Let‘s cut right to the chase – the standard tip for free cocktail service at a casino is $1 to $5 per drink, depending on factors like service quality and your luck at the tables. While comped drinks are technically free, tipping your servers is customary (and greatly appreciated!) to ensure prompt drink delivery.
But before you head to the casino and start splashing the green on grog, it helps to understand the backstory. Why do casinos even offer free alcohol in the first place? And how should savvy gamblers work the system to keep those libations flowing? Grab a seat, friend, and let‘s riff on maximizing those gratis gin and tonics.
Why "Free" Drinks Are Good for the House
Casinos provide complimentary cocktails to incentivize you to stick around and gamble. The longer you play, the more they can theoretically win. Alcohol helps loosen your inhibitions and dissociate you from just how much cash you‘re frittering away on slots or table games.
underscore this value exchange. Samantha Odegard, a Las Vegas cocktail waitress, puts it bluntly: "Free drinks at casinos allow you to make bad decisions on their dime."
While you‘re downing watered-down rum and Cokes, remember that casinos still profit handsomely on booze. The cost of well liquor or cheap beer is far below what they‘d charge at hotel bars.
In 2020, casinos nationwide earned over $250 million in beverage revenue, despite many drinks being "complimentary." That‘s a lot of watered-down rum and Coke!
Now that you understand the psychology behind free drinks, let‘s get to maximizing this sinful perk.
Know Thy Tip Amounts
Assuming you want to keep those cocktail waitresses flowing, the next question is: how much should you tip?
Here are some expert opinions on appropriate gratuities:
"$1 per drink is the bare minimum. $5 or more if you want to be treated exceptionally well." – Heather Ferris, Las Vegas casino host
"I tell guests $3 per drink is a fair tip. Of course, I encourage them to tip more when winning big!" – Alan Davidson, Atlantic City sommelier
"New gamblers don‘t realize how much we rely on tips. I‘d love $5 per drink, but $2 keeps me happy." – Brandi Sanchez, Oklahoma City waitress
Based on this wisdom, $1 to $3 per drink is standard, with $5+ being a generous token of appreciation. Now let‘s look at some factors that can influence ideal tip amount.
When to Break Out the Big Bucks
Your tip amount can vary based on circumstances. Consider upping the ante in these situations:
You‘re ordering top-shelf liquor or complex cocktails. Tip at least $2 per drink, or 20% of the hypothetical bar tab.
You‘re out with a large party. $2-$3 per drink helps account for the waitress handling a large order.
You‘re on a winning streak. Spread the gambling prosperity!
Your waitress is hustling and responding promptly to signals. Show your appreciation for their attentiveness.
You ordered bottle service. Tip at least 20% of what the bottle would cost at the bar.
You‘re frequenting establishments with higher drink costs. In Vegas, the average beer is $7 and cocktails top $15.
Conversely, it‘s fine to tilt to the lower end in circumstances like:
You‘re drinking well liquor or cheap beer
The waitress seems distracted or disinterested
You‘re losing badly and limited on gambling budget
You‘re in a region with lower drink prices (e.g. $3 beers in Tunica, MS)
The range gives you flexibility based on service and your mood. Next, let‘s talk logistics.
Proper Tipping Etiquette
Once you‘ve settled on an appropriate gratuity, follow these rules of etiquette when tipping casino servers:
Tip every new waitress who brings you a round. They often rotate.
Be discreet when passing tips to avoid flashing cash. For table games, toss the chip/cash directly to her palm.
Don‘t make her reach across you. For slots, put cash directly into her tray.
If paying by card, let her know you‘ll tip later with chips. This avoids awkwardness.
When she‘s not around, leave the tip visibly on the machine/table. Never stiff servers for convenience.
If you don‘t have small bills, break a larger bill at the bar. Get $1 bills or casino chips for tipping convenience.
Politely wave her down when you need a new drink. Never snap fingers or shout demands.
