Question of the Day - 20 December 2025

We've delved into this thorny thicket a few times over the years; it's asked fairly frequently. The last time we did, nearly four years ago, we put it out to three of our most quotable casino consultants to see what they might have to say about it. We note that not much, if anything, has changed since then, so these responses are as good today as they were in 2022. 

Dennis Conrad, long-time casino marketing executive, founder of casino-consulting company Raving, and columnist for CDC Gaming Reports, says, from his vast experience, “Casinos are all over the map on this one, usually allowing some limited tips and/or gifts. Tips put hosts in a conflict as to where their loyalties lie. Is it with the generous player (who is probably working an angle)? Or is it with casino management (which is probably underpaying its hosts, but doesn’t want them being bribed by the player while supposedly representing the casino’s interest)? Tough situation. 

“I say pay the hosts like top executives,” concludes Conrad, putting the responsibility on management, “and give them the skills and  training that allow them to have a real career with measurable goals and not have to pass the tin cup around to players to make a living wage.”

A more categorical approach to the issue is offered by VitalVegas blogger Scott Roeben, who says that tipping might be allowed, but like Conrad, notes that it varies from casino to casino. “Often, casino hosts can’t take cash, so that means getting creative with how to tip,” he elaborates.

One of the best ways is with gift cards. Players often develop friendships with their hosts and get to know what the host likes, so they can show appreciation accordingly. For example, guests might ask their hosts about their favorite restaurant, then get gift cards specific to them. Of course, hosts are careful not to run afoul of their casino’s policies. 

“They can sometimes accept envelopes and those envelopes sometimes contain cash. Opening the envelope outside the casino seems a way to bypass the rules. It’s best to ask and respect the wishes of your host. They're the conduit to a cavalcade of wonderful perks and they appreciate being appreciated,” says Scott.

The last word on this subject comes from Jean Scott's More Frugal Gambling (the most comprehensive book that Jean ever wrote; though it's a bit out of date with specific examples, the general concepts, as you'll see in this answer, are still overwhelmingly relevant. And it's on sale at the giveaway price of $6.99).

Jean writes, "Many players develop such good relationships with their hosts that they want to give them tips or gifts. Some states have specific regulations that govern this and if there's a no-tip rule, it's strictly enforced by the casino. In Nevada, it's left to the casino to determine the tip/gift policies for hosts. 

"At some casinos, hosts aren't allowed to take any gifts at all; it's a strict rule and hosts can be fired if they violate it. Other casinos forbid their hosts to take cash gifts, a policy that avoids the problem, at least partially, of hosts being bribed for comps. 

"If a casino allows it, cash is the number-one gift of choice. I suggest you be classy about it; don't slap a bill in his or her hand. At least put it in an envelope, which you can always obtain at the front desk. Better is to include it in a thank-you card. 

"Gift certificates are usually allowable, even if cash isn't. This is the number-two gift choice. A gift card to a fine local department store is most welcome, as hosts have to buy a lot of clothes to keep up a good appearance. But even a card to Walmart or Target will be welcome; hosts have everyday needs like the rest of us.

"You might make an inexpensive bet at the sports book and give your host the ticket.

"If you get to know your host real well and he or she has children or grandchildren, a gift for them, or the wife or husband, is often appropriate. 

"If you receive a lot of comps for your play, sharing the surplus is a nice gesture. Perhaps you have a room comp you can't use and can give it to your host for an overnight getaway from home or a meal comp to a nice restaurant as a treat.

"Of course, showing your appreciation, with a nice thank-you card or voice mail, or even a letter to the marketing supervisor or director, goes a long way.

"Some things not to give a host: perfume, costume jewelry, clothing items, candy, knickknacks, and liquor (unless you know for sure it'll be appreciated). Of course, a host will always pretend to be grateful for any gift, but in my discussions with hosts on this subject, they usually say they're overwhelmed with these kinds of gifts and rarely keep them."

Thank you, Jean, as always.

In some of our previous answers to this question, we provided additional information that we revisit here. 

Caesars Entertainment, for example, has an official policy that hosts are not permitted to accept cash. Of course, cash makes the world go round and we know high rollers who toke hosts in cash and we know hosts who accept cash tokes, but it’s almost always done in private.

One high-roller friend told us, "I tip my hosts with money all over the place, albeit behind closed doors, and almost never have it refused."

When another hit a mid-six-figure jackpot, she tipped her host "huge" and said it was "expected."

Another said, "Only once did a host say she couldn’t take the $100 bill I gave her; she said the limit was $50. So I put $50 in an envelope and my wife put $50 in an envelope and gave them to her separately."

So the consensus is, yes, tip when appropriate (such as when the host has actually made a difference for you), but be creative. In the end, it's up to you how to approach this. We say offer your host an envelope in private and see what happens. If it's accepted, that's that. If not, then resort to Plan B and gift cards, a sports bet, comps, or gifts that will be kept.