Myth or Reality: Can You Tip Your Dealer With Casino Chips?
Cash Comes in Handy at the Tables… Sometimes
There are all sorts of myths and legends when it comes to poker games at casinos. If you play for real money in a card game of any sort and win or just feel generous, don’t think about making a mistake many players do.
In casino news that everyone should be aware of, it is illegal to tip dealers with casino chips in Nevada. Yep, when you are finished playing and want to show your appreciation to the dealer for a job well done, make sure to have some cash in your wallet or clip.
Says who? How about Nevada laws? “A licensee shall not accept chips or tokens as payment for any goods or services offered at the licensee’s gaming establishment, with the exception of the specific use for which the chips or tokens were issued.”
But, But… It Happens Every Day?
While other states allow dealers to be tipped in chips (yes, it sort of rhymes), Nevada isn’t one of them. The rule of thumb is that many dealers are willing to take the chance and accept a chip as a gratuity. Unless you are being watched for other violations of your workplace code, the dealer will likely take their chances and accept the chip.
One interesting way to circumvent the chip/tipping issue is intriguing. There are many players who will ask the dealer if they can set up a bet for the person with the cards. Should the dealer accept the gesture, the proper protocol is to place the dealer bet outside your playing circle but not on top of your chips. Then, you return with any cash the bet won. Seems like a lot of intrigue when it comes to trying to show a form of appreciation.
Hit a straight flush at the Hard Rock Casino playing Ultimate Texas Hold-em last night
How good was it?
The tip was $1,125
— steelguy (@dave_hegan) March 7, 2025
But, laws are laws. The reason behind this 1980 law was to bring state law into line with federal rules prohibiting the creation of new currencies. It also has favorable tax implications for casinos, which aren’t taxed on unreturned chips.
How About Your Online Dealers?
This is a product of the current wave of online casinos. Let’s assume you are outside of Nevada and want to thank your blackjack live dealer at the online casino. Is there a manner in which you can give the person a chip or some form of appreciation?
There are safe payment methods that have been developed allowing money to be set aside for dealer tips. Online casinos actually encourage tipping your dealer. A known practice is to tip your dealer $5 per hour. If you are sitting at a table for a long time with other players, this adds up. The tip, like with a server in a restaurant, is a good way for the dealer to bump their earnings in addition to the base salary they receive.
One last fact to understand: tips can be kept by individuals or find their way into a tip pool for all the dealers, depending on casino policy.
Binion’s table games dealers get to keep their own tips now. No more tip-pooling. pic.twitter.com/it8fYkDs18
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) July 16, 2024
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