What Percent to Tip on Handpays?

jokermgb, thanks for sharing your perspective.

I'm a believer in what goes around, comes around. . . tips bring good karma.

Thanks for all the kind words. Only one last thing. As far as the IRS goes, I'm certainly not working for the IRS. I was an attendant when we still had coins, and $300 handpays, even as low as $50 handpays on the nickel machines, and our pockets would often be full of ones and fives and we were all happy.
Unfortunately, now, if we don't make money on the taxables, we don't make money-period. If you win a grand now, we never even know it, and we don't make a dime on it. Sure, that's my problem, not the problem of the players, especially the ones who are way in the hole. But jobs aren't that easy to come by, and I'm reaching an age where it's hard to start over, so finding another job isn't an easy option for me. Thanks again.

most of us can off-set our wins with losses, I for one have no problem here. I am sure Jokermgb is no friend of the IRS either!

Once I didn't have smaller bills and I just asked her to break one of the hundreds and she was more than happy to. I tip between 1% and 2%. I hope I have this issue come up on my June trip!

Just saw a re-run of "Las Vegas FAQ" on the Travel Channel where Barney Vinson (?) states that the tip rate on a slot hand-pay jackpot should be 3-5%. Way too much in my opinion...

Wonder what "Barney" tips? Wanna bet he tips what he suggests others tip?

How much I tip has a direct relationship to how fast I'm paid. If it takes forever for someone to show up (10+ minutes being my forever), they had better be real friendly to get a tip.
Twice I've been paid off all in hundreds and I was a little put off by it...did not tip (since the expectation of a $100 tip was so blatent).
I've pretty much gone to $20 for a $2,000 win and $40 for a $4,000 win (I'm a $ DDB player, so thats the only choices).
Tip only goes to the one who got me the money.
I once had a cocktail gal tell me I was about to hit a RF and damn if I didn't 4 plays later...she got a $50 tip from me!

I surprized that people are put off by attendants who only pay off in hundreds.

I actually think that slot attendants who break down the last hundred pay off by paying you off in five $20 dollar bills is too agressive in hunting for a tip -- on the assumption that you will hand off some twenties. I prefer getting paid only in hundreds if possible, then giving a twenty (or two). If I need change, I can ask the attendant.

That's what I do.

Some interesting thoughts. And points to ponder:

If I dump $2,000 and win nothing, will anybody give me a tip? (besides saying I should go home)
If I dump $2,000 and finally hit a $1,200 hand pay, I am still down $800. Any change in tip in order?
If I win $10,000 or $1,200, how much different is the actual service or work, other than 24 seconds extra to count a bit the bills?
If it takes 15 minutes, and I lost another $150 in another machine while I am waiting, should I adjust the tip?
Are you tipping for a service, then why a percentage vs a set amount?

I just don't get this percentage thing.