Vegas time: 2:06 AM
Master the art of gratuity in Sin City - who to tip, when to tip, and how much to leave for stellar service!
Tipping is a cornerstone of the Las Vegas experience, where exceptional service powers the 24/7 entertainment machine. Whether you're visiting from a country where tipping isn't customary or just want to avoid those awkward 'did I tip enough?' moments, we've got you covered.
Our comprehensive guide breaks down who expects a tip, how much to give, and the etiquette that will have you handling gratuities like a Vegas veteran. Remember, good tipping isn't just polite—it can transform your Vegas experience with better service, special treatment, and insider recommendations!
Most service staff rely on tips
Good tippers get better service
Baseline for most services
If you're from a country where tipping isn't common (looking at you, Australia, Japan, and most of Europe!), the American tipping culture can feel like navigating a minefield. Here are the general rules that apply throughout Vegas:
Vegas veterans swear by the "$20 trick" - slipping a $20 bill between your ID and credit card when checking in and politely asking if there are any complimentary upgrades available. While not guaranteed, this classic Vegas move often results in room upgrades, better views, or waived resort fees. The worst that happens? They'll politely decline and return your cash.
Standard Tip: $20 for check-in, especially when requesting room upgrades
This is the famous "$20 trick" - discreetly sandwich a $20 bill between your ID and credit card when checking in.
Increase to $50-$100 at luxury resorts for better odds of significant upgrades
Standard Tip: $1-$2 per bag, minimum $5 total
Tip when they deliver your luggage to your room, not when they initially take it at the entrance.
Add $5-$10 if they provide additional services like ice, restaurant recommendations, or special requests
Standard Tip: $3-$5 per day
Leave it daily (not just at the end of your stay) on the pillow or nightstand with a "Thank You" note.
Consider $10+ per day for suites, extended stays, or if you're particularly messy
Standard Tip: $5-$10 for basic services
For simple restaurant reservations or basic directions, $5 is sufficient. For more involved requests, scale up appropriately.
$20-$50+ for hard-to-get reservations, show tickets, or special experiences (tip when they deliver results)
$3-$5 when retrieving your car
No need to tip when dropping off. For faster service later, consider tipping when you drop off as well.
$1-$2 for hailing a taxi
$1-$5 for luggage assistance. No tip needed just for opening doors.
$5-$10 initially, $1-$2 per drink
For cabanas, tip $20-$50 at the beginning for premium service all day.
Standard Tip: $1-$2 per drink / 15-20% of total tab
Tip on every drink at a busy bar, or open a tab and tip 20% when closing out. Higher tips lead to stronger pours and better service.
💡 Cocktail Waitresses/Servers: $1-$2 per drink in casinos, even for complimentary drinks while gambling. Remember, these servers work for tips!
Check Your Bill Before Adding Extra
Many Vegas restaurants (especially for parties of 6+) automatically add 18-22% gratuity to your bill. Look for "Service Charge," "Gratuity Included," or similar wording.
You're not obligated to tip extra on top of the included gratuity, but an additional 5% for exceptional service is a nice gesture.
Tip 10% of the total bill for basic service. Tip $1-$2 extra per drink delivery. No need to tip at self-service stations.
Tip 18-20% on the total food+drink cost. For particularly attentive drink service, consider adding $1-2 per refill.
Tip 20-25% minimum for these premium experiences, more for extraordinary service or kitchen interaction.
$5-$10 when they go beyond basic seating assistance (helping with special needs, finding better seats)
$1-$2 per item checked
While not required, $5-$20 for street performers or when taking photos with costumed performers
15-20% of tour cost, or $5-$10 per person for free/inexpensive tours
Bottle Service: 20% minimum on total bill
For VIP tables with bottle service in nightclubs, the standard gratuity is 20% (often automatically added). For exceptional service or prime tables, consider 25-30%.
