Players’ relationships with live casino dealers (in terms of how they are treated) can greatly influence their experience at a live casino. With live casinos, players can now engage in live casino games online. Rather than simply pressing buttons to randomly generate results, players sit around a virtual table and engage with a real dealer who deals the cards or spins the wheel. Players can see what the dealer is doing; they can hear the dealer speak; in some cases, players and dealers will develop a rhythm together after several sessions. That human element can bring to the fore an issue that many players never considered before: whether to tip the dealer in a live casino environment?
Tipping live casino dealers has a familiar feel if you have ever been to a brick-and-mortar casino. Dealing blackjack at a table in Las Vegas or roulette at a table in Monte Carlo are examples of situations where dealers will receive chip tips as part of the standard casino tipping protocol.
But online casinos add new elements: new mechanisms; new expectations; new gray areas. At brick-and-mortar casinos, tipping is done via chip, and is managed and monitored by the casino. At online casinos, tipping is done via software; digital chips; and platform-managed systems.
Some players tip each time they play; some players never tip. And both approaches make sense, based on the players’ individual goals; individual budgets; and individual philosophies as a gambler.
Understanding Tipping in Live Casinos
Live casino platforms such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play recreate the social aspect of casino gaming. Each of the live casino platforms have studios, operating in a controlled environment, streaming their dealers to thousands of players worldwide. The dealer at a live casino manages the cards; interacts with players through the dealer chat; and maintains the pace of the game.
Because of the dealer’s human presence, this social dynamic is created at the table. Tipping is therefore much more about human interaction than about the mechanical aspects of the game.
Mechanics of tipping in online live games
All of the major live casino platforms, as well as many of the smaller ones, allow players to tip their dealers using built-in interface options. Players can send virtual chips to the dealer; click a “tip” button located next to the dealer video feed; and send tips in various fixed amounts (i.e., $1, $5, etc.) or custom chip values. In addition, some platforms, such as Stake.com, allow players to send additional messages to the dealer along with the tip using dealer chat tipping.
Tipping in live casino games is generally handled in the following ways:
Players send tips using real-money chips that are currently in their balance.
- The player clicks the tip icon located near the dealer video feed.
- The player sends a fixed amount (e.g., $1, $5, etc.) or custom chip value.
- The player can send a message to the dealer using dealer chat tipping, in addition to sending a tip.
- The tip is acknowledged either visually or verbally by the dealer.
As mentioned earlier, some platforms (such as Stake.com) will display tip animations or visual acknowledgments, while others will display only a small notification to the dealer.
A very common misconception regarding tipping at live casinos is that the tips directly fund the dealer’s pay. Not always. Some studios pool all tips for all of their staff. Others allocate tips as part of the dealer’s salary. It really depends on the employment model used by the studio.
For example, Evolution Gaming operates a large studio environment with numerous dealers. In addition to their structured compensation packages, Evolution Gaming provides supplemental income to their dealers in the form of tips. However, Evolution Gaming dealers do not rely solely on tips to earn their living.
Tipping – pros and cons
Tipping may seem like a straightforward concept, but it presents many challenges for players in terms of financial discipline, emotional discipline, and psychological factors.
On one hand, tipping can enhance the relationship that a player develops with his/her dealer. Although dealers must remain neutral and professional, a friendly player who tips a dealer from time-to-time can elicit a warm and more personal response from the dealer.
Dealers also recognize their regular customers and respond to them accordingly in chat. Additionally, tipping can help to create a more enjoyable experience for players, creating a feeling of community and camaraderie at the table.
There is also a moral component to tipping. Live casino dealers work long hours under the bright lights of a studio and maintain their composure and professionalism despite the constant barrage of players at the table. Tipping acknowledges their hard work and dedication to providing a high-quality experience for players.
In addition to the social and moral components of tipping, some players report that tipping contributes to their enjoyment of the game. Players may feel that tipping creates a sense of shared success when they win.
Some players also report that tipping creates a positive feedback loop. Players may tip after a win, reinforcing their positive emotions.