Follow these rules, and your glass shall remain full! Now let‘s talk other casino staff…
Tipping Beyond the Cocktail Waitress
While chatty cocktail waitresses might be your most frequent tip recipients, consider spreading the love to other casino staff:
Bartenders – $1 to $2 per drink is standard. Tip more for complex cocktails requiring effort.
Servers at casino restaurants – 15-20% of the total bill is customary. Just like an off-site restaurant.
Dealers at tables – If you‘re having a winning run, tipping the dealer $5 or more per winning hand is a nice gesture.
Slot attendants – For jackpot payouts, or just periodically if you‘re having good luck. $5 or more.
Casino hosts – Grease the wheels with $20+ tips for arranging free rooms, entertainment, or transportation.
Tipping dealers and hosts isn‘t required, but can help boost service. The most important rule? If someone handles your food, drinks, or money – tip them!
Regional Differences in Tipping Amounts
What‘s considered an appropriate tip can vary by casino region. Here are some standards:
Las Vegas – Known for its over-the-top tipping culture. $5 per drink or 20%+ is typical.
Atlantic City – More subdued as the Northeast. $1 to $2 per drink is standard.
Mississippi Gulf Coast – Low drink costs mean tips can be modest – $1 to $2 is fine.
Oklahoma tribal casinos – Lean towards the lower end around $1 per drink.
Pennsylvania – Expectations are comparable to Atlantic City at $1 to $2 per drink.
Midwest riverboats – While low-key, $2 per drink keeps waitresses happiest.
The takeaway: when in doubt, start on the lower end of the range and scale up for better service. Now, let‘s get into gaming the system.
Tactics for Excellent Drink Service
While tipping well is important, there are additional tactics to incentivize your waitress:
Right off the bat, lead with a nice tip like $5. This sets the tone for your generosity.
Politely mention when you‘re on a winning streak. Waitresses will flock with drink offers.
Ask for a betting chip to pre-pay her for additional drinks upfront.
When tipping with chips, use higher value denominations – e.g. two $5 chips versus five $1 chips. This looks more impressive.
If you plan to drink a lot, order a bottle. Tip at least 20% of the hypothetical bar cost upfront.
Learn your waitress‘s name and politely call them over when you need service. This personal touch goes far.
Follow these tips, and your glass shall remain full! But beware of overindulging – you still need your wits to actually win money. Now, let‘s talk missteps to avoid.
Common Casino Drink Tipping Mistakes
While properly tipping leads to free-flowing booze, several all-too-common blunders will leave you high and dry:
Stiffing servers when you‘re losing. Don‘t take it out on them – it‘s not their fault!
Neglecting to tip just because drinks are comped. This cuts deeply into their wages.
Assuming $1 is adequate when ordering cocktails. These require more effort to prepare.
Not tipping extra for large drink orders. Failing to acknowledge the additional workload.
Tipping the bare minimum all night. Up your tip amounts as you buy in for more chips!
Forgetting to tip new waitresses when yours goes on break. They need love too!
Avoid these missteps, or you may find your service drying up rapidly. Finally, let‘s peek behind the curtain.
What Casino Servers Really Think About Drink Tips
While the published standard is $1-$3 per drink, what do casino servers actually expect as a fair tip amount? Here are some anonymous perspectives:
"$5+ is dream scenario. But I‘m cool with $2 on beers if they tip every round." – Las Vegas waitress
"On $1/$2 blackjack tables, even $1 is fine. But tip $2+ for cocktails." – Atlantic City waitress
"I try not to have expectations. But nothing hurts more than a 20-top not tipping on bottles." – Midwest server
"Most people tip $1 per drink. I wish it was $2 or $3, but jobs are tight." – Oklahoma waitress
The consensus seems to be that while a buck or two keeps the peace, more generous tips are desired and duly appreciated!
So next time you bell up to the tables or slots, tuck away a stash of single bills. Not only will your gratuity karma stay aligned, but you just might find those free gin and tonics flowing faster than the house can rake your chips. Enjoy that buzz responsibly!