Club Hosts/Promoters: $20+ per person to skip lines or get into exclusive venues
Cocktail Servers: $20+ to start for bottle service, then $5-$10 per visit throughout the night
Bouncers/Security: $20-$50 can help with entry but never expected or guaranteed
Tip $5 per hour of play or 5-10% of winnings. Place dealer tips as bets ("betting for the dealers") or hand them chips directly. Always tip when leaving a table, even when losing.
Tip 1-2% for jackpot hand-pays under $1,000; $20-$50 for jackpots between $1,000-$5,000; $50-$100+ for larger jackpots. Tip cashiers $1-$2 for large cash outs.
Tip dealers $1-$5 when you win a significant pot. For tournaments, tip 1-5% of winnings. Tip poker room servers $1-$2 per drink, even if "complimentary."
Standard Tip: 15-20% of the fare
Round up for short rides. Add $1-$2 for luggage handling.
Pro Tip: Carry small bills for taxi tips. Many drivers "suddenly" don't have change for large bills.
Standard Tip: 15-20% through the app
While technically optional, tipping rideshare drivers has become the norm, just like taxis.
Add 5% for clean cars, help with luggage, or useful local advice
Standard Tip: 20% minimum
Often included in the price (look for "gratuity included"). If not, tip 20% for standard service.
For all-day service or exceptional service, add 5-10% more or a $50-$100 bonus
No tipping needed for the Monorail, public buses, or trolleys.
Tipping is optional ($1-$2) for standard hotel shuttles, but appreciated for luggage help.
No tipping required for standard rental car services.
No tips needed for self-service or app-based rentals.
When planning your Vegas budget, don't forget to account for tips! Here's a quick reference guide for estimating your gratuity budget based on different trip styles:
Estimated total: $30-45 per person per day
Estimated total: $65-105 per person per day
Estimated total: $180-350 per person per day
While many places accept credit cards for tips, having a stash of small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s, and $20s) is essential for smooth tipping in Vegas. ATM fees on the Strip are notoriously high ($8-$10 per transaction), so get cash before you arrive or at your bank's ATM off-Strip.
Tipping is a cornerstone of the Las Vegas experience, where exceptional service powers the 24/7 entertainment machine. Whether you're visiting from a country where tipping isn't customary or just want to avoid those awkward 'did I tip enough?' moments, we've got you covered.
Cash at the Ready
Keep a stash of small bills ($1s and $5s) in an easily accessible pocket for seamless tipping without the awkward wallet-fumbling moment
Tip as You Go
For ongoing service providers like bartenders and housekeeping, tip incrementally throughout your stay rather than one lump sum at the end
The Discreet Handoff
Master the subtle art of tipping with a folded bill and handshake - it's classier than flashing cash and appreciated by service professionals
Reward the Exceptional
When someone goes above and beyond with personalized service or fulfills special requests, show your appreciation with a more generous gratuity
Free Drinks ≠ Free Service
Those complimentary casino cocktails still involve service - $1-2 per drink keeps the cocktail server returning to your gaming spot
Daily Housekeeping Appreciation
Leave a fresh tip ($3-5) each morning for housekeeping staff, as different people may clean your room each day of your stay
The No-Tip Traveler
Remember that many Vegas service workers earn below minimum wage and rely on tips as their primary income - not an optional extra
The Over-Tipper at Tables
Avoid tipping dealers after every winning hand - instead, tip periodically or when you're up, not on a per-hand basis
The Tip Showoff
Skip the ostentatious tip displays - most service professionals prefer quietly respectful tipping over public flourishes
The Double-Tipper
Always check your bill for 'gratuity included' or service charges before adding an additional tip - some Vegas venues auto-add 18-20%
The Coin Collector
Leave the loose change in your pocket - service staff prefer paper currency that doesn't jingle, weigh down pockets, or create counting hassles
The Tip Withholder
Start with standard tips for expected good service rather than making staff 'earn it' - good tipping upfront often results in better service
