Acceptable tipping

[alwayssplitaces]

How much do you think is a good tipping rate for a red/green chip player? I try to tip $2 an hour on average, which is 5-10% of my EV. That's like another tax! I tip less in losing sessions, don't tip at all if I don't like the dealer's mannerisms. And I tip less if there's another big tipper at the table. Ironically, the dealers that deal fast, don't talk, and who seem to repel players get the best tips from me. The dealers that take their time dealing, attract players, and frequently stop the action to joke with the players get stiffed by me (no, you don't need to high five every player that gets a blackjack). A dealer error is also a reason I will not tip.

Considering on a busy night a dealer will have about 5 players on average, if each tips $2 an hour, that's a $17 an hour wage for the dealer after adding the minimum wage. Not bad just for dealing cards and counting chips.

Most gamblers tip in proportion to their winnings. If I win $1000 in 2 hours and tip $5 at the end, that makes me look cheap. For most people, gambling is entertainment and they tip accordingly. They expect to lose their money, so it's better off if more of it goes to the dealer. For me, it's an investment. Tips are a tax for me. People don't tip their stockbroker, so why should I tip the dealers?

I want reasons to tip less. I have tipped hundreds of dollars just this year. I hate stiffing the friendly dealers who go out of their way to make the playing experience enjoyable for the ploppies, but they reduce my win rate. I realize I make more per hour on my side of the table. I need to stop tipping if the table's tip average is more than $10 an hour.

 

[pieinthesky]

Tipping

Unless you're willing to not tip at all (which I"m not), I think what you're doing is just about right, and an acceptable "rake" off your win rate. I follow similar guidelines - no tips for bad dealers or mis-pays, no or fewer tips if someone else at the table is taking care of the dealer as well as or better than I would. If playing green, I generally put out a $2.50 bet for the dealer after each BJ, which seems more than most do and an acceptable amount to me and to most dealers.

If I have a winning session, I try to color in for an even amount of greens (or, better yet, blacks), so the dealer will be less likely to expect a large "parting gift." I have not run into dealers who express disappointment in not receiving a large tip after a large win; I find most are happy to get small, regular tips over the course of a session; I find this especially true where I am the only tipper at the table. I also find that at casinos with popular side bets, the tip rate is much lower; ploppies who don't regularly play them often do when they get smaller chips after a blackjack, instead of putting them up for the dealer.

If everyone at the table -- or even half the players -- tipped as much as I do, the dealers would do extremely well. It's bad enough I have to subsidize the dealers' employers, though I do so half-willingly, as I do other service people, but I see no need to make up for the cheapskates at my side of the table. As long as I'm giving something and the other folks are not, I've never encountered dealer hostility toward me.

That said, I also do not believe tipping -- even when coupled with a pretty good act, which I think I have -- will keep you from getting backed off. I've been backed off twice in my career, and both times I was doing very well and probably tipping more than I usually do.

If the amount you tip bothers you, maybe you can rationalize it by remembering that your comps (if you play rated) probably just about offset the amount you tip.

 

[shadroch]

Seems like you are looking for an excuse that will allow you to tip less but not appear cheap. If you can't give a decent dealer a dollar per forty minute hift, you are cheap. Just accept it and stop trying to make excuses.

 

[The Chaperone]

Definitely no point in tipping two bucks. No dealer will appreciate that. Just stiff instead.

 

[Blackjackdealer]

As a dealer, I will gladly accept any tip, especially $2! Sometimes if a streak of action can be anticipated put a white or 2 out for the dealer and match the bet on top of yours, if you keep winning, keep putting the profit out for the dealer and then the tips are not costing you any money (minus the extra small bet on top of yours if you lose) and you will make the dealer very happy at the end of the run!

 

[BJgenius007]

How much do you think is a good tipping rate for a red/green chip player? I try to tip $2 an hour on average, which is 5-10% of my EV. That's like another tax! I tip less in losing sessions, don't tip at all if I don't like the dealer's mannerisms. And I tip less if there's another big tipper at the table. Ironically, the dealers that deal fast, don't talk, and who seem to repel players get the best tips from me. The dealers that take their time dealing, attract players, and frequently stop the action to joke with the players get stiffed by me (no, you don't need to high five every player that gets a blackjack). A dealer error is also a reason I will not tip.

Considering on a busy night a dealer will have about 5 players on average, if each tips $2 an hour, that's a $17 an hour wage for the dealer after adding the minimum wage. Not bad just for dealing cards and counting chips.

