But some Vegas visitors try to tip at registration in order to be given a ‘free upgrade' we explain this on our ‘twenty-dollar' trick page. Please don't forget to share or recommend this page if you found it useful, thank you: Search This Site. Buffets Reviews & Attractions in Vegas. Give it up for the folks who lug around your bags so you don't have to. Tip $1-2 per bag. Valet Gone are the days of free valet in Las Vegas, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't tip. Handing the attendant a $5 is a safe bet. Housekeeping Your room is the sanctuary where you'll recover from your hangover; respect must be paid. Tips on tipping in Las Vegas: who gets them and how much ▶ Bartender (and cocktail server):. In regard to actual bars, Best of Vegas says: 'The old dollar-a-drink logic is. ▶ Banquet and buffet servers:. Also consider tipping $20 to a limo driver who provides a complimentary ride to or from. Tips are the grease that keep the wheels of the service industry running smooth in Las Vegas. Therefore it is very important that we, the Las Vegas travelers. Tipping customs for restaurants in Las Vegas At a restaurant Tip 15-20% in Las Vegas Tipping in restaurants in the United States is obligatory, even if not an actual law and you will be asked what was wrong with the service if you don't tip. In Las Vegas where money is seemingly in abundance, this is especially the case.
Working as a waiter is regularly listed as one of the worst jobs in America. Ditto for other service positions. Low pay, long hours, rude customers, and bumbling management – it all adds up to a crummy work environment. Now imagine you have to do that job in Las Vegas, the always-on, customer service-obsessed home of 24-hour entertainment and comp'd buffet meals.
More than any other American city, Las Vegas runs on a service economy. Most of the people you come into contact with during your next casino trip likely survive on their tips. Your dealer? He makes minimum wage, maybe a buck more if he's worked in the same place for five years. The same goes for the lady that brings you your cocktails, the guy who drives you to and from the airport, and anyone else who helps you out during your trip to Sin City.
In Vegas, tipping isn't suggested – it's mandatory.
You have to tip in Las Vegas. You should factor the cost of tips in to your entertainment budget. Don't worry – you won't spend an arm and a leg on gratuities. Tip amounts in Vegas are directly tied to the level and quality of service. It's a tiny fraction designed to keep the economy moving. Think of it as literally greasing the cogs of the much-larger wheel designed to keep you fed, entertained, and happy.
How to Tip a Cocktail Waitress
It's true what they say – you get free drinks while you're gambling. The amount of attention you get from a cocktail waitress depends entirely on how much you're playing, at what stakes, and (surprise, surprise) how well you tip. The drink is free – the labor to pour and deliver the drink is not.
The standard tip is still $1 per drink. Remember, these hard-working ladies have to tip out around 1/5th of everything they make in tips to the bartender, so if you're winning, slip her a $5 every now and then. Cash is king, but you can tip chips if you want.
One final etiquette tip for dealing with cocktail waitresses – put your tip on her serving tray.
How to Tip a Dealer
Dealers earn minimum wage. Don't think that because you're playing at a somewhat expensive table in a fancy casino your dealer is somehow making more money. Your tips are your dealer's pay – and that tip income is taxed, as it is for waitresses and most other Vegas employees.
My dad, an old casino gambling fan from way back, taught me to never tip a dealer less than the price of a pack of cigarettes. You can get a pack in Vegas for $5, so I tip my dealers $5 an hour, win or lose. Some people may scoff at my $5-per-hour figure, but if you do the math, you'll see it makes sense. At a decent table, three, four, or even five players isn't unheard of. That's between $15 and $25 per hour. That's a solid middle-class wage. And of course, if you have a big win, you can tip more. Red seven slots.
So how do you do it? The proper method is to tip with chips, never cash. I tip the dealer $5 as soon as I sit down, to get him on my good side. Then I chip in another $5 chip at the top of every hour, or when I get a big win and feel friendly.
These days, it's common to place a bet for your dealer. If you don't want to do that, toss a chip his direction when you want to leave a tip. If you want to tip the dealer with a bet, just place his wager along with yours on the next round.
