Who, How Much & When to Tip in Vegas

If you’re planning to visit Las Vegas for some high-rolling fun, the last thing you want to worry about is committing a casino tourist faux pas. Let’s find out Who, How Much & When to Tip in Vegas?

In a casino, tipping etiquette can confuse you often. There’s a lot to consider: who should I tip? How much is enough? What if the service was not good?

Nobody wants to be known as a bad tipper. So, if you’re a newbie, or just unsure how they do things in Sin City, here’s – Who, How Much & When to Tip in Vegas.

Why should you tip?

When you travel around the world, especially in Europe, you’ll know that tipping is usually left to patrons’ discretion.

However, it’s a different ballgame in the US. Although it is not a legal requirement to tip, it is expected. It is mostly considered a token of appreciation or recognition, it’s a cultural norm and one that’s taken seriously.

And the main reason for this? 

Working tables is hard, from greeting potentially hundreds of customers a day, through to ordering, serving, remembering usuals and specials, and handling questions and complaints.

In the US, those in the service industry can reportedly expect around $7.25 per hour without tips, or $2.13 for employees who earn a minimum of $30 in tips per month.

Thinking about it may dampen your vacation mood, but tipping is a necessity.

How Much Should You Tip In Vegas?

There is an easy way to make sure there are no awkward moments when you pay the bill in the casino restaurant or bar. Leave a tip of between 15 to 20 percent.

That’s the standard practice across Las Vegas and the US as a whole. You’ll be safe as long as you stick to those figures.

But, where you find outstanding services, there’s nothing is stopping you from leaving more.

Tip different amounts for different services?

The general rule of thumb is:

1. Casino Hosts

You should check the casino rules and policies before tipping your host. Some are strict about cash gifts, so your gesture would land someone in trouble if it looks like a bribe.

However, if you find a different ballgame, it’s often best to do this at the end of your stay, with gift certificates, bets, and comps popular too.

2. Dealers

Tip your dealer as you play or when you leave. Two to five percent of your overall winnings is the standard practice, but you’re free to base it on how well you are doing and how much fun you’re having.

For poker dealers, you should shell out a minimum of a $1 chip but you can judge it on the size of the pot.

3. Room Service

10 to 20 percent is the standard. There’s arguably a little more flexibility here due to typically expensive bills, less ‘service’, and charges often being added by the hotels themselves.

4. Buffet Service

Use the cost of the buffet, and the type of attention and services you’ve received, to guide you. It is usually a little less than a restaurant, the average is 10 percent of the meal or around $2 to $5 per person.

5. Spa Staff

Some casinos along with the hotel spas will add a 20 percent charge for each spa service you receive. If not, opt for your trusty 15 to 20 percent rule, depending on how good your treatment was.

6. Drink Runner

It can be $1 every time somebody brings you a beverage on the casino floor or at the slots. You might want to bring out a few more bucks, or stick by the 15 to 20 percent rule if you’re banking on regular and attentive service.

7. Housekeepers

$1 to $3 per night will do. But again, use your discretion and consider factors like the size of the room or suite, the number of guests, any special requests made, and how unorganized or messy you are. Just remember to leave a note with the cash so it isn’t overlooked.

8. Bellhops

Here you should leave $2 to $3 per bag and bump it up for quick service or if there’s a lot of heavy-duty lifting.

9. Limo Drivers

If you’re traveling in luxury, a $20 tip is suggested. If your driver is full of handy local knowledge and goes the extra mile, you may want to shell out a little more.

Should you tip for bad service?

Better speak to the restaurant or bar manager.

If you feel the service was too bad for a tip, it’s just great to speak up about. Trying to leave without explaining the lack of gratuity will raise some awkward questions.

You may even leave a reduced tip of 10 percent for restaurants and bars will get the message across, too.