Some common benefits that players report experiencing as a result of tipping include:
- Friendly interaction from the dealer during slow tables
- Acknowledgment from the dealer in dealer chat
- Increased emotional investment in the game
- An enhanced social experience
- A greater sense of being a member of a community of gamers
Again, none of the above-listed items affect the game mechanics. However, they do affect how the experience of playing at a live casino feels.
Drawbacks to tipping
There are many drawbacks to tipping. One of the most obvious is the financial cost of tipping. Regardless of the amount of the tip, it represents lost funds that could have otherwise been used to grow the player’s bankroll.
Additionally, players may become emotionally attached to tipping. For example, players who are on a winning streak may choose to tip their dealer in excess. Subsequently, once the player loses, he/she may regret having tipped so much.
There is also an illusionary component to tipping. Players may subconsciously believe that tipping improves their chances of winning. There is no evidence that tipping has any effect on game outcomes. In fact, live blackjack tipping does not affect the card distribution. Similarly, the outcome of a spin of the roulette wheel is completely independent of the tip given to the dealer.
Tipping can also increase the rate at which a player depletes their bankroll, particularly for players with limited budgets.
Finally, tipping can create a feeling of pressure on the part of the player. Players may feel that they need to tip in order to fit in or to appear as if they are enjoying themselves. As previously stated, this pressure rarely benefits the player’s financial strategy.
Tipping etiquette and best practices
Unlike restaurants, tipping at a live casino is not subject to industry-wide standards. Tipping etiquette at live casinos can vary significantly depending upon the cultural background of the player; the type of casino; and the individual player’s expectations.
At a live casino, tipping is optional. Dealers do not expect to receive a tip from every player.
When to tip and how much to tip
The timing of tipping is more important than the amount. Most players will tip their dealer after a significant win rather than every time they bet. For example, players may tip their dealer after they double down and get a blackjack hand or after they hit a favorable number on the roulette wheel.
Players can tip in a variety of sizes. Small tips are perfectly fine. Dealers appreciate recognition from players regardless of the size of the tip. Experienced players will often tip their dealers in proportion to the amount of money they have won. Typically, this is between 1% and 5% of the session profit.
More importantly than the size of the tip, consistency is more important. Players who tip their dealer on occasion and in small amounts can create a positive interaction with the dealer without negatively impacting their bankroll structure.
Players who are disciplined in terms of their bankroll will often establish tipping guidelines in advance. For example, a player may determine that they will only tip their dealer if the profit from the session exceeds a predetermined amount.
Popular methods for tipping in live casino games
Because all tipping at live casinos takes place in a digital format, the methods of tipping differ from those found in a brick-and-mortar casino. Common methods for tipping include:
- Tipping by sending chip tips directly from the player’s balance.
- Using a tip button that is built into the game interface.
- Tipping after a significant win or bonus payout.
- Sending appreciation messages to the dealer in addition to the tip.
- Tipping on occasion during extended sessions.
Regardless of the method, the goal of tipping is the same. The main difference between the methods is the timing and frequency of the tips.
Game-specific tipping strategies
While tipping is generally acceptable in most forms of live casino games, the tipping dynamics can vary depending on the specific game. For example, blackjack offers more opportunities for interaction with the dealer than does roulette. Roulette, on the other hand, offers faster-paced action than blackjack. Baccarat often generates a quieter environment than other live casino games.
Players who understand these differences will know when tipping is appropriate in a particular game.
Tipping in live blackjack and roulette
Players who participate in live blackjack games tend to tip their dealer more frequently than players who participate in live roulette games. Live blackjack dealers interact more with players than do live roulette dealers. Live blackjack dealers respond to the player’s hit and stand decisions. Live blackjack dealers manage multiple players simultaneously. As a result, players tend to tip their dealer more frequently when participating in live blackjack games.
Players who participate in live blackjack games often tip their dealer after strong hands such as blackjack wins; successful double downs; and favorable streaks.
In rare instances, players may place “tip bets,” which involve placing a small wager on behalf of the dealer. This is a common occurrence in land-based casinos and occasionally occurs in live casino environments.
