Casino Etiquette

LennyPigeon

LennyPigeon

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 9, 2010
Total posts
100
Chips
0
Here's the story: Two of my friends and I have recently started going to the casino to play some live poker. A little strapped for cash, as most students are, we opt for the lowest buy-in tournaments available (£10 freezeout, 2 nights a week). Tonight was only our second attempt and my friend managed to take down 1st place! Obviously he was ecstatic with his £230 win and we were buzzing for him too.

Anyway, the tournament co-ordinator took him to the cash desk to collect his winnings and then, quite bluntly in my opinion, asked him to put £5 into a little box on the desk as a tip. As this was an unfamiliar situation for my friend he kind of laughed it off and put in a couple of spare quid that he had in his wallet. He then said something like 'that wasn't 5 pounds' and walked off rather stern faced without smiling at any point in this whole process.

We were a little confused as to the way he behaved and it even put a bit of a downer on my friend's achievement. Looking back now I can see how it is a similar situation to tipping at a restaurant: the dealer/co-ordinator resembling a waiter/waitress. Has my friend broken a golden casino rule? He did give something back and i'm sure he's not obliged to. Would be grateful for any input and perhaps some similar casino 'faux pas' anecdotes can be shared, if indeed this is one?
 
Dwilius

Dwilius

CardsChat Regular
Silver Level
Joined
May 5, 2008
Total posts
7,584
Awards
34
Chips
0
...
 
Last edited:
T

TheWall

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
May 30, 2009
Total posts
433
Chips
0
I wouldn't worry about it, but in the future you might consider making the $5 tip. Congrats to your friend.
 
Grossberger

Grossberger

Cardschat Elite
Silver Level
Joined
May 12, 2009
Total posts
2,066
Chips
0
5% of winnings is the norm if it has a bonus buy ie: extra chips for a small fee most times dealers are making minimun wage or lower and tips are where they make their money. I think there are a few countries that tipping is not acceptable but not many.
 
ythelongface

ythelongface

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Apr 22, 2007
Total posts
2,647
Awards
1
Chips
2
I always tip the dealer if I win/cash in a tourney. For one, its the right thing to do, as the dealers dont make that much and two, its good karma.:cool:
 
M

mig2169

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Total posts
423
Chips
0
I agree with ythelongface, u allways tip after a win, no matterhow big the tourny was.
 
K

kevkojak

Visionary
Silver Level
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Total posts
555
Chips
0
I have never taken first in a dealer dealt live MTT, so can't comment much. I have won countless 10 seat SnG's in UK casinos and never tipped, and took about £300 out of a dealer-dealt cash game and didn't tip. We were paying about £1 per orbit just to sit in, and thats enough rake for me thanks. I didn't feel obligated to leave any more, and wasn't looked down on for not doing.
In the UK tipping rules are extremely strict - I think most replies above are US players where tipping is much more commonplace.
As for the card room manager demanding a £5 gimme, I'd have asked exactly what it was for before deciding whether to give up any hard fought winnings. It clearly wasn't an essential if all he did was walk off in a moody when you only dropped a couple of quid in. (Although for 2% of the win, I think I'd have given the £5 up for the tip-box).
 
wsorbust

wsorbust

Cardschat Elite
Silver Level
Joined
Apr 17, 2006
Total posts
2,425
Awards
1
Chips
1
I think it's right to tip but if it's not mandatory, therefore, then it's not assumed either. The coordinator blunty asks, when he or she probably shouldn't have, that you put in $5 into the tip box? Would this be about the same as a waiter telling you to tip after you've eaten the food? Doesn't it come off a bit insulting, since they're asking, due to the assumption you're not going to tip in the first place?
 
C

cAPSLOCK

Cardschat Elite
Silver Level
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
Total posts
2,550
Chips
0
I thought something similar. When the waiter asks me after I hand them cash for my meal, "Do you want your change?" I am always tempted to tip less.

Doesn't mean I shouldn't tip.
 