How to Tip at a Vegas Buffet
I eat at buffets more than any other type of restaurant when I'm in Vegas. They're inexpensive, I can eat exactly what I want, how much I want, and I like the variety of food available. Buffets are to Vegas what taco joints are to Texas, or hot dog stands are to New York City.
But how do you tip servers at a buffet? They clearly don't do the same caliber of work that a full-fledged waiter does … then again, they provide a valuable service and they don't get paid much for it, either.
Everyone I know who tips like me gives these types of employees a solid 10% tip – and only in Vegas. If I'm eating at a breakfast buffet on I-10 in the middle of nowhere at a gas station, I'm going to assume that they take care of their own employees. But in Vegas, they need a little something extra to survive.
So here's what I do – I give servers at buffets either $1 or 10%, whichever is higher. That seems to reward servers who work at fancier buffets, which may be a little unfair. But I think this way is simple and it ensures that the workers earn a living wage.
How to Tip Valets
I've long been confused about how much to tip the guys who bring the car around. Download video poker games. Often, this service is included in the (not at all inexpensive) cost of my hotel room. Then again, they don't make any more money than waiters or waitresses, and I imagine their landlords like the rent paid just as frequently as anyone else's.
I've been told that the standard tip is either $1 or $2 every time your car is brought around. I think I'd stick to the $1 tip, just because then I have less cash to carry around. As for how to tip a valet – it's easy. They expect it. When they hand you the keys, hand them a cash tip palm to palm.
How to Calculate a Standard Tip
Here's a sneaky way to calculate a standard 20% tip in Vegas – sales tax in the state is 7.75%. That means if you double the tax amount, you've got a number representing about 15%. Simply take one-third of that amount, add it again, and you've got an approximate 20% tip.
How to Tip a Cocktail Waitress
It's true what they say – you get free drinks while you're gambling. The amount of attention you get from a cocktail waitress depends entirely on how much you're playing, at what stakes, and (surprise, surprise) how well you tip. The drink is free – the labor to pour and deliver the drink is not.
The standard tip is still $1 per drink. Remember, these hard-working ladies have to tip out around 1/5th of everything they make in tips to the bartender, so if you're winning, slip her a $5 every now and then. Cash is king, but you can tip chips if you want.
One final etiquette tip for dealing with cocktail waitresses – put your tip on her serving tray.
How to Tip a Dealer
Dealers earn minimum wage. Don't think that because you're playing at a somewhat expensive table in a fancy casino your dealer is somehow making more money. Your tips are your dealer's pay – and that tip income is taxed, as it is for waitresses and most other Vegas employees.
My dad, an old casino gambling fan from way back, taught me to never tip a dealer less than the price of a pack of cigarettes. You can get a pack in Vegas for $5, so I tip my dealers $5 an hour, win or lose. Some people may scoff at my $5-per-hour figure, but if you do the math, you'll see it makes sense. At a decent table, three, four, or even five players isn't unheard of. That's between $15 and $25 per hour. That's a solid middle-class wage. And of course, if you have a big win, you can tip more. Red seven slots.
So how do you do it? The proper method is to tip with chips, never cash. I tip the dealer $5 as soon as I sit down, to get him on my good side. Then I chip in another $5 chip at the top of every hour, or when I get a big win and feel friendly.
These days, it's common to place a bet for your dealer. If you don't want to do that, toss a chip his direction when you want to leave a tip. If you want to tip the dealer with a bet, just place his wager along with yours on the next round.
How to Tip at a Vegas Buffet
I eat at buffets more than any other type of restaurant when I'm in Vegas. They're inexpensive, I can eat exactly what I want, how much I want, and I like the variety of food available. Buffets are to Vegas what taco joints are to Texas, or hot dog stands are to New York City.
But how do you tip servers at a buffet? They clearly don't do the same caliber of work that a full-fledged waiter does … then again, they provide a valuable service and they don't get paid much for it, either.
