Tipping Casino Dealers – What’s the Right Thing to Do?

Wondering when and how much you should tip your dealer? Tipping casino dealers isn’t just about good manners—it’s part of the gaming culture. Whether you’re sitting at a blackjack table in a Las Vegas casino or playing roulette with an online live dealer, knowing when and how to tip matters. 

Tipping can show appreciation and keep the atmosphere friendly, but it’s not always required. In this guide, we’ll break down casino tipping etiquette for both land-based and online live dealer games, so you can play with confidence and avoid any awkward moments at the table.

Why Tipping Dealers Matters

In most casinos, tipping is just part of the game. You don’t have to do it, but skip it too often and you might get a few dirty looks from your fellow players. Or even worse, some bad karma at the tables. 

Here are some of the key reasons why tipping casino dealers matters:

• Rewarding good service – Dealers make sure the game runs smoothly and help keep the table vibe friendly. Sliding them a chip now and then says you notice the effort.
• Adding to their paycheck – A lot of dealers don’t make huge base salaries, so tips can end up being a decent chunk of their take-home pay.
• Every place does it differently – Sometimes tips get split among the crew, sometimes the dealer pockets it all. Either way, it’s usually well deserved.
• An unwritten rule – From blackjack tables to poker rooms to roulette wheels, tipping’s baked into casino culture and always has been.

Tipping in Land-Based Casinos

If you’re playing in a brick-and-mortar casino, tipping is something you’ll run into sooner or later. While it’s not a hard-and-fast rule, knowing when it’s expected and how much to give can save you from looking out of place.

Common Tipping Amounts by Game

Tipping amounts aren’t the same for every game. Here’s a quick cheat sheet so you know what’s expected before you sit down.

When to Tip

• Do tip after a nice win, especially if the dealer’s been running a smooth game.
• Do toss a chip if the dealer explains a rule or helps you out.
• Don’t feel pressured to tip every single hand—it’s about moments, not a constant stream.
• Don’t skip tipping completely if you’ve been sitting for hours and winning.

A good rule of thumb is to tip when the dealer adds to your experience—like after a solid win or when they take the time to explain a rule. You don’t need to tip every hand, but avoiding it altogether after hours of play can come off poorly.

How to Tip

• Do place the chip in front of your bet and tell the dealer, “This one’s for you.”
• Do make a ‘Dealer Bet’ by putting chips in a separate spot. If it wins, the dealer keeps it all.
• Don’t slide chips directly into their hand while the game is live—wait until the round is over.
• Don’t overcomplicate it—a single chip with a nod gets the point across.

The goal is to keep tipping simple and respectful. Place your chip clearly so the dealer knows it’s for them, or try a dealer bet if you want to make it more fun. Just avoid interrupting the flow of the game, and remember—even a small gesture goes a long way.

What Not to Do

• Don’t toss chips carelessly—dealers have to account for everyone.
• Don’t tip with coins, dirty chips, or foreign currency.
• Don’t interrupt gameplay to tip—wait for a natural pause.
• Don’t demand special treatment for tipping—dealers can’t influence the game.

Bad tipping habits can create more hassle than help. Keep chips neat and appropriate, save tips for natural pauses, and don’t expect any favors in return. Dealers appreciate courtesy, but they can’t bend the rules no matter how much you tip.

Tipping in Live Online Casinos

Not every online casino lets you tip, but plenty of the big live dealer platforms do. Online providers like Evolution Gaming and Playtech give you the option to toss a little extra to the dealer through the platform’s interface. It’s quick, easy, and saves you from the awkward chip-handling that comes with a land-based casino.

Do You Tip Live Dealers Online?

Yes, most online players do tip live dealers. The majority of live dealer tables have a built-in “tip” button that lets you add money straight from your balance. While it’s not mandatory, tipping has become a normal part of the live dealer experience, especially if you enjoy the way a dealer runs the game. 

Looking for a full rundown of the best live dealer casinos? You can learn more about these platforms and how they work in our guide to live dealer casinos.

