Who Do I Tip? | Casino Gratuity

Bryan Fulton | World Renowned Casino Dealer

6 Casino Workers That Love Playing Just The Tip! 

Do I Tip Everybody?

If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, NV you need to know who to tip and how much. Do not get put off on how many people work for tips, instead realize the wealth of knowledge available to you for mere dollars.

It is like having your own personal tour guides to the city for a couple of bucks.

Here are 6 people who will be of great help if given a little incentive.

#1 Cab/Limo Drivers - 

These are the backbone of the city. They are extremely connected and have their fingers on the pulse of whats going on, where the hot spots are and who can get you in. To maximize their potential I suggest 15% of the fare. Well worth the investment.

#2 Bell Hops - 

A little goes a long way with these people. Do not make the mistake of trying to carry your bags by yourself, these casinos are as big as malls. Think of the stress you will not have for a $2-$5 cost.

#3 Valets - 

Back in the mob days valets controlled the town. They had all the connections and could get you anything you wanted! They would even have to practically bribe their bosses to get the good shifts because they made so much money in tips. Things have calmed down a bit but these hard working car runners are still a great resource for what you need to know and who you need to talk to when you need something. Average tip $2-$5.

#4 Bartenders/Waiters - 

No need to tell you why you need to tip these mixologists and servers. For great service, conversation and a healthy splash of the good stuff you should tip $1-$2 per round.

#5 Slot Change Person - 

If you win a hand payed jackpot, figure on 3-5% (10% if you're a baller!) of it to insure good karma. These people are very attentive and will go the extra mile for you if you treat them right. Then take your remaining winnings and go!

#6 Casino Dealers - 

Playing table games with live dealers is a great time. Dealers like bartenders are a wealth of knowledge and usually are great conversationalists. They have the ability to offer great tips and gambling advice that could lead to big winnings at the table. Players who tip are often called George's which comes from the reference to one dollar bill. There are two ways to tip your dealer, one is called a hand in which means exactly that you give the dealer a tip. The other is betting for them, most casinos let the dealer bet their tip with your hand and if you win they get double. Just ask them which they would prefer. When tipping your dealer it is a good rule to bet the next denomination down from your bet for them. Example you bet $5 then bet $1 for them, you bet $25 bet $5 for them and so on. Of course no dealer expects you to tip if you are losing.

There are so many people in the hospitality industry that rely on tips. Remember that it is a service industry and if the service is not good then do not feel obligated to to tip, but if the person has offered a great service and was entertaining or helpful give a little and you will get a lot! Just don't be a cheap bastard and everything will be alright!

Author: Bryan Fulton | Bryan Fulton comes from a family full of casino industry professionals, from casino managers, and dealers to special event planners, and slot host organizers. He has worked at many different styles of casinos from the old world era riverboats of South Carolina to the luxurious mega resorts of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! Bryan has years of experience in all the casino table games, he has dealt over a million hands (and counting) of blackjack, roulette, craps and the carnival games. His skills have landed him highly paid jobs in some of the busiest casinos around. Bryan Fulton has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Vegas Dealers II in which he is seen demonstrating various dealing techniques. He has been called upon to train many of the new hires that casinos bring up through the ranks internally. Bryan Fulton has personally coached thousands of customers on effective playing strategies as well as his secret winning strategies.

5 Ways To Tell If The Blackjack Table Is Hot Or Not

Bryan Fulton | World Renowned Casino Dealer

Want An Insider Tip That Could Be Worth Tons-O-Cash? 

When you step into a casino the bells are ringing, lights are flashing and you can feel the energy in the air. You have a fist full of dollars and a mission - to win big at a casino table.

As you walk around the casino tables circling your prey like a hungry jungle cast, you start to get more and more confused, now you are dizzy and just need to sit. 

Problem is that table is ice cold. Five minutes later you are broke and left what the heck happened? Well you have just fell victim to one of the many techniques the casino uses to get your money (overwhelming you). 

To make sure you stay focused and this does not happen to you here are 5 quick ways to see if a casino table is hot or not.

#1 Jam Packed - 

Look for a casino table that is crowded. A full casino table is usually a casino table full of winners. The energy is good and people are waiting in line to get a seat at this hot table. * Just make sure it is not because it is the $5.00 casino table, some people are just plain cheap!

#2 Pearly Whites - 

Look for smiles at that crowded casino table. It could be crowded just because the casino is busy that night, maybe the association of car wash executives is in town and there is not a seat left in the whole casino. Smiles indicate a good time and winning is definitely a good time. Even if the smiles are because people are having fun and not striking it rich, you are going to feel a lot better when you are playing (it is called the gaming industry after all)!

#3 Stacks of Checks - 

Look at the casino dealers tip stack. If they are giving the money away there should be a pretty healthy pile of chips over behind the discard rack. Usually the casino makes them color up the tokes so that people can not use this tip to their advantage, but most casino dealers will wait until told to this (because it is not their money, so they want you to win)!

