Should Casino Players Tip the Live Dealer?

Tipping the dealer has always been a dividing subject among casino players. While some players argue that the dealers should live within their paychecks, others claim that tipping the dealer improves their overall gambling experience. So, which argument is correct? 

This article discusses why, when, and how much live casino players should tip the croupier. By the way, it’s not about bribing the live dealer to favor you on the table. 

What is Tipping the Live Dealer?

As the name suggests, tipping the dealer is to give the dealer an amount of money to appreciate a positive gaming experience. Although most players prefer tipping the dealer after winning a sizeable sum, others can tip just because the dealer is approachable or they have money to burn at the casino. In short, dealer-tipping isn’t mandatory when playing live online casino games, although it’s part of good casino etiquette. 

But before tipping the dealer, it’s essential to learn about country specifics. For example, tipping the live dealers in North America is a common practice in Las Vegas casinos. But on the other hand, players couldn’t tip UK live dealers until recently. It’s even worse in Europe, as tipping live dealers in Europe remains a rare or discreet practice. So, learn about the tipping rules in the region to avoid attracting unwanted attention from other players.  

How to Tip the Live Dealer

Tipping the dealer is a relatively straightforward process. You’ll see a “Tip” button in the best live casino games that allows this practice. Usually, players can tip the dealer in most card games from Ezugi, including OTT Roulette, Jackpot Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack, Live Casino Hold’em, and many others. You can also tip the dealer on most Evolution Gaming and Playtech titles. 

But tipping the dealer is slightly different at a land-based casino. There are varying dealer-tipping procedures when playing table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. In most cases, tipping the dealer involves handing the chips directly to them or placing a side wager next to your own bet. Many players prefer making a wager for the croupier because they feel the croupier will root for them to win throughout the session, which is wrong.

Meanwhile, did you know that casino players can also tip the slot machine attendant? Here is the thing; players can tip the machine attendant if they respond promptly when the machine malfunctions. Players can also tip the slot machine attendant after grabbing a drink or holding the machine while the player uses the restroom. But remember that the tip size varies depending on the time you were away. 

Reasons to Tip the Dealer

As said before, live casino players are not compelled to tip the dealer. So, why should you give the dealer your hard-earned money at the top live casino sites in 2023? Below are some convincing reasons:

Reason #1: A Sign of Good Gesture

Do not tip the dealer because you feel sorry for them working in their positions. The thing is that most of them probably earn more than you do. For example, a dealer working at Evolution studios in the US makes $20 to $25 per hour. And that’s excluding other packages like free lunches, medical cover, holiday trips, and more. Therefore, tip the live dealer because you’re a good person and appreciate their work in the entertainment industry. 

Reason #2: It’s Part of Casino Etiquette

If the first dealer-tipping reason didn’t convince you to tip the dealer, this one should. Tipping the croupier is a universally accepted casino practice. You can realize that almost all players at a land-based casino tip the dealer after hitting a win. So, don’t be the odd one out. You should definitely sort the dealer out when they give you a straight flush in Caribbean Stud. 

Reason #3: Create a Good Rapport with the Dealer

Just like any other person in the service industry, a live casino dealer will be happy if you show them kindness and generosity. It’s through these tips that dealers fund their lavish lifestyles. Make the dealer happy, and they’ll be glad to attend to any issues you might have on the table or slot machine. Who wouldn’t be satisfied playing on a live casino table where the dealer is constantly smiling?

Reason #4: Tipping the Dealer Gives You Luck

This is a famous gambler’s fallacy in the gambling world. Some superstitious players believe that tipping the dealer gives them luck on the live casino table. It’s unclear whether the dealers created this myth, but some players think it always works. Try tipping the croupier and see if it brings good tidings to your gameplay. 

How Much Should Casino Players Tip?

You must be asking yourself this common question up to this point. The simple answer is that there’s no one-size-fits-all amount regarding tipping the dealer. Rewarding the dealer depends on the size of your pocket and your generosity. You can tip the dealer $10 or $100 after winning $1,000 on a live blackjack table. They won’t complain because you can even decide not to tip them.

But that shouldn’t mean you should tip the dealer more than enough. If a game has a minimum bet limit of $25, tipping the dealer $5 chips should be a better option. Also, remember that most live casino games have side bets, which you can use to tip the croupier. And if the bet wins, you should tip them something like 3% to 5%. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Tip Anybody at the Casino

Land-based casinos have many staff, some of whom are not croupiers. You’ll find beverage servers, restaurant attendants, security, and such. Don’t hesitate to tip the casino employees when you receive excellent service from them. Note that most of these employees earn between $2 to $3 per hour, meaning your tips may go a long way. 

But don’t go about tipping everyone who gives you good service at the live casino. Remember that the first rule of responsible gambling is practicing proper money management. This means that every coin that you lose at the casino counts. But what’s wrong with tipping a dealer who pays good attention and is fun to chat with? 

Conclusion

It’s definitely a noble idea to tip the dealer or croupier after they provide you with excellent service at the casino. But if you’re not entirely a “generous” person, play live casino games as nobody is looking on your shoulders to see if you tip the dealer. After all, tipping the dealer doesn’t reduce the house edge in any way.