Tipping in Las Vegas can be confusing, especially for those coming from places where tipping isn’t customary.
Not thinking about tipping in advance can create an uncomfortable situation or lead to poor service.
I want to help you avoid that disapproving glance and take care of those who take care of us!
My guide to tipping in Vegas outlines who you should tip, and how much is expected. Feel free to go bigger to make someone’s day, or more importantly, to accumulate good karma.
I’m a firm believer that the slot machines know how much you tipped… or didn’t 🙂 Act accordingly.
Ensure you plan ahead and have the correct bill denominations at the ready for every tipping scenario. I typically ensure I have a small stack of $1 and $5 bills in my wallet before hitting the town.
How Much to Tip Slot Attendants on a Handpay Jackpot in Vegas
You hit a slot jackpot in Las Vegas! Congrats! Now your slot attendant is counting your handpay and you’re having a mini panic attack deciding how much to tip. You don’t want to overdo it, but also don’t want to be seen as stingy.
I recommend tipping around 1% ($20 on a $2,000 jackpot) but it’s common for folks to tip slightly more, up to 2% on small jackpots depending on the level of service received.
While I’ve never hit a big jackpot, I’d scale the tip amount back to around 0.5% ($500 tip on a $100,000 win) for a major hit.
Play the slots with a plan. know in advance how much you plan to tip the attendant on both small jackpots as well as the big one should it hit to avoid the stress of a split-second decision.

How Much to Tip For Free Drinks in Vegas
Free drinks while gambling is one of the best aspects of Las Vegas, but how much should you tip the cocktail waitress?
The baseline acceptable tip amount in this scenario is $1 per drink delivered, however, that amount should be treated as a bare minimum. Nowadays, I find myself more commonly tipping $2 or $3 per drink.
My per-drink tip amount can even reach $5 per drink if I’m getting great service and I know that I’ll be at that particular table or machine for a while.

How Much to Tip Casino Dealers in Vegas
Las Vegas casino dealers rely on tips to make a living and without tipping, they would make minimum wage in most cases.
While playing the tables, I tip as I play, throwing the dealer $5 – $10 dollars after a big hand or nice run of hands. Generally, I don’t wait until the end of my session because, if I’m down, I’m less likely to be generous.
Reward the dealers that give you a GREAT experience and scale your tipping back when service or their attitude & engagement doesn’t meet your expectations.
Trust me, tipping for great service as you play will improve your enjoyment of the game.

How Much to Tip Street Performers
You are not obligated to tip a Las Vegas street performer anything. While they work for tips, they’re not able to set a price for their services.
If you do choose to pose for a souvenir photo, tipping $5-$10 total (not per person) is appropriate.
Oftentimes, visitors are aggressively pressured to pay more, up to $20-$50 per person. Don’t be shamed into giving more than you feel comfortable.
Related: Scams in Las Vegas – What to watch for.
How Much to Tip Bellmen in Vegas
If you plan to store your bags at the hotel bell desk until your room is ready, you’ll want to have a few dollars at the ready.
At a minimum, you’ll want to tip $1-$2 per bag, both dropping off and picking up. I typically hand over $5 – $10 for each leg of the transaction.
The same tipping structure is applicable for the delivery of bags to your room.

How Much to Tip Hotel Housekeeping
Too many Las Vegas Visitors skip this tip. After all, you won’t even make eye contact before the maid has to clean the room after your weekend of debauchery.
Housekeeping staff deal with a lot of disgusting situations. Make their day and leave something, anything, behind. I recommend leaving them $5-$10 daily… or more… depending on what you put them through.
Note too that a different person could clean your room daily. I’d recommend tipping daily, leaving the money on a table with a little note so they know it’s for them vs. a lump sum at the end of your stay.

How Much to Tip Ride Share Drivers
It’s appropriate to tip Uber & Lyft drivers around 15% – 20% of the base fare amount.