#4 Nice Rack - 

Look at the casino dealers rack of chips in front of them. If it is empty and the chips are in front of the smiling faced crowded casino table customers, chances are you want to grab a seat and plant some roots. This is also a great way to see if the casino table is hot, if the casino dealer has been told to start coloring up and dropping his tips this could be another strong indicator. Empty racks are a great sign of a hot casino table!

#5 Mr. Pit Boss - 

Look to see if there are a lot of managers around. This is an awesome tip to know because if the casino table is hot, the casino table dealer has been told to drop their tips, the smiling people at the crowded casino table are hiding their stacks (some people do not like advertising a hot table), and security just brought a fill so the rack is no longer empty you would not think to sit at this casino table. If there are a couple of extra floor men watching the casino table though you might want to pull up a chair and order a drink because this is going to be a hot casino table!

So you see there are a lot of factors that come into play when looking for a seat at a casino table. Fight the urge to just sit anywhere because it is overwhelming. A little research plus a healthy knowledge of what signs to look for, could have you sitting smack dab in the middle of a heater!

Author: Bryan Fulton | Bryan Fulton comes from a family full of casino industry professionals, from casino managers, and dealers to special event planners, and slot host organizers. He has worked at many different styles of casinos from the old world era riverboats of South Carolina to the luxurious mega resorts of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! Bryan has years of experience in all the casino table games, he has dealt over a million hands (and counting) of blackjack, roulette, craps and the carnival games. His skills have landed him highly paid jobs in some of the busiest casinos around. Bryan Fulton has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Vegas Dealers II in which he is seen demonstrating various dealing techniques. He has been called upon to train many of the new hires that casinos bring up through the ranks internally. Bryan Fulton has personally coached thousands of customers on effective playing strategies as well as his secret winning strategies.

Stop Gambling With These 5 Emotions!

Bryan Fulton | World Renowned Casino Dealer

I Get So Emotional Baby! 

Its Called Gaming For A Reason, Its FUN!

Whether you want to have a good time or take down the house, casino gambling can go from fun to frustrating in 0-60. 

So in order to be in control you have to be able to recognize where the edge is. Casinos will take you to that edge, and past it.

Get A Grip On These 5 Emotions:

#1 Fear - 

The newbies can relate to this one. You talk about winning, you dress to impress, and when you belly up to the table you freeze in complete terror. You start to sweat, people are staring at you because it is your turn to roll, or hit, or bet. The way to get past fear, is familiarize yourself with the games and the casino. Go through and just watch a couple of games, do not feel pressured to sit at first. If the game has no players ask the dealer how to play. Get comfortable before you start.

#2 Greed - 

This is for everyone and probably should have been number one. You have to set a limit and stick to it. You will not beat the house. Their pockets are too deep. Brace yourself and pace yourself. Know when it is time to get up. Do not go overboard when betting. Greed is a hard beast to tame, employ time limits to keep yourself out of trouble.

#3 Anger - 

When you play too long and way out of your means, greed can quickly turn into rage. You can not lose your cool in a casino. No one wants to see you slamming the table and screaming at the dealers or waitresses. It makes it uncomfortable for everyone around you. If you are losing, just get up. You can go back but just remove yourself from the situation. You are probably a nice person under different circumstances, fight the urge to turn into the hulk!

#4 Jealousy - 

You want to know why that person hit the jackpot? They played the right machine at the right time. Wondering why this person gets those coupons? They acquired them through extensive play or signed up at the players reward zone. Casinos are not trying to leave you out. They want you to feel as comfortable as possible so you let your guard down. There is no conspiracy, just ask how you can start to enjoy the perks you see others have. Do not assume, be proactive.

#5 Arrogance - 

There is a lot to be said about high rollers not wanting to play with others. They want to be in as much control of their money as possible. That being said if you are not a high roller and are not playing in the high limit salon or pit, then do not think you own the casino. Do not tell other players how to play their hands. Do not tell them where to sit and not to talk to you. Do not be a jerk. If you want to play big money get a private table, if you can not afford it then do not act as if you rule the world. 

All in all casino gambling can be a lot of fun. The atmosphere is energetic, the people are excited and there is a buzz in the air (no it is not oxygen pumped into the casino). Losing or winning money is definitely emotional. Just do not let it get the best of you!

Author: Bryan Fulton | Bryan Fulton comes from a family full of casino industry professionals, from casino managers, and dealers to special event planners, and slot host organizers. He has worked at many different styles of casinos from the old world era riverboats of South Carolina to the luxurious mega resorts of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! Bryan has years of experience in all the casino table games, he has dealt over a million hands (and counting) of blackjack, roulette, craps and the carnival games. His skills have landed him highly paid jobs in some of the busiest casinos around. Bryan Fulton has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Vegas Dealers II in which he is seen demonstrating various dealing techniques. He has been called upon to train many of the new hires that casinos bring up through the ranks internally. Bryan Fulton has personally coached thousands of customers on effective playing strategies as well as his secret winning strategies.