Most gamblers tip in proportion to their winnings. If I win $1000 in 2 hours and tip $5 at the end, that makes me look cheap. For most people, gambling is entertainment and they tip accordingly. They expect to lose their money, so it's better off if more of it goes to the dealer. For me, it's an investment. Tips are a tax for me. People don't tip their stockbroker, so why should I tip the dealers?

I want reasons to tip less. I have tipped hundreds of dollars just this year. I hate stiffing the friendly dealers who go out of their way to make the playing experience enjoyable for the ploppies, but they reduce my win rate. I realize I make more per hour on my side of the table. I need to stop tipping if the table's tip average is more than $10 an hour.

From my observations, more than 50% of people don't tip at all. But most of them have little buy-in and lose them all very quickly.

 

[mjatte]

Just play at my table. I LOVE to tip. I am one of those people that believes that tipping will improve my luck, especially when the dealer tells me to bet big, or to get on the banker or player in Baccarat.

When I sit down at a $5 min blackjack table, I always bet 5 dollars for the dealer the first hand, and keep tipping 5 until the dealer wins 10. I restart this when ever they change dealers. I really get a kick out of tipping. I like the dealers to like me, and I really have so much more fun if the dealer is friendly. Also, I frequently bother the dealer about getting food and drink service so I tip extra to not annoy them with these requests.

If I am betting any black chips, I will bet a green or 2 for the dealer, when I feel the time is right.

If I sit down at another game, where I am playing by myself like Casino war, or 3 card poker, I will tip when I leave to thank the dealer for talking to me. I really can't stand unfriendly dealers, and tipping really helps me and in my opinion (though no one here will believe this probably), really increases my winnings.

If I have lost all my money, I make sure to save my last $10 or so to give to the dealer as a final tip.

 

[BJgenius007]

Just play at my table. I LOVE to tip. I am one of those people that believes that tipping will improve my luck, especially when the dealer tells me to bet big, or to get on the banker or player in Baccarat.

When I sit down at a $5 min blackjack table, I always bet 5 dollars for the dealer the first hand, and keep tipping 5 until the dealer wins 10. I restart this when ever they change dealers. I really get a kick out of tipping. I like the dealers to like me, and I really have so much more fun if the dealer is friendly. Also, I frequently bother the dealer about getting food and drink service so I tip extra to not annoy them with these requests.

If I am betting any black chips, I will bet a green or 2 for the dealer, when I feel the time is right.

If I sit down at another game, where I am playing by myself like Casino war, or 3 card poker, I will tip when I leave to thank the dealer for talking to me. I really can't stand unfriendly dealers, and tipping really helps me and in my opinion (though no one here will believe this probably), really increases my winnings.

If I have lost all my money, I make sure to save my last $10 or so to give to the dealer as a final tip.

Your post would be a perfect fit if the thread title was "Unacceptable Tipping".

 

[Gamblor]

There are numerous, subtle benefits that come from tipping. Quite possible it offsets the lost EV. No way to sim or quantify this of course.

 

[shadroch]

Definitely no point in tipping two bucks. No dealer will appreciate that. Just stiff instead.

I rarely tip more than $1 a dealer change and I'd say about 95% of dealers seem to appreciate the effort. I have a long memory and will stiff a dealer who didn't at least fake appreciation for my effort.

 

[NightStalker]

5-10%ev

I rarely tip more than $1 a dealer change and I'd say about 95% of dealers seem to appreciate the effort. I have a long memory and will stiff a dealer who didn't at least fake appreciation for my effort.

1-2%winnings

 

[alwayssplitaces]

Maybe I should switch my tipping habit to letting a dollar bet ride. If I do it in a positive count, the chance of a winning streak increases, making it more valuable to the dealer.

 

[The Chaperone]

Maybe I should switch my tipping habit to letting a dollar bet ride. If I do it in a positive count, the chance of a winning streak increases, making it more valuable to the dealer.

This fact will be completely lost on the dealer.

 

[The Chaperone]

I rarely tip more than $1 a dealer change and I'd say about 95% of dealers seem to appreciate the effort. I have a long memory and will stiff a dealer who didn't at least fake appreciation for my effort.

You must be a red chipper. If you are betting anything significant most dealers scoff at dollar bets. That's why I say **** 'em.

Also, if you are a red chipper and your dollar toke is appreciated, you are still giving away far too high a percentage of your EV. It's really a no win situation. It can either be no win for you or no win for the dealer, your call.

