. Familiarizing yourself with proper tipping etiquette at a casino can enhance the overall experience for both the employees and yourself.