Everyone I know who tips like me gives these types of employees a solid 10% tip – and only in Vegas. If I'm eating at a breakfast buffet on I-10 in the middle of nowhere at a gas station, I'm going to assume that they take care of their own employees. But in Vegas, they need a little something extra to survive.
So here's what I do – I give servers at buffets either $1 or 10%, whichever is higher. That seems to reward servers who work at fancier buffets, which may be a little unfair. But I think this way is simple and it ensures that the workers earn a living wage.
How to Tip Valets
I've long been confused about how much to tip the guys who bring the car around. Download video poker games. Often, this service is included in the (not at all inexpensive) cost of my hotel room. Then again, they don't make any more money than waiters or waitresses, and I imagine their landlords like the rent paid just as frequently as anyone else's.
I've been told that the standard tip is either $1 or $2 every time your car is brought around. I think I'd stick to the $1 tip, just because then I have less cash to carry around. As for how to tip a valet – it's easy. They expect it. When they hand you the keys, hand them a cash tip palm to palm.
How to Calculate a Standard Tip
Here's a sneaky way to calculate a standard 20% tip in Vegas – sales tax in the state is 7.75%. That means if you double the tax amount, you've got a number representing about 15%. Simply take one-third of that amount, add it again, and you've got an approximate 20% tip.
Here's an example:
Let's say you and me have a nice steak dinner after a few successful rounds of blackjack. The bill comes back – $193.54, with $15 in tax. You want to know what to tip, so you just double the taxes ($30), then add a third of that amount to itself (1/3 of 30 is 10, so we add $10), and you get the tip amount. In this case, that's $40. It's not an exact amount, but it's close to a 20% tip, and your server will appreciate it.
This has been the most frequently asked question lately in my e-mail box. It's also one of the questions I'm least comfortable answering. Tipping is a matter of individual taste, preference and budget. Obviously someone who has a $2000+/day gambling budget is going to much more comfortable tipping than someone who is trying to do an entire trip on less than $200 including hotel, food, shows, and some nickel slots. There are no hard and fast rules or guidelines for tipping, it's all about what you're comfortable with. I find that I tip a lot more on a winning trip than I do on a losing trip.
I have talked to a number of employees in different areas you will come in contact with on your trip. Surprisingly, almost all of them said the same thing, 'I am happy with any tip, no matter how small.' Many said that they don't expect a tip at all from anyone, but I'm not sure I believe that. :) I have written up some guidelines. Obviously if you're betting black chips ($100) I would expect that you would tip more, and likewise, if you're on a tight budget and betting nickels, maybe tip a little less. The bottom line is that you need to do what is most comfortable for you. But always say thank you for good service, fill out a comment card or write a letter when you get home letting casino managers know about exceptional service you have received.
Here we go!
Skycaps (the people at the curb who can check your bags instead of at the ticket counter) - $1.00 per bag
There are no other positions that get a tip. Ticket counter employees are specifically instructed not to take tips for any reason. Wheelchair service attendants can accept tips, but they are not allowed to solicit them.
Airport/Rental Car Shuttle Bus Drivers: $1-2 for helping with bags or for exceptional advice or assistance with something.
Limousine Driver: (note: Las Vegas Limo company's shuttle service should be treated like shuttle busses above) If you rent a limousine for a special occasion or for a tour of the strip, standard tip is usually $5 per person or 10% of the bill, whichever is more.
Guide To Tipping In Vegas
Free Hotel Shuttles: I have to admit that I rarely tip on these busses unless the driver does something exceptional. I have no idea why I don't, but it never occurs to me. If a driver is friendly and funny or helps me with questions I have, etc. I will tip. Usually $1-2 into the tip cup that is usually in the front of the van somewhere.
