A few questions about the brick & mortar casinos

BooksWorstEnemy · Jul 25, 2006

1a.) If two gamblers are standing side by side playing craps, one a $10 player and the other a $100 player, do the employees expect a larger $$ amount of tips from the $100 player?

1b.) If the $100 player tips like a $10 player (and if this is in fact frowned upon), will the floor manager be more inclined to reduce the amount of the average wager on the comp ratings system?

2.) What is the minimum tip amount one should pay the cocktail girls for a mixed drink, such as bloody mary?

3.) Do the dealers and cocktail servers share tips?

4.) Are all felt table games treated as equals when figuring comps from hours of play?

5.) What is the minimum a player should tip a dealer on a per hour basis?

6.) Are dealers more sympathetic to players who are losing in terms of tip expectations?

I am going to Shreveport this weekend for some casino action. Got a nice credit line and will play $100 units, which I know from experience is a large player in that town. If anyone has some "tips" for me in terms of how I can reduce the amount of my tips and still appear to be a classy guy I am all ears. Also, any tips for getting good comps ratings from the floor managers is appreciated.

That is all for now and thanks in advance for any answers.

Later,
Books Worst Enemy

fivestarjake · Jul 25, 2006

if your gonna drink at a table my past practice is to immediately tip the waitress $25 chip. not only will your drinks come faster but they will turn into doubles. waiting for a drink can be a pain in the balls thats why i tip like that from the git go.experience based on my time from atlantic city.

charliepeete · Jul 25, 2006

i tip one dollar and never have to wait.............................

uppy:

WVU · Jul 25, 2006

how many drinks can the cocktail waitress serve in an 8 hour shift? I aould say 30 an hour easily. That's 240 bux a shift if her average is a buck a drink. I would say they get more than that.

GreenDoberman · Jul 25, 2006

In short form answer:
1) Yes, they expect more than you'll ever give.
1a) No, has no bearing on ratings.
2) $1, unless you like dirty looks.
3) No, dealers split tips amongst themselves for the most part.
4) No, the higher the house edge the higher the comp %.
5) Zero, but it is personal choice.
6) Yes, but they still want your money.

Insiders · Jul 25, 2006

I sometimes play craps high. I NEVER tip until i am DONE then i usually throw them a tinky piece of the Win if there is one. If i loose i Dont tip em nothing. Dureing the course of some player at the table shooting up a nice crap hand i might throw dealers up to win something on the line.
Remember ALL tips are divided up amoung ALL the crpa dealers, as there are very very few Anymore than are on thier own.

BooksWorstEnemy · Jul 25, 2006

Ok, I guess I am a cheap bastard for coming on here and asking these questions.

Oh well.

One more:

What is the minimum I can tip the craps dealers, per hour, if I'm playing $100/unit and not look like an ass? I don't care if they like me, I just don't want to look like an ass. That is the only goal..to not be an ass.

Later,
Books Worst Enemy

BAGIANT · Jul 25, 2006

The cocktail waitresses have to give some money to the bartender, usually 10%, and maybe more nowadays.

BigBee · Jul 26, 2006

Tips..

Im a dealer at a major strip resort, and I'll give you my opinion, which is pretty much the same as every other dealer alive.. I've also been a floorman/pit boss so I know that role very well..

First, I'd encourage you to tip.. How much, is up to you, but do not stiff the dealers.. Nothing good will come of that..

Floormen without a doubt realize who's taking care of their employees and who isnt.. Contrary to what some might think, this has a big impact on your rating.. I've personally lowered and even cancelled players ratings in the past for their behavior at the tables, whether it be for stiffing the dealer, being an asshole, or even looking at me the wrong way.. Its pretty much a standard no matter where you go.. Not all floormen are like that, but a majority are.. You dont want to piss off the dealer/floormen/pitboss or any casino staff, if you want any form of comp or discount..

What I get a kick out of most, are those who are losing, who dont feel like we deserve to get a paycheck.. I'd like to see these same people try that in a restaurant.. Waitors who spend 3 mins "taking care" of you get 15-20% and dealers, who spend HOURS constantly "taking care" of you get paid only if they win? Its not so much the tips, but the constant whining and abuse which takes its toll.. This behavior usually coincides with those who like to stiff the dealers.. What can ya do though?

Thankfully, there are plenty of generous people who are out to have a good time and take care of us..

Oh and yes, Im much more sypathetic to those that lose, regarding tips.. Its not a free pass to stiff me though, for the countless hours of service it took you to lose that $$..

Either way, in the end, we as dealers will get paid.. Whether the house has to raise our base pay, which is $5.15/hr, (which will drastically reduce the players chances of having any fun what-so-ever, cuz we aint getting tipped anyways, otherwise known as robo-dealer) while at the same time, changing the game (like 6/5 single deck) to raise the house edge, to make the extra $$ to pay the dealers.. Or the players could just show their appreciation and throw us a bone.. Its pretty much a no-win for the players in this situation.. The only way to not be affected by this is to not play tablegames..

And yes, we'd expect more from a $100 player than a $10 player.. Not alot more, but more.. Why, Honestly Im not sure.. I guess cuz the more ya got, the more ya can give..

