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
When you are winning, it is universally expected that you share a small percentage of your good fortune with the person dealing the cards.
To place a bet for them in blackjack, put a chip slightly outside your betting circle; if your hand wins, the dealer’s bet also wins.
- A standard rule of thumb is to tip the dealer roughly $5 for every $100 you win during a moderately successful session
- Placing a bet for the dealer is highly preferred by the staff, as it makes them actively root for you to win the hand
- If you are playing for several hours and steadily breaking even, you should still tip the dealer occasionally for their hard work and entertainment
Tipping the Waitresses, Valets, and Cashiers
Beyond the dealers, cocktail waitresses (often called beverage servers) are the hardest-working individuals on the entire casino floor.
Finally, when you take your massive pile of chips to the cashier’s cage to cash out, it is not strictly necessary to tip the cashier, but leaving $1 or $2 from the odd change is appreciated.
| Tipping Method | How to Execute It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Tip to Dealer | Slide chip forward, say “For you” | Clean, simple, and polite |
| Betting for the Dealer | Place chip outside your betting box | Creates a fun, shared team atmosphere against the house |
By tipping generously and acting politely, you transform the staff from mere employees into your personal cheering section.