A Tipping Question

From Dan,

Stickman,
I’m headed to Vegas next weekend. Something I’ve always been curious about – what’s your philosophy of tipping for a hand paid jackpot or a hand paid royal flush?

Dan

Hi Dan,

Well, I am sorry, but I missed responding before your trip. I sincerely apologize. I was cleaning up my inbox and your email somehow got lost among the junk mail I receive.

Though late, here is my philosophy on tipping.

Service sector employees are there to give prompt and pleasant service. Even if there are problems in the employee’s life, they are there to serve.

Sometimes they must become actors in order to provide the type of service that is expected of them. I suspect most of them are acting most of the time – I know I would be.

I also know that employees rely on tips to supplement their income, so I nearly always tip.

Usually, it is between one and two percent. This depends on amount of the jackpot.

If I receive excellent service (which is very rare) I will tip more.

Conversely, if service is very slow or rude or indifferent, I will reduce the tip - to the point of no tip if service is exceptionally poor. I have done this only once, however.

Some day the service industry in the United States may adopt some of the policies in Europe. In many places, employees are paid in line with non-service industry workers. Tips are not requested nor expected.

Until then, there will always be questions about tipping.

Hope that helps – and that you had many hand-pays during your trip to Vegas.

As always, may all your wins be swift and large, and your losses be slow and small.

Jerry “Stickman”


Jerry “Stickman” is an expert in craps, blackjack, video poker and advantage slot machine play. He is a regular contributor to top gaming magazines. He authored the video poker section of "Everything Casino Poker: Get the Edge at Video Poker, Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Pai Gow Poker!" You can contact Jerry “Stickman” at stickmanjerryg@gmail.com

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