D

dan abnormal

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Total posts
1,045
Chips
0
At my card room, Every hand and I play limit $1/$2 as that is the most I can afford right now. Every hand the winner gives the dealer a dollar or $2 chip and when people dont, you get odd looks at the table and the dealer sure remembers but that all he expects. Like a few times when I do take down a nice size pot, I will forget to the end of the following hand and make sure to say, hey did I hit you up for the last hand and he or she remembers. and will tell you yes or no and then if its no, I give up the chip and just say sorry I get excitied when I win sometimes. They rotate dealers every 30 minutes and they must make some awesome money at the NL tables since I bet they are being given $5 chips and so.


THe rake machine still kills me, that thing makes some serious cash
 
lektrikguy

lektrikguy

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Total posts
1,559
Chips
0
Maybe it's some European casino thing...never seen/heard of American dealers doing that.
 
Siao

Siao

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
May 24, 2010
Total posts
46
Chips
0
I'm headed to my first casino in a couple of weeks. Pretty excited :)
 
dmorris68

dmorris68

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
May 27, 2008
Total posts
6,788
Awards
2
Chips
0
At my card room, Every hand and I play limit $1/$2 as that is the most I can afford right now. Every hand the winner gives the dealer a dollar or $2 chip and when people dont, you get odd looks at the table and the dealer sure remembers but that all he expects. Like a few times when I do take down a nice size pot, I will forget to the end of the following hand and make sure to say, hey did I hit you up for the last hand and he or she remembers. and will tell you yes or no and then if its no, I give up the chip and just say sorry I get excitied when I win sometimes. They rotate dealers every 30 minutes and they must make some awesome money at the NL tables since I bet they are being given $5 chips and so.


THe rake machine still kills me, that thing makes some serious cash
There was a discussion on this awhile ago, and I think Oz and some other dealers/casino workers chimed in as well as some top players. Basically the gist was that if you give up $1-$2 for every pot you win, especially at 1/2 limits, then you're giving up waaaaaay too much money considering the rake you're also paying. Many recommend to tip every X number of pots, or better, to decided on a fixed amount based on the hours played/hands dealt, and tip that up front or after the session. If you're going to tip after, let the dealer know, but it's probably best to tip first in case you have a losing session and go broke, lol. Then if you finish way up, you can add a little extra if you feel like it. But siphoning off $1-$2 from every pot is a huge drain on your winnings.

I'm not saying dealers don't deserve a fair wage -- they certainly do -- and I'm not suggesting to stiff them. But when you think about how many pots they handle in an hours time, and if they make $1-$5 (I see many $1/$2 players toss them a $5 chip if they rake a nice pot) per pot on top of their regular salary, their hourly rate is going to be much much higher than most of their players. :)
 
Tom1559

Tom1559

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Total posts
1,701
Awards
1
Chips
0
Seems to be a bit of a touchy subject. I think it is right to tip the dealer and the staff in general and I think 5 to 10% of any winnings seems fair. However I also think it is a bit off that the manager pointedly asked for the tip. Tipping should always be at the customers discretion.
 
D

dan abnormal

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Total posts
1,045
Chips
0
DMORRIS -

I agree with yall whole heartly that I think its way too much money to give and this is every single hand someone is tipping the dealer. Id love to read some of the threads ya'll had on this. But its hard to change a system that seems to be the norm. Not one time that I have gone have as anyone every brought up the tipping system and maybe it should just be predetermined for each dealer and would this seem like a crazy idea or do dealers expect a higher amount. What if everyone decided to chip in a $1 (higher at other tables but think $1/$2 lmit) that each player gives $1 at the end of each half hour run and that would be $10 in tips per 1/2 hour. I dunno I never really counted how deals we do in a 1/2 period. But I have no clue how to change the system that seems in place

ALso the rake is a 10% at our card room, is that about right or is that high, so 10% rake and a tip from each winner. I agree seems way over the top.
 