Tipping In Vegas
Taxi Drivers: I'm not sure I use any kind of mathematical formula for this one. It's not a percentage, but more of a feeling based upon how my ride was and what the final numbers are on the meter. If I've had a short trip down the strip with no conversation or a grumpy driver. I might give the driver a $5 bill for a $4.10 tab. If the driver was particularly friendly or informative, I might throw in an extra $1. For a longer drive, say $14.30, I round up to $15 and add a couple of dollars. I'd probably give $17-18 for that ride. It all depends on the service I get from the driver. (For Example - short story: On my 30th birthday, Dan and I got separated at Ceasars Palace and I had to take a taxi back to the Golden Nugget downtown. I was really upset and did a little bit of crying in the cab. The taxi driver was great and helped to reassure me that Dan would be at the hotel waiting for me when I got there. I believe the tab came to just under $14, but I gave the driver $20. I felt that was going above and beyond his job description and I wished that I had more to give at that time because he really did make me feel a lot better.)
At the front desk Front door sayings. : This is one I've never done, but others swear on its effectiveness. Depending on the level of the hotel you're staying at, fold a $20 or $50 bill into fourths (in half and in half again) and put it in your pocket while you wait in line at the front desk. Once you get up to the counter, put the bill into your hand. Place your hand on the desk with the bill sticking out a little bit. Be sure the desk clerk can see the denomination of the bill and slide it towards them a little, while still under your hand. Ask, 'Any chance we can get an upgrade to a suite?' Normally the front desk clerk will type something into a computer and/or go talk to someone else standing behind the counter (usually the hotel manager or supervisor). If they say that they are able to upgrade you, you slide that bill over towards them and they will take it from you as you remove your hand. If they say that nothing is available, you take the bill back, slide it back into your pocket and say, 'Thank you for checking. Can I get something with a nice view?'
Bellman: I would say that this one is pretty standard. Most people tip $1-2 per bag. I would recommend that if you're staying at a four star hotel like Bellagio or Four Seasons that you consider going $2-3 per bag. Typically you tip when they deliver the bags to your room, not when they take your bags at the curb.
Valet Parking: This one is my favorite. I have a good system for this. I will have $3 in my pocket when I go to pick up my car at the valet. If the car is nearby and the valet friendly, they get the whole $3. If there valet is grumpy, but the car gets there within a minute or two, $2. If the valet isn't particularly friendly or the wait is long (sometimes I've waited as long as 20 minutes!) they get $1 or nothing if the service is particularly bad. You can also tip when dropping off your car. Sometimes if I'm just running in to the hotel to change clothes or to pick up something, I will stip the valet a couple of dollars and say that I'm just running in and ask them to keep it close. If they do, I give them another couple bucks when I pick up the car.
Housekeeping: I have to admit that this was a tough one for me and I was a holdout for a long time, but it really does make a difference. Leaving $1-2 for the maid makes a big difference in the quality of the service you get from housekeeping. You'll find more/better towels and soaps, shampoos and other extras. The housekeeping department works very hard for very little money and your extra couple bucks can and will make a difference. In addition, an extra couple bucks for special service is called for. If you need your room done quickly or if you ask for extra towels, soaps or other service, leave a note with a few dollars. I'd also leave a little extra if I had been having a little too much fun in my room and left a larger than normal mess. :)
NOTE: Here are some suggestions I got in my email. Hope they help you too!
Shimmer suggests leaving the tip on the pillowcase with a note saying 'Thanks' or something similar. Dan suggests leaving your tip under or inside the little note that says, 'Your room has been prepared by..' if one is provided.
Sandy leaves a couple of dollars sticking out from under the pillow while Kumar says to leave the money with a note that says 'For Housekeeping'. Gerald left a note with a tip and got extra coffee packets for the coffee maker in the room. From one package a day before tip to four packages after the tip!
I got the inside scoop from Jim who says, 'My neice is a maid in Las Vegas and says maids can only accept tips left on the beds pillow. Money left on tables or stands must be left (if guest is saying multiple nights), or turned into lost and found if the guest is gone.' Well, that is good enough for me. I'll be leaving my tips on the pillow. Thanks for your input!
Maintenance: If a hotel maintenance worker comes to you room to open a stuck suitcase or to perform a service specifically (not to fix a dripping faucet, etc) a tip of $1-2 (more if the task was complex) is warranted.
Concierge: A tip of $2-5 for getting a dinner reservation is normal. A $5-10 tip for getting show tickets and upwards of $20 for hard to get reservations at a restaurant or sold-out show would be nice.
