Q:
We know that casino staffers and Las Vegas itself run on tips, which we fully understand and support, when earned. The question is: Are there any guidelines for tipping for various services? We leave $2 each day (in the '80s we would leave $1 per day) for the cleaning lady, but based on your recent information about tipping for valet parking this seems too little. How much does one tip dealers, bellmen/women, cocktail people etc. etc.?
A:
Ah ha! Funny you should ask. Or rather, good timing, since we just finished compiling LVA's ultimate Las Vegas Tipping Guide. The reason we felt compelled to undertake this mammoth task is that we're literally inundated with queries on this topic, both via the QoD submission link and other avenues. Talk about an FAQ -- here's just a brief sample:
- "Whenever we use the bellhop at a hotel/casino check-in, the bellhop always comments, 'I won't see you again, another will bring up your bags,' indicating he should be tipped then. Do we have to tip twice, at the time of unload then again at room delivery? And if so, how much?"
- "You finally win big and you get a security escort to your vehicle. Is it proper to tip the security guards?"
- "What is the customary tip for a limo driver, the limo being furnished for free to a patron by the casino?"
- "When valet parking (or dropping bags with a bell person), do I tip when dropping off the car (or bags) or when I pick up the car (or bags), or both?"
- "When checking in to a Strip hotel, does it help at all to tip the desk clerk (let's say $20) to get a better room or a suite versus a regular room?"
- "Is a dollar tip per drink adequate to show appreciation for good service and good drinks?"
- "Is it customary to tip or do anything special for a casino host? Do they get paid a salary or do they get paid based on what their customers lose?"
- "How much should one tip if he wins or places in the money at a no-limit poker tournament? What is the percentage scale that professional poker players use?
In the past we've tackled individual tipping queries, including who and how much to tip your casino host (7/12/05), or if you win a daily poker tournament (11/5/05), or a handpay slot jackpot (9/20/05), or receive a comped meal (2/25/06), or a round of drinks (6/11/07), or whether the so-called "$20 trick" works at check-in (7/9/07). However, as part of the new content we're adding to go along with our new look, we figured it was time to answer all these questions, and many others, all in one place.
As tipping is so subjective, we canvassed a whole panel of experts to get their take on all the different tipping instances we could think of. They didn't always agree, so in many cases we've presented more than one opinion, with its explanation, so you can decide for yourself whose advice to take.
Our exclusive Las Vegas Tipping Guide is located in the new Visitor Info section (see the link in the blue left-hand menu) and is free for everyone to access anytime, via computer or cell phone at our mobile site (lvago.com), plus you can take advantage of the new printer-friendly icon that's on every page of the site (under that blue menu) and bring a copy with you.
We hope we've addressed all your tipping questions, but if you feel we've left a stone unturned, let us know and we'll pose it to the panel.
No part of this answer may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the written permission of the publisher.
