Tipping in Las Vegas

The majority of Las Vegas is run by those who work in the service sector. The waitstaff at restaurants, housekeepers in your hotel and dealers on the casino floor all rely on tips to augment their salaries. Though tipping is technically optional, it really does play an important part in the Las Vegas economy and you will be expected to tip on your Las Vegas vacation.

If you’re not sure what to tip (or when tipping is appropriate), read on for some basic guidelines:

In the hotel:

Bellhops: $1.00 per bag. If he does more than carry your bags, however, such as helping you catch a cab or providing suggestions on where to dine, consider adding a bit more.

Concierge: Whether you’ve had show tickets reserved or dinner reservations made, your concierge should receive a 10%-20% tip that reflects the cost of the service arranged for you.

Desk clerks: No tip is needed under standard circumstances, but if you’d like a room upgrade, a tip might be in order. Read more on how and what to tip for an upgraded room.

Housekeeping: $1.00-$2.00 per day.

Room service: 15%-20% unless gratuity has been added into the check.

At the restaurant:

Waitstaff: 15%-20% unless gratuity has been added into the check. You may want to drop in a few extra bucks if the service was exceptional. Don’t forget to leave a couple dollars at the buffet as well.

At the show:

Ushers: In most cases, you don’t need to tip the ushers, but if he finds you a better seats, consider tipping $5.00-$20.00.

On the casino floor:

Change workers: $1.00-$2.00. Leave more if you win big.

Cigarette girls: $1.00-$2.00. This depends on how much you buy from her.

Cocktail servers: $1.00-$2.00 per round and slightly more for larger groups. You should tip even if your drinks are comped.

Dealers: Even if you lose, you should leave a tip for your dealer. How much you leave is up to your discretion, though most people are more generous if they are winning. Common tipping practices including placing a bit for the dealer alongside yours, tipping between hands every 20-30 minutes or leaving a tip when you leave the table.

Keno and bingo runners: $1.00-$2.00 every few hands.

Slot floor attendants: $1.00-$2.00.

On the streets:

Valet parking attendants: $1.00-$2.00. You’ll need to tip more (potentially upward of $30.00) if you want your car parked up front and ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Taxi drivers: 15% of the fare.

At the pool:

Towel attendants: $1.00-$2.00.

Photo credit: Amarand Agasi