Restaurant employees: Restaurant tipping is probably the one we're all most comfortable with. The standard is 15-20% of the total check. Red dog casino bonus codes. However, if you recieve a meal in the coffee shop or other restaurant as a comp for your play, or if you're dining on a 2-for-1 coupon, be sure to tip the wait staff based upon what your total check WOULD BE without the comp/coupon.
Buffet Staff: At a buffet, it is normal to leave $1-2 per person based upon service. Were drinks brought on a regular basis? Were plates cleared often enough? If you're at a lesser expensive buffet, you can get away with $1 per person, but some of the buffets are upwards of $25+ per person and $2-3 is reasonable.
IN THE GAMING AREA:
Cocktail Waitresses: $1 per drink is standard. I've tipped more and I've tipped less. This is a hard one for me because budgets are so different for everyone. I think that a person who is playing nickels should be allowed to tip less than the person playing $5 slots or $100 blackjack. The argument against that is that the drinks don't weigh any less and the bar isn't closer to the higher cost machines/tables. I know they're right, but it's a matter of budget and disposable income. I think that $1 is a good tip for a cocktail waitress. I have tipped $0.50 for bottled water on occasion and once or twice I haven't had the money out when they arrived and they've walked away without a tip. I usually try to catch them and tip twice as much on the next time around. The same goes for playing at the bar. Tip the bartender $1 for a comped drink. You'll be amazed at the difference in the service you get.
Casino/Slot Hosts: NO TIP!!! This is a biggie. No cash money tips can be accepted by any slot or casino host. It's too much like a bribe as they are the ones who determine whether or not you get that free room or comped meal. However, you can give them gifts. I highly recommend you bringing a gift with 'local flair' to a casino host who has gone the extra mile for you. I like food items from my local area like an assortment of jams, or a nice bottle of wine. Also acceptable are things like scarves, ties, lapel pins, tie clips, candy, etc. Gift certificates are a grey area. Some casinos are okay with them, others frown upon it. Another nice thing to do is to send flowers or a plant, but the best thing you can do according to the slot hosts I spoke with is to write a very nice letter to their boss letting them know how well you were treated and how much the assistance of your host contributed to the wonderful time you had in their casino.
Change personnel: I get flamed for this one all the time. I do not feel a need to tip the change people who come around to fill the hopper or count out any hand pay jackpot that I get. Many people say you should tip 10% of your winnings, but I don't see them reimbursing me 10% when I lose. If a change person was helpful in finding a particular game or getting bills to work in the machine that results in a win, I will share. And in that instance, 10% is probably fair. However, there are a number of times I don't have any contact with a change person. I put a bill into the machine, play for hours, lose a fair amount and then get a $200 hand pay after putting $180 into the machine. After waiting upwards of 20 minutes for someone to bring me my money, I don't feel the need to hand over my $20 in winnings to the change person just because they count out some $20 bills for me. Feel free to share the wealth if you're winning, but I don't ever feel obligated to tip the change personnel.
Dealers: Here's another one that's personal preference. You can occasionally throw a chip to the dealer as a tip or 'toke', but I prefer to bet for the dealer. Ask the dealer at your particular game how to place a bet for them. They will be happy to help you.
I hope this has been helpful. It's certainly not a complete guide and it doesn't encompass everyone. It's just supposed to give you an idea of what I do and what is 'industry standard' so you can make your own determination on who to tip and how much to give. Please be sure to do whatever you're most comfortable with. I believe that tipping is for excellent service. Never feel pressured into tipping anyone for any reason.
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Also, I'd like to repeat that one thing I heard over and over while researching this article was that the best thank you that you can give to a casino employee is to take a minute to wrote on the comment card of the hotel, or write a letter to the casino or hotel manager when you get home, and tell the employee's boss what an excellent job the employee did and how much their professionalism and courtesy helped make your stay that much better. They hear complaints all the time and a kudoz and acknowledgement now and then is a welcome event.
Enjoy!
