Tipping on Hand Pays

[backsider]

I used to tip rather excessively, like $40 for any $1000 handpays or a couple hundred for a $4000 royal. But it was always done without thinking in the joy of the moment. I turned all that around about two years ago thanks to the writings of a vp expert. Now, no matter what the handpay, I tip nothing. I recently received a $20k handpay at the Cannery and got a few dirty looks from the array of employees who just had to be there as the long count ensued, because I stuffed every bill immediately into my chair caddy.

None of them deserve my money. I dont give free money to the bus driver who smiles at me or to my bank teller whenever I go in to withdraw cash to play. So why pay casino people who are reacting to a stroke of good luck by me? Would they come around to give ME any free money when I lose?

I was taught people tip mostly out of intimidation and because they fear being embarrassed by the service provider. The argument about them not making a liveable wage is valueless. Get a better paying job, or join the Military and dont worry about it for a few years.

[BillyJoe]

I used to tip rather excessively, like $40 for any $1000 handpays or a couple hundred for a $4000 royal. But it was always done without thinking in the joy of the moment. I turned all that around about two years ago thanks to the writings of a vp expert. Now, no matter what the handpay, I tip nothing. I recently received a $20k handpay at the Cannery and got a few dirty looks from the array of employees who just had to be there as the long count ensued, because I stuffed every bill immediately into my chair caddy.

None of them deserve my money. I dont give free money to the bus driver who smiles at me or to my bank teller whenever I go in to withdraw cash to play. So why pay casino people who are reacting to a stroke of good luck by me? Would they come around to give ME any free money when I lose?

I was taught people tip mostly out of intimidation and because they fear being embarrassed by the service provider. The argument about them not making a liveable wage is valueless. Get a better paying job, or join the Military and dont worry about it for a few years.
I subscribe to the "good manners will come back to you in time" theory. I tip casino personnel, limo drivers, valets, bellmen, golf caddies, bag boys etc. As far as amounts, I do $20 on a handpay regardless of the amount. I do not do the percentage approach, since it takes as much time and paperwork for a $2k handpay as a $20k handpay. A roller won $500k on a $100 slot in High Limit this week at the Beau. I wonder if he left a tip? BTY, I met Lucky Larry and Sweet C at the Beau last night. Very nice folks.

[onemoretry]

$20 tips on a $2,000 royal is perfect.  That's 1%. One percent on hand pags is good, except on a $1250 handpay its $10 from me.
 Why is 1% the "right" number? Does that mean, if you happen to valet park, you would tip 1% of the value of your vehicle to get it back? This is one of the few issues on which I agree with backsider's current position. It's tough enough trying to win at video poker without adding to the difficulty by giving away a fixed percentage of your jackpots. Having said all that, I will tip $5 on a significant hand pay if the service is prompt and courteous.

[backsider]

Tipping handpays isnt anything to do with good manners and neither will anything come back to you in time, unless its regret for giving away money from that jackpot two hours ago as you lose your last twenty.

Try this next time. Get your handpay and leave no tip. You will feel intimidated, nervous, and think all the employees think youre one cheap sob. But guess what, the feeling will pass in seconds, and itll be a lot easier to hold back that tip as more jackpots come. More money for you, which is why you gamble. Those employees do not care one iota about you, so why care about them.

[DOUBLE B]

I always get a "check". Yes a check!  I just tell the attendant that I prefer a check please. Several reasons. #1)The check goes home with me.   #2)For some reason the VP machines will not accept a check-huh!   I don't ask the attendant to front me some money when I'm losing  and I don't give money away when I do finally win a litte.

[cook1947]

It is not like it was 15 years ago, when you saw, spoke, and chatted with the change people. When I hit now, I don't feel compelled to tip anything, because up until that point, I have never seen this person before. If I would know them, of course I would share, but it is so impersonal now.

[backsider]

I always get a "check". Yes a check!  I just tell the attendant that I prefer a check please. Several reasons. #1)The check goes home with me.   #2)For some reason the VP machines will not accept a check-huh!   I don't ask the attendant to front me some money when I'm losing  and I don't give money away when I do finally win a litte.

Now I will bet THAT is the most lucrative "advantage play" known. Excellent and over-the-top positive EV, Double B!

[BillyJoe]

Tipping handpays isn't anything to do with good manners and neither will anything come back to you in time.  Those employees do not care one iota about you, so why care about them.
Sorry, but tipping is ALL about manners, and I totally disagree with your assessment of casino employees. I live in FLA, so I am not even a 'regular' at most casinos. I do have a couple of casinos that I frequent more often, however - Beau Rivage in Biloxi, Caesars in LV and Harrah's in Joliet. Every time I go to one of those casinos, I always have some of the floor people recognize me and welcome me back.

[backsider]

I frequent the Cannery in LV and have been there maybe thirty times. Im known more easily because of my chair, and no one in the place has more manners than me. I chat with the employees, we have some laughs, and I even let them bother me sometimes when Im playing Other than when they do something that "assists the handicapped", I never tip any of them on handpays and it doesnt change anything about anything.

Save your money and put it where it was meant to be put, in your own pocket. Would you rather have friends, or panhandlers?

[Quad Deuces]

Like everything else video poker-related, I'm glad backsider weighed in so I know what NOT to do.