Blackjack: When and How to Tip Dealers

If you’ve ever played Blackjack at a land-based or online casino, you know that the dealer plays a massive role in how entertaining a game can be. Not only do these hosts sling cards and keep the game flowing, but they also do a whole lot more to make the experience as good as it can be. 

Like other industries, tipping the dealer is a fantastic way to say thanks for a good job, but not knowing when, how and why can result in a player deciding not to, in case it makes things awkward —  but it doesn’t have to be.  

Tipping in a Land-Based Casino

In a physical casino, tipping is part and parcel of the experience. Dealers aren’t just dealing cards; they’re using their knowledge to manage the game and ensure things run smoothly. They also chat with players to enhance their experience and provide the social aspect that many people love. 

When you’re sitting at an actual table, the easiest way to tip the dealer is to slide a chip or two across the table in front of them, making sure you let them know it’s a tip and not a bet. A lot of players will tip the dealer after a big win or when the session ends, mainly because they’re grateful for the part they played in the chunk of change they’re about to walk away with. 

Live Casino Dealers Deserve Tips Too

When it comes to tipping during a live dealer game, it’s a little different. As there’s not a physical table or chips to slide forward, you can hit the ‘tip button’, where the amount gets sent to them. Another option is to press the ‘tip bet’ option, where you can make a small wager on behalf of the live dealer. If your hand wins, they win too, which they will no doubt share their thanks for. 

Because this kind of tipping is digital, you can pretty much do it at any time — straight after a winning hand, when the dealer’s been chatting with you, or simply because the session has ended and they made it fun.

How Much Should I Tip a Live Blackjack Dealer?

Many players worry that they’ll insult the dealer with a low tip, or worry they’ve given away too much. The truth is, there are no rules to tipping. That being said, there are a few common ways people work out how much they want to pass on. 

Some players will tip a flat number, like one chip or the minimum bet, after every winning hand. Others, who are feeling more generous, will tip a set percentage of their winnings, which is typically around the 10% mark. 

To keep the flow of a game going nicely, some people will tally up the tips by the hour, putting a few chips aside (or making a mental note). When the session comes to an end, they then push those chips to the dealer, or send the amount using the tip button if they’re playing an online casino game.