When and How Much to Tip

Tipping online works much like it does in person: small, occasional amounts are the norm. A dollar or two here and there is perfectly fine, with bigger tips reserved for big wins or standout service.

A couple of bucks goes a long way—$1–$5 per session keeps it friendly without draining your balance.

Here are some quick pointers to keep in mind when tipping the dealer at an online casino:

• Do tip if a dealer goes out of their way to make the session enjoyable.
• Do save larger tips for moments that feel right, like hitting a big payout.
• Don’t feel obligated to tip every single hand. It adds up fast when playing online.
• Don’t get caught up worrying about the proper etiquette; online tipping is simpler and less visible than at a land-based table.

At the end of the day, tipping online is about showing appreciation, not following strict rules. As long as you’re respectful, any tip—big or small—hits the right note. Stick to what feels comfortable, and you’ll never go wrong.

Tipping by Casino Game: What’s Expected and When

Not all casino games follow the same tipping norms. The way you tip at a blackjack table might not make sense at a craps pit, while poker players have their own set of expectations entirely. 

In this section, we’ll show you how tipping works in the most popular casino games, and what’s considered good etiquette.

Blackjack

• When to Tip: After a big win, occasionally during a hot streak, or when leaving the table.
• How Much: $1–$5 per hand/session depending on table stakes.
• How to Tip: Place a chip as a “dealer bet” alongside your wager, or hand one over directly.

Poker (Cash Games)

• When to Tip: After winning a pot.
• How Much: 1–2% of the pot or $1–$5 per win.
• How to Tip: Toss a chip toward the dealer when stacking your chips, or slide it forward casually.
• Note: Tipping is expected in cash games but not in tournaments, since those chips have no cash value.

Craps

• When to Tip: Anytime, but especially after a long session or during a winning streak.
• How Much: $1–$5 on a dealer bet; optional flat tip at the end.
• How to Tip: Place a bet for the dealers (e.g., “2 on the pass line for the boys”).

Roulette

• When to Tip: After big wins or when leaving the table.
• How Much: Typically $1–$5 or a chip off your winnings.
• How to Tip: Hand it to the dealer and say “for you,” or place it directly on the felt.

Slots

• When to Tip: Only in land-based casinos and only if a slot attendant helps with a big payout or hand pay.
• How Much: $5–$20 depending on size of payout.
• How to Tip: Hand cash or chips directly to the attendant.

Live Dealer Games (Online)

• When to Tip: After a great session, streak, or entertaining experience.
• How Much: $0.50–$5 per tip.
• How to Tip: Use the tip button (if available) on the live dealer interface.

Cultural Differences in Casino Tipping

Tipping habits aren’t universal. What feels normal in one region might be unusual or even frowned upon in another. Knowing the local culture helps you avoid awkward moments and shows respect for the setting.

In short, tipping culture shifts depending on where you’re playing. What’s generous in Vegas might feel unnecessary in London, so it always pays to know the local norms before you begin playing.

Should You Tip If You’re Losing?

It’s easy to feel like tipping only makes sense when you’re winning, but that’s not really the point. Tipping is as much about appreciation as it is performance. Dealers are there to run the game fairly and keep the experience enjoyable, but they don’t decide whether the cards fall your way.

Even if you’re on a cold streak, tossing a small tip shows respect for the job they’re doing. Of course, you shouldn’t overextend yourself; if losses are piling up, no one expects you to keep tipping. With that being said, a small gesture goes a long way.

Summary: When to Tip 

Tipping in casinos, whether on the floor or online, comes down to understanding the culture, not following a rigid formula. Small, occasional tips are enough to show respect for the dealer’s role and keep the atmosphere positive. Remember: tipping is about appreciation, not performance.

If you’ve enjoyed a smooth game, learned something new, or just had a great time at the table, even a small tip can show your appreciation. If you’ve enjoyed a great session, consider leaving a little extra for the dealer—it means more to them than you think!