 

[bigplayer]

How much do you think is a good tipping rate for a red/green chip player? I try to tip $2 an hour on average, which is 5-10% of my EV. That's like another tax! I tip less in losing sessions, don't tip at all if I don't like the dealer's mannerisms. And I tip less if there's another big tipper at the table. Ironically, the dealers that deal fast, don't talk, and who seem to repel players get the best tips from me. The dealers that take their time dealing, attract players, and frequently stop the action to joke with the players get stiffed by me (no, you don't need to high five every player that gets a blackjack). A dealer error is also a reason I will not tip.

Considering on a busy night a dealer will have about 5 players on average, if each tips $2 an hour, that's a $17 an hour wage for the dealer after adding the minimum wage. Not bad just for dealing cards and counting chips.

Most gamblers tip in proportion to their winnings. If I win $1000 in 2 hours and tip $5 at the end, that makes me look cheap. For most people, gambling is entertainment and they tip accordingly. They expect to lose their money, so it's better off if more of it goes to the dealer. For me, it's an investment. Tips are a tax for me. People don't tip their stockbroker, so why should I tip the dealers?

I want reasons to tip less. I have tipped hundreds of dollars just this year. I hate stiffing the friendly dealers who go out of their way to make the playing experience enjoyable for the ploppies, but they reduce my win rate. I realize I make more per hour on my side of the table. I need to stop tipping if the table's tip average is more than $10 an hour.

Tip no more than 1% to 2% of your win rate. If your stakes are so low that 2% of your expected win per hour is an insult to the dealer then you should tip $0. (i.e, if your EV is $30 per hour then $0 is preferable to 60 cents.) You should track your tokes as a diagnostic tool.

 

[Blue Efficacy]

You DO actually tip your stockbroker, it's called a commission.

 

[Blue Efficacy]

Maybe I should switch my tipping habit to letting a dollar bet ride. If I do it in a positive count, the chance of a winning streak increases, making it more valuable to the dealer.

Sorry but this is not true. High counts will improve your win rate, but won't have any substantial effect on the likelihood of a winning streak. More productive splits and doubledowns, as well as more BJ's make you your money, not more won hands.

 

[azbjdealer]

I usually don't tip. Now, before you all accuse me of being a cheap bastard, read on!! LOL. No, what I do is play for the dealer every tenth hand or so (I'll play a buck or two for the dealer).

I think they much rather enjoy the excitement and opportunity to double their cash just like I do. I've had dealers win splits, doubles, etc right along with me doing this. I think it adds to the fun.

Now, as I know having been to dealer school, doing this will not make you win any more than not (as many "punters" think it will), but, it does add to the fun and puts the dealer in a jolly mood!

 

[Gamblor]

I usually don't tip. Now, before you all accuse me of being a cheap bastard, read on!! LOL. No, what I do is play for the dealer every tenth hand or so (I'll play a buck or two for the dealer).

I think they much rather enjoy the excitement and opportunity to double their cash just like I do. I've had dealers win splits, doubles, etc right along with me doing this. I think it adds to the fun.

Now, as I know having been to dealer school, doing this will not make you win any more than not (as many "punters" think it will), but, it does add to the fun and puts the dealer in a jolly mood!

There's another benefit of playing for the dealer rather than tipping the dealer directly.

Also, there's a casino who's policy is that if you ask the dealer to choose whether to play the tip or tip directly, they cannot tell you. Yet another example of casino stupidity, theoretically they would make more if its in play, which is what most dealers would choose.

 

[azbjdealer]

There's another benefit of playing for the dealer rather than tipping the dealer directly.

Also, there's a casino who's policy is that if you ask the dealer to choose whether to play the tip or tip directly, they cannot tell you. Yet another example of casino stupidity, theoretically they would make more if its in play, which is what most dealers would choose.

Oh absolutely. I have two good friends who are dealers and they absolutely LOVE when people play for them. I think as a dealer you inherently have to love the game, and so playing and the opportunity to double down and split right along with the player adds to the fun and excitement of winning for both parties.

When I win a lot, sometimes I'll even play the entire last hand for the dealer (my bet as well). If I bet $10 on the hand, and $2 for the dealer, that's a nice $24 they will make if I win, because I let them keep the whole hand. I'll simply push the chips forward and tell them "it's all you"! You should see the smiles you get (especially from some of the beautiful Asian lady dealers!!)!

And let me tell you, they will remember you. I have had several occasions where the dealer will light up and smile when they see me sit down.

Ain't winning great?