so the dealers do we tip them?
how does that work in a tournament and how much?
Like everything in poker... it depends!
- Is there a staff fee deducted from the prize pool automatically? If yes, the casino has decided how much you should tip (similar to a restaurant adding a tip automatically). You are under no obligation to tip further! That said, many folks do.
- Are you playing recreationally? Did you have fun? Then consider tossing the dealer a bone... you aren't playing to pay the bills any way!
- Was your ROI in the tournament HUGE? This can happen for a variety of reasons, overlay from a GTD tourney being a primary one. Then why not throw a bone of goodness at the dealer. Don't go crazy, think in %'s of win after subtracting expenses.
One thing to keep in mind as a recreational player in the USA. Expenses, like tips (and hotels, dinner etc), are not something you can write off on your taxes as losses. If you win big enough to have to pay taxes, don't expect to subtract anything from it (other than your
gambling losses... which you need to have good records of).
I know of a guy who tips 5% for 1st, 3% for 2nd, 2% for 3rd and 1% for 4th and 5th.
I know another guy who always tips 10%
I know a regular at Harrah's Las Vegas who tips 20% when she fires one bullet and cashes 1st or 2nd (or makes a deal). She seems rich and doesn't seem to care about money.
It all comes down to personal preference, do what makes you feel good.