Are dollar tips for cocktail waitress still the norm?

I usually tip $1-2 depending on where I am.  I sometimes start with a $5 if I'm going to play a machine for awhile, then do either $1 or $2.  However, if I'm at a bartop playing video poker I tip $5 and nearly always get a better brand of whiskey or tequila than what they pour from the well when I ask for it.  Sure, I'm now paying for a drink, but its worth it to get one at a discount for something you like.

I now tip $1, the $2, then $1....

My base tip for a CW is $2 in Vegas.  I take a wad of $2 bills with me just for tipping purposes.  There are some Vegas bartenders, however, who know me on sight and have my usual Heineken or Hendrick's gin and tonic served before I am settled in my bar seat.  I usually tip them $5.  That also goes for a couple of downtown CW's that know my drink preferences.  Then there is one female bartender DT that I have known for at least then years that I tip $10 and I always receive higher end liquor with no problems even though I am definitely not a "high roller".  Treat them right and they will always be sure you have a full glass while you gamble.

   Most everyone has their take on "tipping". For what it is worth, these are my guidelines - First of all, I am not responsible for subsidizing anothers pay. When someone applys for and accepts a job, they are accepting the pay the job offers. Hopefully we are clear on that point. I only tip for service - not for what others "suggest" I should tip. Whether it be for food, drink and/or service, I alone determine what, if any "tip" I will give. That being said, my personal tipping amount guidelines are; (1) If eating and my meal is comped, I usually leave from $2 to $5 depending if eating at a buffet or in a restaurant. If the service in the restaurant is exceptional, I will tip more. The "suggested" tip amounts found in restaurants of 15% - 20% or more % of the bill is bullshit, to me. My server is tipped solely by the service I am provided. (2) For drinks, I usually order a drink and a water, for which I will tip $2. If the server is prompt, I will tip up to $3, per round. At the bar, I usually tip a dollar when playing a bar game. If I and the bartender know each other, I will tip $2 - whether I am winning or not. For Uber, usually one ot two dollars per ride. I don't take taxi's - they gouge too much plus the driver expects a "tip" after paying the gouged price - no thank you. I do not tip housekeeping because I never use it during my stays. I do leave the room very clean and tidy - that is their tip -- by doing so, I make their job easier as they prepare the room for the next visitor. I rerely tip at check in, and only if I have been given an unasked for upgrade - which means little to me since I spend a minimun amount of time in my room - I will then tip $5 to $10 for the upgrade. Tipping for a jackpot has gotten way out of hand, in my opinion. I cannot comprehend  giving a large "tip" to someone who has no money invested in my chase for a jackpot and who I may never see again. I will never be considered a "George" - but I will never "stiff" someone who provides good service. Now if my "tipping" guidelines upset some who work in the service industry - I don't care. If you are a service industry employee and desire more money, maybe you should look elsewhere for employment. 

Tipping is NOT "subsidizing another's pay" (I added the apostrophe to correct the spelling error). It is a way of expressing thanks. There is never any obligation to express thanks for anything. Therefore, you may express or not express thanks for something someone has done for you, in whatever way and to whatever degree you choose. 

Vegas's culture used to be built around tipping, to the extent that almost all service employees were paid pretty much nothing, but that isn't the case now. Therefore, you shouldn't consider yourself as paying or being obligated to pay a portion of someone's wages. It's an independent transaction if you decide to tip.

           Wrong - tipping (giving money to one who performs a service) DOES subsidize another's pay. 

Access to an English dictionary will inform you of what "subsidize" means.  

Subsidize Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › subsid... Search for: What does it mean when you subsidize something? What does it mean to be subsidised? to give money to a person or an organization in order to pay part of the cost of something that they do or make

Yep! And the server does NOT pay the cost of the service or good he/she provides; his/her EMPLOYER does. You don't tip the employer.

I'm glad that you understand why your use of the word "subsidize" was incorrect!

  It is correct, no matter how YOU attempt to distort the meaning.