WHEN THE CARDS FALL YOUR WAY
How much should you tip a blackjack dealer?
By Al O’Grady
In a previous article, I discussed tipping the dealer and made the case for why players should tip when they win. Let’s assume we’re all in agreement on that point. The next question is: How much is appropriate?
There’s no single right answer. Tipping is ultimately a personal decision, and what feels right often depends on the circumstances. If the Blackjack Gods are smiling on you during a winning session, perhaps they’ll also inspire the amount you leave for the dealer. As long as the tip falls within a reasonable range, it will be appreciated. For most blackjack dealers, gratuities make up a significant portion of their income, and every tip matters.
That said, many players worry about whether they’re tipping enough and don’t want to come across as shortchanging the dealer. If you’re looking for some general guidelines, here’s a good place to start.
First, a flat-rate approach rarely works. Tossing the dealer a $5 chip regardless of the size of your win can be appropriate in some situations, but far too little in others. If you win $200 to $300, a $5 tip is perfectly reasonable. Once your winnings climb past $1,000, however, that same $5 tip can start to look a bit stingy. And if you hit a big score—say $5,000 or more—a $5 gratuity may seem almost laughably small compared to the size of the win. The amount you tip should generally reflect the size of your winnings rather than remain the same no matter the outcome.
That brings us to the idea of tipping based on a percentage of your winnings. It’s a concept most people are already familiar with. When dining at a nice restaurant, the standard practice is to tip a percentage of the bill. Why not apply a similar approach to blackjack dealers?
While that may sound simple enough, a flat percentage has its drawbacks. Depending on the size of the win, the tip can end up feeling either too small or unnecessarily large. A better solution is a sliding scale based on your winnings.
Think of it as a simple 1-2-3 system. For winnings up to $500, consider tipping 1% of your profit. If your winnings fall between $500 and $1,000, increase that to 2%. And if you’re having a particularly good day and win more than $1,000, a 3% tip is a reasonable guideline.
For example, if you win $500, a 1% tip comes to $5—a perfectly respectable gratuity. If you win $1,000, 2% works out to $20. That may sound generous, but remember, you’ve just won $1,000. If you leave the table with a $2,000 profit, 3% equals $60. Personally, I’d probably round that down to an even $50. This isn’t an exact science, but the principle is similar to a progressive tax system: as your winnings increase, the percentage increases as well. The more you win, the more you share.
I can already hear the objections. “Who are you to tell me how much to tip?” “You should be grateful I tipped at all.” “Where does this sense of entitlement come from?” “If dealers don’t like the pay, they should find another job.”
Let me be clear: I am not telling anyone how much they should tip. Tipping is, and always will be, a personal decision. Any gratuity is appreciated. These suggestions are simply guidelines for players who want to tip but aren’t sure what amount is considered appropriate. They’re intended to help avoid that uncomfortable feeling of wondering whether you left too little—or too much.
I also don’t view tipping as a matter of entitlement. I see it more as a social contract. Dealers provide a service. Players may win or lose. If a player loses, no tip is expected. But when a player wins and enjoys a positive experience at the table, many people feel that showing some appreciation is part of the dealer-player relationship.
Some players disagree, and that’s certainly their right. They believe tipping is completely optional regardless of the outcome. What has always puzzled me is that many of those same players will gladly tip the valet, bellhop, bartender or cocktail server, yet draw the line when it comes to tipping the blackjack dealer.
As for the common argument, “If it’s that bad, just quit,” the reality is often more complicated. Many dealers are in the profession because it provides a livelihood, and changing careers is not always as easy as it sounds. Economic realities, family obligations, age and opportunity all play a role. People often find themselves in jobs not because they are ideal, but because they are the best available option.
On a personal note, I lost my corporate Monday-through-Friday job through no fault of my own. At 56, I still had a mortgage, bills and responsibilities. I needed a way forward. I’ve always enjoyed cards, understood gambling, and was comfortable with numbers, so dealing blackjack became a natural transition. Could I have pursued something else?
Perhaps. But employers are often hesitant to hire someone approaching 60, regardless of experience.
At the end of the day, tipping is a subjective decision made by the player. If you feel the dealer was professional, helped create an enjoyable experience, and you walked away a winner, you’ll likely tip accordingly. This article isn’t aimed at players who have already decided never to tip. Instead, it’s for those who want to do the right thing but simply aren’t sure what that looks like.
Just as some players are uncertain how to play a soft 17, others are uncertain about tipping etiquette. Hopefully, these guidelines provide a useful starting point.
And if you do choose to tip, on behalf of blackjack dealers everywhere, thank you. Your generosity is genuinely appreciated. If you tend to fall on the overly frugal side, perhaps I’ve given you something to think about. Either way, good luck at the tables—and don’t forget the dealer if the cards happen to fall your way.
Al O’Grady has been a blackjack dealer for over seven years. He is a freelance writer with an economics degree and is currently pursuing a degree in mathematics.
