Tipping In Las Vegas (And The $20 Trick)

 Everyone has their own opinion on tipping whether it's Las Vegas or elsewhere. I’m more or less including it for the foreign visitors that may come across this and are completely unaware of the tipping culture in the United States. 

Here is a list of minimal amounts that I feel should be done while tipping. Obviously you can tip more if you feel the service deserves it. Be aware that others will claim that these amounts should be higher and these are just my personal choices on how much to tip. 

Taxi/Uber Driver 10-15%

Shuttle/Bus Drivers $3-4 if they help with bags.

Limousine $20 and up depending on service

Restaurants 15% if they don’t charge an automatic fee. 

Bell Desk $1-$2 per bag at drop off and pickup. 

Housekeeping. $5 per day. More if you leave a mess. We also are on the look out for giveaways at the casino. For example a few years ago we were at Ellis Island on Girl Scout Cookie giveaway day. Ended up with way more boxes of cookies than we needed. Housekeeping got boxes of cookies all week in addition to cash.

Cocktails: $1-$2 per drink. Maybe a bit more if you want faster service. 

Handpays on Jackpots This is again personal preference. $20 per thousand is a generally acceptable amount, but as some say they don’t pay you when you lose so don’t feel bad if you are having a bad gambling day and don’t want to tip.

Table Dealers For me I just randomly include a bet beside mine in the same amount for the dealers. If you win they win. You can always ask how they prefer if you want to as well. Some may just prefer the tip up front.  While playing craps, throwing a pass line bet beside yours and yelling “The boys are on the line” is a good way to get the dealers on your side. 

Front Desk ($20 Trick/Sandwich) This is not required just something extra to try if you want to try for an upgrade.  Yes it still exists and still works from time to time. The principal idea is when the clerk asks for your credit card and i.d. Include a $20 bill between the two and ask politely if there are any complimentary upgrades available. It may work, it may not. Personally I’ve only tried it twice. First time failed and they just brought out paperwork and told me it was $100 more per night for an upgrade. I politely declined. The second time I didn't even get a chance to ask. The clerk saw the 20 in my hand and went ahead and upgraded me. Since he was so great about it. I did go ahead and give him the 20. 

If anyone goes out of their way to be helpful to you don’t hesitate to give them a tip and don't forget others if you are in a generous mood. Staff that clean the casino floor, keeping all the trash and ash trays clean around the machines don't get the respect they deserve. Doesn't hurt to give them a bit especially if you are winning.