Question of the Day - 15 May 2018

So many buffets are going "semi-self serve" these days. So now we tip based on table service. If the plates don't  move then neither does my wallet. We tip at The Wynn and even some Boyd and Station "joints". The person at The Palms who poured us 4 glasses of champagne apiece got a nice tip, for example. It also (but shouldn't) depend on whether we are having a nice "run" at the slots. Buffet seating does not require a tip, just a thank you!

This may be too cautious, but at any casino buffet, either in Las Vegas or here at home, we never leave the tip on the table but rather hand it to our server. You never know if other diners have had a bad run at the machines and need some extra cash. Just wondering, are we being too cautious or do others do that too for the same reason?

For some of the high end buffets you pay upon entering. I never add a tip to the till receipt as when the server seats you they are no longer incented to do anything to "earn" your tip. 

I tip for service and when I have 2 dirty plates pushed to the side of my table and an empty glass, be it, water, coke or Icetea. Don't expect a tip.

I much preferred my dining experiences in Switzerland. You tipped your Maitr'd for getting you a nice table. Typically this determined how good your serving experience would be. It was kind of a promise that if your service was good you would tip an equal amount. It was never a %% of the cost.

We leave tip money at "inside" part of table (by wall or in the center), weighted by salt/pepper shaker, napkin dispenser, something; so it would take a thief with pretty big you-know-whats to swipe those bills.

Usually no less than $5 for two, though we are suckers for the 'friendly factor', and one who shows interest, keeps our drink glasses/coffee filled, extra napkins, etc.  Maybe a little more  tip in those cases.

We tip the seater when we request a certain table (window, quiet area, a 4-topper vs a 2-topper, etc.) and they make the effort (and are friendly about it versus a cold stare).

Whether we go to a restaurant or a buffet, we always hand the (cash) tip to the server so we know they actually get it.  If you put the tip on your tab, the server has to wait (sometimes until the end of the month) to get paid.  My husband & I tip a minimum of $5.00 for the (pathetic) buffet at the local Hard Rock, whether we pay for the food or not but we see more people than not, leave nothing after stuffing their faces.  I often make (loud) remarks so people get the hint.  We are coming to Vegas in Sept. & will be tipping heavily whether we win or lose.  

I generally go to casinos alone and I am a fairly low maintenance kind of buffet customer. 

As long as my iced tea arrives before my first return from the getting food, and there’s no lemon in it, I give $5. 

I forget where or what she did special, but I once tipped $10 on a $8.95 buffet!

Cash is the preferred tip for servers, so don't add the tip when paying at the front if charging to card or room. Besides, tipping after-the-fact makes more sense and some of the tip amounts they list at the register are set ridiculously high.