Ask Frank (Tipping the Dealer)

Dear Frank,

I am new to your newsletter, so please forgive me if you have already covered this topic.

I am a dealer, in San Diego, and would like to have you discuss tipping (tokes).

We as dealers survive, like waiters, on our tips. Recently our director held a meeting to discuss guest/customer relations with a certain group of people (I will NOT name this ethnic group, as I am NOT prejudiced) who at times can be rude, smelly and do NOT tip.

Of course, the casino wants their action (they mostly arrive on busses) and they want all dealers to treat them well. Many dealers feel slighted by their lack of a gratuity.

Can you cover this topic in your newsletter?

Thanks and best regards,
Bill (re-thinking my gratuity, when I eat at their restaurant)

Dear Bill,

I've written about tipping before. And in my upcoming book I have a whole chapter on tipping. I believe that players should tip dealers, just as patrons tip waiters, barbers, bellhops, bartenders, maids, valet parkers, etc. Dealers make the bulk of their wages from tips. Having been a waiter many years ago, I can tell you that I know what it feels like to be stiffed after giving good service. The Golden Touch Craps course that I am a part of encourages the players to tip the dealers who are giving you good service -- which is most dealers most of the time. There is absolutely nothing you can do with people who don't tip. If you become surly or upset, you might find that you offend players, not from this group, who were waiting until they finished playing to tip.

Bill, dealers have to be like actors; you have to pretend you like each and every patron no matter what kind of smelly idiot he is and whether he tips or not. Like doctors, teachers, and other professionals who deal with the public, you can't let any individual constituent know that you can't stand him -- even though you can't stand him! Dealers can't wear their emotions on their sleeves. As a professional, you just have to literally grin and bear it.

All the best in and out of the casinos!
Frank Scoblete

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