On a typical $1,000 jackpot, which is what you’ll win for hitting a royal flush on quarter video poker machines, $20 to $40 is appropriate. That’s 2% to 4% of the jackpot. The lower end of the range, $200-$300 or 2%-3%, would be a good toke for a jackpot of $10,000 or so.
The percentage would necessarily go down, though the actual tip would rise, for the really big jackpots. On a $1 million win, $10,000 or 1% would be big. And on a $10 million or so Megabucks jackpot, a half-percent, or $50,000, would make someone's year.
However, what you tip is ultimately up to you, and these percentages can be adjusted according to the usual considerations of service and how comfortable you feel with the amount you leave.
Jean Scott, in More Frugal Gambling, recommends that you decide in advance how much and who you'd tip in the event of a big-jackpot event. Having some parameters about tipping will go a long way toward avoiding pressure or guilt from the floorpeople, as well as confusion and indecision on your own part, while in the throes of big-jackpot excitement.
If in doubt during the moment, you can always tell the floorpeople that you'l return the next day with tip money for everyone. Then you can go back to your hotel room or home and sleep on it. The casino employees might not believe or trust you, but if you do return the next day with even a tiny percentage of a big win, you'll vindicate yourself.
