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More about tipping

8 May 2006

Re: Tipping slot personnel

It is important, if you are going to be a regular player, to take care of those who take care of you. This is true in many areas of life, not just casino play. Regardless of your tax situation, if you hit a big jackpot and get a hand pay, why would you not be grateful? When I hit a big one, I always pass around $20 bills to everyone: the attendant, the ashtray guy, the drink girl, the cash cart person. They remember and are grateful. They recognize you when you return, because you were nice to them. They may even pass along tips as to what is happening on the floor. If they are right, I tip them again.

No matter how successful I become, I never forget the working people. I am one too.

Steve

Dear Steve:

I agree. We should take care of casino personnel.

And they do remember you. I remember when I stayed at Caesars Palace. I ordered orange juice from the cocktail waitress when I played during the morning. One morning, the cocktail waitress came up to me and gave me an orange juice without my having ordered one. She said that someone else had ordered it and she couldn't find him again. When I tried to tip her, she said that this one was on her.

I think the most appreciated tip I ever gave was to a lady in the change booth at Treasure Island. It was just a couple of bucks, but I think she got tipped so infrequently that it meant so much more to her.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John


I have another question about tipping.

I have been playing in Trump Plaza Atlantic City for years and just recently have acquired a slot hostess. There was an error in regard to my offers and I contacted her. She in turn has given me a comp night. I would like to give a gift to her if she continues to be obliging. Would you give me an appropriate tip to give to this slot hostess?

Thank you,
Barb

Dear Barb,

Slot hosts are usually prohibited from accepting cash gifts. In addition, many casinos also have guidelines on how large a tip hosts can accept. I know players who have given candy, ties, homemade baked goods, and items unique to their part of the country. Once you get to know your hostess, you might get ideas about small items she would appreciate. In any case, ask her if there are any guidelines about gifts she can accept.

I suggest you read Jean Scott's Frugal Gambler books for advice on how best to thank a host.

Best of luck in and out of the casinos,
John


Send your slot and video poker questions to John Robison, Slot Expert, at slotexpert@comcast.net. Because of the volume of mail I receive, I regret that I can't send a reply to every question. Also be advised that it may take several months for your question to appear in my column.

John Robison

John Robison is an expert on slot machines and how to play them. John is a slot and video poker columnist and has written for many of gaming’s leading publications. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology.

You may hear John give his slot and video poker tips live on The Good Times Show, hosted by Rudi Schiffer and Mike Schiffer, which is broadcast from Memphis on KXIQ 1180AM Friday afternoon from from 2PM to 5PM Central Time. John is on the show from 4:30 to 5. You can listen to archives of the show on the web anytime.

Books by John Robison:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots
John Robison
John Robison is an expert on slot machines and how to play them. John is a slot and video poker columnist and has written for many of gaming’s leading publications. He holds a master's degree in computer science from the prestigious Stevens Institute of Technology.

You may hear John give his slot and video poker tips live on The Good Times Show, hosted by Rudi Schiffer and Mike Schiffer, which is broadcast from Memphis on KXIQ 1180AM Friday afternoon from from 2PM to 5PM Central Time. John is on the show from 4:30 to 5. You can listen to archives of the show on the web anytime.

Books by John Robison:

The Slot Expert's Guide to Playing Slots