Players who participate in live roulette games tend to tip their dealer less frequently than do players who participate in live blackjack games. Live roulette games move faster than live blackjack games. Players have less opportunity for interaction with the live roulette dealer than they do with the live blackjack dealer. Players who participate in live roulette games may tip their dealer after hitting a desired number or after hitting a series of favorable numbers.
Regardless of the game, the tipping decision is made at the emotional level. Players tip their dealer when they feel excited or appreciative of their experience.
Tipping in Baccarat and Poker Games
Baccarat players tend to be quieter and less likely to tip their dealer than players of other live casino games. Many Baccarat players focus solely on the pattern of bets placed at the table. Tipping is present, but is much less frequent than tipping in Blackjack.
Poker live dealer gifts are different. Poker players tend to tip their dealer after winning a pot. This is the same tipping practice followed in brick-and-mortar poker rooms.
It is understandable that Poker players would tip their dealer after winning a pot since the dealer is responsible for managing the poker game, including distributing chips; managing players’ stacks; and controlling the pace of the game.
However, tipping at a live casino is always optional.
Regulations Regarding Tipping in Live Casinos
Not all casinos treat tipping in the same manner. Some online casinos highlight tipping features in the software. Other casinos minimize the prominence of tipping features in the software.
As mentioned earlier, all of the major live casino software providers (such as Evolution Gaming, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play) include tipping features in the software. However, how the casino chooses to implement and handle the tipping feature is ultimately determined by the casino.
Tipping Regulations by Provider and Casino
Evolution Gaming, for example, allows tipping through its integrated chip system. Players can tip their dealer by sending tips directly during gameplay. The tips received by the dealer are distributed to the dealer as part of the studio compensation structure.
Playtech uses a similar approach to tipping as Evolution Gaming. Playtech also uses a chip-based tipping system in many of its live games.
Pragmatic Play’s live casino games also include tipping features, although the availability of tipping may depend on the casino operator.
Some casinos, such as MGM Online Casino, prohibit tipping entirely because of regulatory restrictions. Other casinos allow tipping, but pool the tips received by the dealers.
Casino operators, such as MGM Online Casino, operate within strict regulatory frameworks. Therefore, the handling of tips by the casino must comply with the applicable employment and gaming regulations.
Player Experiences and Expert Opinions
Opinions regarding tipping at a live casino are divided among players. Some view tipping as a necessary part of the live casino tipping culture. Others view tipping as an unnecessary expense.
Players who regularly participate in live casino games often develop their own tipping habits based on emotional responses, rather than rational thinking.
Does Tipping Improve Odds or Service?
Tipping does not improve a player’s odds of winning a game. Game outcomes are determined by physical randomness and casino rules.
In games such as Blackjack and Roulette, the dealer has no ability to manipulate the outcome of the game. Cards are dealt from a pre-shuffled deck or from an automated shoe system. The outcome of the Roulette wheel is independent of the dealer’s intent.
However, tipping may positively impact the social experience of playing at a live casino. Dealers may interact more warmly with players who have tipped them in the past. The warmth of the interaction creates a more positive emotional experience for the player.
Some players refer to tipping as part of the psychological flow associated with playing at a live casino. When a player tips, he/she reinforces a positive emotional loop associated with the game.
Other players prefer to maintain a strict financial discipline and avoid tipping altogether.
Alternatives to Direct Tipping
Players who wish to express their appreciation for the service provided by their live dealer without tipping directly have alternatives.
Many live casinos offer loyalty programs. Loyalty programs award players points for their betting activity. Players can redeem their accumulated points for bonuses, cashback, or other VIP benefits.
VIP Programs
VIP programs are structured reward systems for players who have engaged in extended periods of play. Players receive benefits such as cashback percentages, exclusive promotions, and personalized support.
VIP programs provide measurable value to players. Unlike tipping, VIP programs provide a predictable return on the player’s investment.
Players who are interested in maximizing their long-term bankroll may prefer to pursue loyalty rewards rather than tipping.