R

Rmoneymaker8

Rising Star
Bronze Level
Joined
Aug 15, 2010
Total posts
11
Chips
0
i believe the government has their hands in your wallet when you win, and so do the dealers, and the casino (rake). But where are they when you lose? they give you a "thanks, better luck next time". So IMO i think no one should be forced to tip, as its your money you took a risk with and won. If you lose the dealer doesnt tip you back. Sorry but the Casinos are making out like fat cats and I feel no sympathy for anyone who tries to screw them out of a few bucks
 
dmorris68

dmorris68

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
May 27, 2008
Total posts
6,788
Awards
2
Chips
0
i believe the government has their hands in your wallet when you win, and so do the dealers, and the casino (rake). But where are they when you lose? they give you a "thanks, better luck next time". So IMO i think no one should be forced to tip, as its your money you took a risk with and won. If you lose the dealer doesnt tip you back. Sorry but the Casinos are making out like fat cats and I feel no sympathy for anyone who tries to screw them out of a few bucks
Every day someone posts something that is even more incredible than the day before... :rolleyes:

Are you serious? This is like saying IHOP makes billions, so screw the waiters & waitress.

The dealers, bartenders, hostesses, and the vast majority of other casino support staff aren't "making out like fat cats." You aren't tipping the *casino* here.
 
natsgrampy

natsgrampy

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Jun 9, 2009
Total posts
4,475
Awards
2
US
Chips
104
Every day someone posts something that is even more incredible than the day before... :rolleyes:

Are you serious? This is like saying IHOP makes billions, so screw the waiters & waitress.

The dealers, bartenders, hostesses, and the vast majority of other casino support staff aren't "making out like fat cats." You aren't tipping the *casino* here.
Well put! The Casino and the dealers are two entirely different entities. The Rake in no way makes it to the dealer's pockets. You have a good meal with good service, give it up. You win a good pot/tourney and have a courteous dealer, give it up.
 
Panamajoe

Panamajoe

Legend
Silver Level
Joined
Mar 11, 2008
Total posts
1,382
Chips
0
Who ever invented tipping should be shot! Let the business that is making ALL THE MONEY pay a fair salary to its employees and forget all this crap!

BUT, since our culture isn't that way we'll all continue to pay for good (or indifferent) service and chuck an extra 10% on top of the rake to the dealer. Ifn ya don't then ya don't but remember the slob dealeing the cards is the one that is getting $5.35 an hour so you can have fun and have a chance at DA MONEY.

I was at the Shea stadium for the first time in my life to watch the cardinals beat up on the hapless Mets. When the jackazz that wiped his dirty rag over our seats and glommed off bitching, just loud enough, "damned tourists don't know how to tip"! NEVER in my life had I given a tip in a ballpark in St. Louis or anywhere else! But he didn't make me feel bad, the putz.
 
larry4896

larry4896

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
Total posts
163
Chips
0
Leave a tip you are comfortable with if you cash. It's just what you should do.
 
A

AUPhoenix

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Feb 16, 2008
Total posts
491
Chips
0
Playing limit ring games in New Orleans or at a Mississippi casino. The winner of each hand usually tips the dealer a dollar or two. If the hand turns into a raising battle then I have seen 5 dollar tips. This is the right thing to do, but I think those dealers make out like a bandit collecting something on every hand dealt.:)
 
O

Oil_Fan

Rock Star
Silver Level
Joined
Aug 20, 2010
Total posts
189
Chips
0
Seems to be a bit of a touchy subject. I think it is right to tip the dealer and the staff in general and I think 5 to 10% of any winnings seems fair. However I also think it is a bit off that the manager pointedly asked for the tip. Tipping should always be at the customers discretion.
Totally agree here. For me when I go out to dinner and I get proper service, I tend to tip 15% or so. When it's really good, I have no problems increasing that to 20% or a touch more and have done so many, many times.

Now as to tipping dealers, I've never really been in a position to do so but will be in a months time when we go Biloxi, MS. I plan on entering a poker tournament while I'm there so this is a good subject.
 
D

dan abnormal

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Total posts
1,045
Chips
0
Who ever invented tipping should be shot! Let the business that is making ALL THE MONEY pay a fair salary to its employees and forget all this crap!

BUT, since our culture isn't that way we'll all continue to pay for good (or indifferent) service and chuck an extra 10% on top of the rake to the dealer. Ifn ya don't then ya don't but remember the slob dealeing the cards is the one that is getting $5.35 an hour so you can have fun and have a chance at DA MONEY.