Any other questions, dont be afraid to ask.. I'll be honest and tell ya how it is..

BooksWorstEnemy · Jul 26, 2006

Bigbee,

Appreciate the feedback. Couple of questions for you:

My plan is to tip only when the dealers clap their hands, show their palms and rotate. I am thinking most places do this every 40 minutes. Otherwise, I get drunk, start throwing chips around and end up tipping way more than I intend to.

My goal is to tip whatever the dealers would feel is the minimum, acceptable amount of tips per hour from a player. If it's $10/hr, that's what I'll tip, but I certainly don't want to be tipping $15/hr when all I need to do in order to not be an ass is tip $10/hr.

Honestly, I have not a clue what the dealers expect in terms of tips.

If a guy is playing $100/unit, how much of a tip should he throw out every 40 minutes, when the dealers rotate, as the mimimum?

Do the dealers have some "formula" in their minds for determining if a particular player is an ass? I mean, if a guy throws out a $1 chip once every hour, isn't he just as bad as a stiff? Unless a guy is throwing out a $1 chip every 5 minutes, how do you figure it in your own mind "this guy is an ass and this guy is a good patron?" Is there some minimum, per 40 minute rotation, that you guys expect each player to make?

Also, one last question: I think I have found a "loophole" in the comp systems. You stand at the craps tables and make a single wager on the pass or don't pass line. No other action. Most craps players are making additional wagers with each roll of the dice. What I plan to do is just make wagers on the come out rolls and that is it. After 4 hours of play at craps, I'll be rated as a $100 unit player on craps for 4 hours. The expected house take from a guy like me vs the average joe who is making bets on each roll of the dice is dramatically different over a one hour period.

Have I found some kind of loophole in the comps system? Or will the pit managers lower my unit size or hours of play based on a sinigle come out roll and no other wagers?

Thanks,
Books Worst Enemy

tkf18ny · Jul 26, 2006

I tip blackjack dealers 0. The tips are pooled and most BJ dealers give out crappy info and just suck in general. I would like to give money to the 10% of the dealers who are good but thats not possible. I dont player other house games as they are all a ripoff. Poker dealers a buck a pot in general. 0 if they suck more if theyre good.

WVU · Jul 26, 2006

you can chase them down in the parking lot so you can stuff your 5 spot into their pocket

uppy:

sean1 · Jul 26, 2006

Remember tips are pooled.

I once saw Charles Barkley lose $250,000 and then tip the dealer $50,000.

To answer:
1a.) If two gamblers are standing side by side playing craps, one a $10 player and the other a $100 player, do the employees expect a larger $$ amount of tips from the $100 player?

Probably. Does it matter? No.

1b.) If the $100 player tips like a $10 player (and if this is in fact frowned upon), will the floor manager be more inclined to reduce the amount of the average wager on the comp ratings system?

No. Floor manager does not care. Nor does he care if you tip well while you count cards.

2.) What is the minimum tip amount one should pay the cocktail girls for a mixed drink, such as bloody mary?

$1. $2 if betting black. $5 if she is smoking hot and you want her number. $25 if she lets you put it down her bra.

3.) Do the dealers and cocktail servers share tips?

Dealers yes and cocktailers no most places.

4.) Are all felt table games treated as equals when figuring comps from hours of play?

Absolutely not unless a casino has really old computer systems. Roulette gets you the most/hour. Blackjack is decent. Craps sucks. Not sure about other games, but basically the bigger the hold and the faster the hands, the more you get per hour.

5.) What is the minimum a player should tip a dealer on a per hour basis?

$0. I tip when someone does something unexpected. Dealers are already paid $10-15/hr which isnt bad since it requires no formal education. If a dealer is funny. If he makes me laugh. If he calls the pit to call the cocktail waitress. If he keeps telling my girlfriend how lucky I am, etc then he prob gets a tip. If he is a robot, no way and I'm generous!

6.) Are dealers more sympathetic to players who are losing in terms of tip expectations?

yes - usually expect nothing if you are losing.

But this means nothing to me.

I've tipped $100 when down to an awesome dealer who made the whole night fun.

I did not tip a dealer in Atlantis after I won $51,000 because she demanded a tip.

I am going to Shreveport this weekend for some casino action. Got a nice credit line and will play $100 units, which I know from experience is a large player in that town. If anyone has some "tips" for me in terms of how I can reduce the amount of my tips and still appear to be a classy guy I am all ears. Also, any tips for getting good comps ratings from the floor managers is appreciated.

Dont worry about tipping. Tip if you feel it is warranted. Your job is to make money, not appear classy...

-Sean

tkf18ny · Jul 26, 2006

No. Floor manager does not care. Nor does he care if you tip well while you count cards

Not in this country.How can you tip well and still profit from counting cards-its impossible your advantage isnt that big.

ElJefe · Jul 26, 2006

Books Worst Enemy said:
1a.) If two gamblers are standing side by side playing craps, one a $10 player and the other a $100 player, do the employees expect a larger $$ amount of tips from the $100 player?

They do, but they also know it generally works the other way around. Those smaller players are usually more generous throwing a dollar in here or there. Bigger $100 players are usually much less generous.

