Tipping / Money Matters, Las Vegas

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one of the innovations in the Casino World is the invention of the Paper Voucher and the corresponding modified Automated Teller Machine (ATM) that can read these vouchers and dispense out cash. Playing the slot machines today has become so medernized that if you hit the jackpot or on a roll in a particular slot machine, there will not be coins coming out and clanking to the bottom of the slot machine but instead, the computer chip in the slot machine will compute your winnings and if opt not to gamble anymore, just press the touchscreen on the slot machine and viola! a paper voucher will be issued to you and you can readily encash it at the many modified ATM machines that accepts the paper voucher and you can convert your earning to instant cash!

All Casinos with slot machines in las vegas now use the automated paper voucher to print your winnings and then you can encash them at the atm machines.

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in this economy and recession, the handy Automated Teller Machines have become more important as many people now have less credit cards and lower FICO Scores hence Cash is becoming king and besides the debit card, having an Automated Teller Machine Card has it's perks and here in Las Vegas, there are numerous ATM machines everywhere where you can withdraw spot cash and most of the machines are part of local and international consortiums like Plus, Discover, Cirrus, etc. But always remember that the ATM's have ATM machine use charges that ranges from $ 2 to $ 4 per transaction besides the usual bank withdrawal charges. the machines have different maximum withdrawal limits with sone only allowing $ 200 maximum withdrawal to others allowing up to $ 500.

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As I've Learned as a Gambler, It is better to tip Cocktail waitresses 1 dollar but since the weakness of the dollar, better tip them 2 dollars since tipping is a must in the service industry and since in other countries there is a mandatory service charge from 10-20% included in the bill. This is actually not just a local custom here but anywhere (boy i've been to reno, atlantic city, biloxi, indian casino's in Wash State and NY and a lot more, even in Canada). I always get a kick out of people in the nickel areas complaining that they have not seen a waitress. These same people act like they are doing her a favor to give her 3 nickels. She has to do the same amount of walking regardless of whether she is bringing a coffee to the nickel area or a top shelf drink to the higher limit.

So now you will give her $2 a drink and They'll be back more often because they know you are taking care of them, they'll tell the bartender to make it a "good" drink (sit in earshot of a waitress station sometimes and listen sometime). Why? They tip out the bartenders at the end of the night for helping them. So they have some pull over the bartenders.

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Bell Captain & Bellman:
The usual tip is $1-$2 per bag. The bell captain and staff are also a valuable source of information and can perform many services, such as arranging for shows or travel, so tipping an extra $5 is not unreasonable. Also, give $1 or $2 to the bellman who calls a cab for you.
Bingo and Keno Runners:
If you’re playing for an extended time, tip $1 occasionally. Even if you’re not winning, it’s appreciated
Buffet Servers:
The standard tip is $1 per person if a server is helpful and gets your drinks.
Dealers:
Tips can be given directly to the dealer between hands, throws of the dice or spins of the wheel, and small side bets are permitted for the dealer. These can range from $1 to half your bet.
Hotel Courtesy Shuttle Drivers:
Although shuttle vans are provided by many hotels at no charge, don’t forget to tip the drivers at least $1 or more per person or $4-$5 per party.
Maids/Housekeepers:
$1 or $2 a day is sufficient, usually left at the end of your visit.
Limousine Drivers:
The standard tip is 15-20%, depending on the service
Showroom Servers:
$5 to $10 for a party of two to four at a cocktail show only; $10-$20 for a dinner show for the same size group depending on service.
Restaurant & Room Service:
Waiters and waitresses usually receive is 15-20% of the bill, depending on the service. Some hotels add the tip to the bill for room service. Be sure to check when you place your order.
Taxicab Drivers:
The customary rate is 15-20% of the fare. If the driver carries your luggage, you might add an extra $1 per bag. For short trips up and down the Strip, a few dollars is appreciated considering the driver’s wait in a cab line.
Valet Parking Attendants:
Valet parking at most hotels is free. A tip of $1-$2 each time the attendant takes or brings your car is appreciated.
Showroom Maitre d’s:
In a few showrooms, where seating is not reserved but remains at the discretion of the Maitre d’, a tip of $5 to $20 helps you get your desired seating.

Most of the customer service jobs in Las Vegas are on average lower paying positions and the employees who work in these positions rely on tips to make a living.

Las Vegas Dealers/Craps Attendants: If you are winning money make sure you tip the dealers. You have a choice to directly have them deposit the money as a tip or make a wager on their behalf. You can also leave the option up to the dealer. 5-10% of your winnings is usually a good tip for the dealers, but we will leave it up to your imagination on how much you win.

Slot Attendants: If you have a good slot payout, make sure to tip the slot attendants. It is not often I see these people tipped and they work hard for their money making sure they are repairing your machines when they have a malfunction.

Las Vegas is sometimes known as a city for "High Rollers," but many of us are just regular working-class people looking for a little fun without paying a high price tag.

Employees/ Locals that work in Vegas have the same dilemma, working-class folks just trying to make a decent living. I always try to remember that as much fun as I am having they are working. Even a little tip can go a long way.

These are not written in stone or anything, I just like to give a little something to let them know I appreciate it.

Bell Man $2-3 per bag
Bell Desk $2 per bag
Shuttle Bus Driver $2-3 per bag
Restaurant 10-20% (depending on the service)
Taxi Cab Drivers $3-5 or $2 per bag
Housekeeper $5-8 per day
Room Service (most hotels the gratuity is added onto the bill, but if you are feeling especially generous, like if of you won big at the BlackJack Table $3-5!)

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Although times are tough and it’s tough on everyone. Especially those who work in services within the hotels, restaurants, transportation, and casino's. Tipping is the only way these individuals are able to supplement their wages. Lately, these individuals have noted that people are tipping less if not at all. Let's not forget these people work hard and make an honest living. So let’s not forget to remember how hard they work too. Show your appreciation

This town runs on tips. Many workers receive minimum wage from their employers, so they depend on the tips to earn their livings. When they leave, the go home to families and mortgages. However, don't lead that to your thinking that you have to overtip. Keep it simple. 15-20% for most services is fine. $2-5 for valet is sufficient. $1 or $2 per bag if you need help from the bell staff is good. I've heard that lately, some of the higher end nightclubs are starting to become a little bit greedy and demanding with tipping. Stand your ground. If they are extorting money, take your business elsewhere. We do not want to encourage this sort of behavior. Also, if your service is not great, let the tip reflect that. As we travel the world, we are always reminded of what good service we receive in Las Vegas compared to other world class destinations. I think the tipping is one reason why. If they do a good job, reward them for it.