Guide to Tipping in Las Vegas

When it comes to tipping in Las Vegas, there's more to think about than just the hotels, restaurants, and cab rides. If you plan on doing some gambling, you should also be familiar with the tipping etiquette of the casinos, which can be a little different in Vegas than other gambling hubs across the country. For example, casino dealers in Vegas do not split their tips with the other dealers on the floor and instead take home everything they get tipped. Additionally, all tips made in casinos should be paid with casino chips over cash, because some casinos don't allow their employees to accept cash tips.

Wherever you go in Vegas, tipping is expected by just about everyone who offers you a service, from the hotel bellhop to the buffet busboy. Just like at home, you shouldn't feel compelled to tip if you receive bad service, but don't be shy either if you receive exceptional service by showing your appreciation with an exceptional tip.

Pit Dealers

If you're playing any non-poker game such as blackjack, roulette, or craps, you can tip the dealer as you play. Deciding how much to tip depends on whether or not you're winning and if the dealer is making the experience enjoyable.

If you're doing well and winning money, you should throw the dealer a tip between $1-5 once in a while. It's entirely up to you whether you tip during the action or when you leave the table. If you tip when you leave the table, you should tip between 2 percent to 5 percent of your winnings. If you're on a losing streak, you can tip less often.

Some dealers will even keep an eye on you and help you get as close to winning as possible by offering advice or helping to clarify the rules of the game. If the dealer seems rude or standoffish, you can choose not to tip.

Poker Dealers

Poker dealers take home most of their salary from tips, so if you win a pot, it's customary to send at least a $1 chip over to the dealer. Poker dealers are in their own tipping category, because they do a lot more work to keep track of splitting the pots and sometimes have to put up with annoying behavior from players. A good dealer can keep the game going, but a bad dealer might let things get out of control.

Casino Servers

While you are gambling in Las Vegas, servers in the casinos will come around with free drinks. Regardless of your luck, it's customary to tip them $1-2 per drink.

Taxis

For a fare below $15, it's customary to at least tip your taxi driver $1. However, if you notice your driver is taking the long way to your hotel, make sure to point it out. Don't tip anyone who long hauls you, or doesn't drive safely.

Hotels

For the bellhop who carries your bag, $2 per bag up to $12 is customary. If they spend some time showing you all the amenities in your room and how to use them, you can tip a little more. For hotel housekeeping, it's customary to leave a dollar per day.

Restaurants and Bars

For good service at any restaurant in Las Vegas, a 15 percent to 20 percent tip is the standard. However, if you receive poor service, you can tip a little bit lower. Not leaving a tip at all is in poor taste at a restaurant. If you're ordering from the bar, the bartender will also expect a tip.

Buffets

It's customary to tip $1-2 per person in your party for drink service and the clearing of dishes. If you're eating at a buffet where the drinks are self-serve, just tip $1 for the clearing of plates per person in your party.

Spas

Tipping is customary at spas. At most day spas, it's appropriate to tip 15 percent to 20 percent. So when you have a $100 massage, tip $15 if the service was average, and $20 or more if the massage therapist provided outstanding service. Some day spas add a service fee, but most do not. You can either offer the tip directly to the therapist in cash or add it to your bill. A few spas leave envelopes in the room to encourage tipping.