How Much to Tip Shuttle Drivers
Typically, dropping a few singles into the tip jar when exiting the bus at your destination is sufficient.
How Much to Tip Restaurant Servers
A tip based on service received. I recommend starting at 20% of the final bill and going up from there if you had an exceptional experience.
If all or part of your meal was comped or a coupon was used, don’t be cheap, tip on what the full amount would have been.
You are also not obligated to tip when ordering “fast food” even if there is a tip jar present. More and more credit card terminals are prompting customers to tip in situations where tipping hasn’t always been customary.
While I personally tip if I had a great interaction, it’s completely optional.

How Much To Tip Poolside Servers
Dining and drinking poolside should be treated the same as at a non-poolside restaurant or bar. A 20% tip is standard.

How Much to Tip at Buffets in Vegas
Due to the self-service nature of most buffets, you can scale your tip back and leave a few bucks a person.
If you dine at a buffet in which drinks are delivered to your table vs. being self-service, I’d recommend sticking to the standard 20%.

How Much to Tip at the Hotel Front Desk
There is no need to tip when checking into your Las Vegas hotel unless you receive an unprecedented level of service or upgraded accommodation that was not expected.
Some Vegas travelers will use the $20 trick, sliding the front desk worker $20 upfront, in an attempt to obtain an upgrade.
Related: More on the $20 trick.

How Much to Tip the Valet in Vegas
I don’t usually drive a car in Vegas, because I am pretty consistently inebriated. For those of you that use Valet service, consider $5-$10 an acceptable tip per interaction.
Related: Should you rent a car in Las Vegas?

How Much to Tip Tour Guides in Vegas
Whether you are going for a tour to visit the haunted sites around Las Vegas or taking a full-day trip out to Bryce Canyon or the Hoover Dam, I recommend tipping your tour guide between $5-$20.
The tip amount can be determined by the cost and time commitment of the excursion and the experience provided by the guide. Many don’t tip at all, you can’t go wrong if you choose to.

Panhandlers
I recommend you don’t “tip” or give money to the homeless individuals lining the strip with “Need Money for Weed” or related signs. Instead, direct a donation to a local charity supporting that population.
Nightclub Staff
It’s not my scene. I wouldn’t even know what I would do in a nightclub. Like, what are you supposed to do with your hands?
I’d look like one of those wacky inflatable arm guys you see at car dealerships. I’d rather just throw dice all night. You’re on your own here, but I’m sure plenty of tipping is involved.
The key is to be prepared for tipping situations in Las Vegas before you hit the town. One of the most common mistakes travelers make is feeling pressured to tip too much. Go to Las Vegas armed with the knowledge, and correct bill denominations, needed to tip appropriately for the service you receive so you, and they, are happy.
Your final lesson in Vegas tipping. Hand the tip to the recipient’s hand. Don’t be like the creepy guy that used to slide a tip into my back pocket as I bagged his groceries. That is now frowned upon. Unless you’re at a strip club.
Tipping in Las Vegas doesn’t have to be stressful. Simply plan for your likely interactions, and carry plenty of small bills. Have a great trip to Las Vegas!
See Also: A complete list of free things to do in Vegas.
Feature Image: ©joephotographer/123RF

I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Ashlee
Friday 25th of August 2023
Would love an update re: poolside service as well! We were confused there recently.
Jake Hoffman
Friday 25th of August 2023
I got it added! Thanks!
Poolside service is essentially the same as if you were dining at a bar or restaurant - 20% is standard.
Cleveland
Thursday 20th of July 2023
Yet another reason to never go to Las Vegas
Jake Hoffman
Thursday 20th of July 2023
Tipping is hardly a Vegas phenomenon...
K J M
Monday 19th of June 2023
If you do rent a car and plan on being in and out a lot, I suggest tipping the Valet $20-$50 up front (depending on length of stay) and then a few bucks each interaction. They'll keep your car closer and you'll have a minimal wait even when it's busy.
Ray
Saturday 22nd of April 2023
"While I’ve never hit a big jackpot, I’d scale the tip amount back to around 0.5% ($5,000 tip on a $100,000 win) for a major hit." That is 5%, not 0.5%. Tip 500.
Dave
Thursday 16th of February 2023
You missed the girls cleaning ashtrays and guys mopping bathrooms, they make it all shine.
Jimbocha
Sunday 31st of December 2023
@Dave, in the gym I tip the room attendant who keeps the place clean a $5 weekly tip.