The flashing lights and ringing bells of a casino can be incredibly distracting, making it easy to forget the human element of the floor.

Understanding the unwritten rules of the ‘toke’ (casino slang for a tip) will ensure you are treated like a VIP by the staff.

Tipping the Dealers: The Most Important Rule

Unlike standard minimum wage jobs, dealers work in an incredibly high-stress environment, absorbing the anger of losing players all day long.

You can tip a dealer in two distinct ways: simply handing them a chip directly, or placing a bet specifically for them.

• Do not use tips to try and bribe a dealer into making a ‘mistake’ in your favor; they will lose their gaming license and their job instantly
• If a dealer is rude or unhelpful, you are under no obligation to tip them, regardless of how much money you are winning
• Tipping heavily will often cause the dealer to slow the game down slightly or offer helpful advice if you are a beginner struggling with strategy

Who Else Should You Tip in a Casino?

You must absolutely tip the waitress at least $1 or $2 per drink; if you do not tip, they will simply ‘forget’ to return to your machine.

If you tip $5 on your very first drink order, the waitress will actively seek you out for the rest of her shift, ensuring your glass is never empty.

By tipping generously and acting politely, you transform the staff from mere employees into your personal cheering section.