.

Should you Tip an Online Casino?

This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links means that sometimes if you click through to a website and register or purchase something, we may get a commission from that sale at no extra cost to you. Click here to learn more.

With the advent of online casino games, some have questioned whether tipping is still appropriate. Whether you’re an experienced gambler or a novice trying your hand at casino games for the first time, you should be familiar with some simple gambling etiquette.

Just as you wouldn’t sit down to play a game without first knowing the rules, you should know the tipping methods of the country or online casino you’re visiting before placing your first bet.

Tipping is prohibited at some online casinos, but is it possible to tip your dealer at an online casino that offers the live casino games of your choice?

If you’re playing a game like online poker and your dealer has taken steps to make your experience exceptional, it’s always a smart idea to double-check whether you’re able to tip them.

Tipping at land-based casinos is a more or less popular gesture around the world, with a few variations depending on which country you’re playing in.

You might already show casino workers your appreciation for their assistance –a valet who parks your car as you arrive, a cocktail waitress, a dealer at a Blackjack table, a slot machine attendant, or the cashier.

But how does it work when you place your bets on the internet instead of in a physical casino?

Until you participate in an online game, you may not know how tipping etiquette works in online casinos.

The background

While tipping has been the standard in America and elsewhere for decades, a tipping culture in casinos is emerging in the UK and Europe. It became legal in the UK in 2005, and is fast becoming as popular there as it is in the US.

Certain casinos may have tipping policies that include maximum amounts and how these should be distributed. So, if you’re not sure, ask about the tipping policy so you can make informed decisions.

To Tip or Not to Tip?

When deciding to tip or not, keep in mind that many casino employees rely on tips to make ends meet.

Some of the advantages to playing online include not having to get dressed up, shower, and brush your hair; the machine doesn’t mind if you’re sitting there in your pajamas, yawning and placing chips on the table. If you win big in an instant game, you won’t be expected to tip the computer as a way of appreciation.

But attend a hosted table and things change; now you have the same style your colleague delivers services to a living and breathing human in a casino. You would not have had the possibility to tip it in physically in various places, because it was impossible for a while. It’s improving slowly but surely, so online players have a dilemma: tip or don’t tip?

This question can, of course, easily be answered. It is traditional to tip the person who delivers a service in the real world if you’re satisfied with the efficiency of the service.

How Much Should You Tip?

There are no rules even in land-based casinos, although there is an inclination tag that indicates the expectations.

For example, in the US, you should spend 10 to 15% of your gambling budget on the tipping of your buy-in. In the UK, you should use 15 – 20% of the amount of your buy-in chips to give you a rating.

If there are no similar guidelines in the online world, land-based practices could be used as guides.

But there aren’t any rules and your game host probably appreciates the fact that your gratitude is seen no matter how insignificant the tip is, instead of thinking you’re cheap.

How Should I Tip in An Online Casino?

You can’t take a tip and give it to the dealer through a computer screen, right? So how’s it done?

You can see a tip to display the dealership when you play in a casino that provides the tipping feature. Several major online game developers have included this feature.

Who Do You Really Tip?

Many players are afraid that their tip will end up in the wrong hands, benefiting the casino rather than the polite and supportive dealer.

Why would you continue to give the house more money now that it has already secured a significant portion of your hard-earned money?

The reality is that you can never be certain, but playing at reputable places will raise the likelihood that your tip will end up in the pockets of the lady or gentleman who has positively contributed to your gaming experience. Any online casinos will also fix this issue in their terms and conditions by specifying the portion of the tip that is guaranteed to be passed on to their live dealers.

Final Words

By now you should have a fair idea of how much you should tip at an online casino, but know that hard and quick rules are not one of the things discussed here.

Picture of Emma Drew

Emma Drew

Emma has spent over 15 years sharing her expertise in making and saving money, inspiring thousands to take control of their finances. After paying off £15,000 in credit card debt, she turned her side hustles into a full-time career in 2015. Her award-winning blog, recognized as the UK's best money-making blog for three years, has made her a trusted voice, with features on BBC TV, BBC radio, and more.

Well done