Books Worst Enemy said:
1b.) If the $100 player tips like a $10 player (and if this is in fact frowned upon), will the floor manager be more inclined to reduce the amount of the average wager on the comp ratings system?

Not at all. But a bigger tipper whose tips are noticed generally -can- get slightly better comps. The manager can put the average bet in a little higher and thus get more comp points, etc. But if a player does not tip, they will usually still get put in for the average they deserve.

Books Worst Enemy said:
2.) What is the minimum tip amount one should pay the cocktail girls for a mixed drink, such as bloody mary?

Minimum is always a dollar. At higher end tables, $2-5 is more common. $5/drink or more will get you red carpet service. I tip $5/drink for even a bottle a water - it's the service and good looks of the babe bringing it that you pay for. I can care less about the drink itself.

Books Worst Enemy said:
3.) Do the dealers and cocktail servers share tips?

No - those tip pools are separate.

Books Worst Enemy said:
4.) Are all felt table games treated as equals when figuring comps from hours of play?

No - they are all quite different. It is all based on the house edge. Basically it is this: <House Edge %>*<Average bet>*<Number of hours>

Books Worst Enemy said:
5.) What is the minimum a player should tip a dealer on a per hour basis?

I suggest putting one small bet up an hour for the dealer. Since dealers break each hour, my rule of thumb for blackjack is a small bet after the first blackjack I get that hour. And small means $1 on a $10 bet, $5 on a $25 bet, $25 on a $100, etc.

Books Worst Enemy said:
6.) Are dealers more sympathetic to players who are losing in terms of tip expectations?

They usually are, but still expect losing players to tip. Not tipping is stealing the service. So a small bet each hour winning or losing is a good way to do it. Then if you want to throw them more after winning a really large bet or if your ahead when cashing out, it's up to you.

Books Worst Enemy said:
I am going to Shreveport this weekend for some casino action. Got a nice credit line and will play $100 units, which I know from experience is a large player in that town. If anyone has some "tips" for me in terms of how I can reduce the amount of my tips and still appear to be a classy guy I am all ears. Also, any tips for getting good comps ratings from the floor managers is appreciated.

At these stakes, I would put out one $25 bet for the dealers each hour - preferably when you know the manager is watching. This should make them notice you as a decent tipper. Throwing $50 at the end of a winning session should help also - since the manager will be there when you cash out.

Good luck!

BooksWorstEnemy · Jul 26, 2006

Thanks for the info, El Jefe.

If a $100 player should tip $25/hr (more than I would have dreamed is the minimum!) what kind of tip is expected from a $10 player?

Thanks,
Books Worst Enemy

kirkmuller · Jul 26, 2006

BigBee said:
What I get a kick out of most, are those who are losing, who dont feel like we deserve to get a paycheck.. I'd like to see these same people try that in a restaurant.. Waitors who spend 3 mins "taking care" of you get 15-20% and dealers, who spend HOURS constantly "taking care" of you get paid only if they win? Its not so much the tips, but the constant whining and abuse which takes its toll.. This behavior usually coincides with those who like to stiff the dealers.. What can ya do though?

Thankfully, there are plenty of generous people who are out to have a good time and take care of us..

No offence, but this is the kind of attitude from dealers/bartenders/waiters that I can't stand.

Always having to frame it in nauseauting sentimentality like "take care of me" and nonsense like that. You're not "taking care" of anybody, you're not doing anybody a service, you're doing your job! You voluntarily took up a position of salaried employment in order to make money. You're not an orphan charity case. When people go out to the casino or the bar, they tip for a service, they don't tip because they have to "take care" of you.

And don't give me some shit like "you're probably a stiff", because I'm not. I tip well. But I don't like the attitude of whiny entitlement, and especially not the nauseatingly sentimental "I'm doing you a favour, the least you can do is take care of me".

BooksWorstEnemy · Jul 26, 2006

Kirkmuller,

The tips in a casino are an entitlement program. You throw a nice tip to a dealer because he was outstanding...he doesn't get it...the tips are shared amongst all the dealers.

The casinos use the tips to reduce their payroll costs, plain and simple.

Under the shared tips system, a dealer who provides bad service can't whine about low wages. For the most part, a bad dealer and an outstanding dealer all get roughly the same compensation. From what I understand, the tips make up the majority of a dealer's total compensation.

Still interested to see what the expected tip per hour is for a $10 player. If it's $25/hr for a $100 player, do the dealers only expect $2.50/hr from a $10 player.

Later,
Books Worst Enemy

kirkmuller · Jul 26, 2006

Sure it's a shared pot. A lot of restaurants work like that too. Doesn't change anything to what I'm saying. People choose these jobs voluntarily for the opportunity to make money that is not taxed. They weren't forced into these jobs, they are not slaves, they are free to leave whenever they want. But tips are voluntary and the dealers/watiers are not doing anybody a favour, they are doing their jobs.

tkf18ny · Jul 27, 2006

Sorry Im not tippy shitty dealers and most dealers are terrible. Keep tellng people to take insurance and expect a tip I love it.

Waiters are much different they actually provide a service.