I was at the Shea stadium for the first time in my life to watch the cardinals beat up on the hapless Mets. When the jackazz that wiped his dirty rag over our seats and glommed off bitching, just loud enough, "damned tourists don't know how to tip"! NEVER in my life had I given a tip in a ballpark in St. Louis or anywhere else! But he didn't make me feel bad, the putz.

Im in agreement here also, as my job I dont get tips and my employer pays my salary and establishments dont exactly charge cheap prices for food but what really gets me is that 5% should be for top notch service but now folks think that 20% should be standard and higher for better service and that is just outrageous. I get tired of business owners whining that they would go out of business but charge triple what a meal would cost and lets not to mention drink cost. I dont mind a 5% tip but when the expect 1/5th of the bill is insane. ANd if I get answers like get your food yourself. Many times with the service I get like drink refills I wish I could and have. and just call my name and Ill go pick up my meals but regardless owners need to pay salaries not the customers
 
dmorris68

dmorris68

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
May 27, 2008
Total posts
6,788
Awards
2
Chips
0
I get tired of business owners whining that they would go out of business but charge triple what a meal would cost and lets not to mention drink cost. I dont mind a 5% tip but when the expect 1/5th of the bill is insane. ANd if I get answers like get your food yourself. Many times with the service I get like drink refills I wish I could and have. and just call my name and Ill go pick up my meals but regardless owners need to pay salaries not the customers
Again I feel like I have a terminal case of Devil's Advocacy, but wth, I'll roll with it... ;)

What people with your view often fail to realize is that the costs of doing business, particularly in the food service business, are widespread, varied, and almost always grossly underestimated by those without any experience with said business. In your example, the food product itself is probably a very small portion of the restaurant owner's overhead. By far he pays more for labor, benefits (to include mandatory payments to things like OASDI, workman's comp, unemployment, etc.), taxes, insurance, utilities, rent/lease/mortgage, permits & licenses, supplies, etc. than he does for his food. The only way to cover these costs is to factor them into his sale prices, and the only thing he sells (presumably) is food and drink. So yeah, the product cost is inevitably inflated. Plus he obviously needs to turn a profit, or why the hell is he busting his tail and going out on that limb to do it in the first place?

It's particularly brutal on the small business owner which is what you seem to refer to, but it's even true with the big "rich" chain operations. Take a McD's or an Outback Steakhouse, for instance. Each individual store likely makes a very very tiny profit per customer, sometimes they even lose money on some individual sales. But the difference is that the corporation as a whole makes a killing due due to the sheer volume of stores and customers they serve. The SBO that you describe doesn't have that volume to keep him afloat, his margins are so thin that there is truly a very fine line between maintaining a successful business, and total failure. His tolerance for variance, to use a poker term and to keep this somewhat topical :p, is exceedingly slim and vulnerable. He ultimately manages that with cashflow and market demand for his product. Raise prices and sure, he could make more per sale, but then he will inevitably lose sales. So he's constantly balancing prices to be fair to consumers and keep them coming in, while also maintaining his livelihood.

It's very easy for us as consumers, particularly those of us without business experience or training, to fixate on the disparity between the cost vs price of a product, while overlooking everything else. Apparently it's also easy for a lot of people to think that because a casino rakes in billions per year, that their lowly staff shares in this excess of wealth.
 
Last edited:
D

dan abnormal

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 26, 2010
Total posts
1,045
Chips
0
While you make some good points, You act like resturant owners are the only people who have these expenses, most stores have rent to pay,, insurance etc. I just feel that 5% is the most that should be expected by anyone for service and let the owners pay them an extra 15% on that $2/hr they get away with paying them anyways. When tips are expected to be a 5th of the bill thats insane, WHAT kind of implied on odds would that 1:5 on your money for them, so to switch this around, If I have to bet 20% of my stack with the expectation of winning 5x my stack I should take this bet everytime

Is this the right way to think of this. DANG THE ODDS mess with my mind especially when I only a few seconds to put it all together in my head
 
Casino Reviews - Mobile Casinos - Real Money Casinos - iPhone Casinos - Android Casinos - Online Casinos - Canada Casinos - UK Casinos - href="https://www.cardschat.com/new-zealand/casinos/">NZ Casinos - href="https://www.cardschat.com/in/casinos/">India Casinos
Top