Do Blackjack Dealers Get to Keep Tips?

Yes, in most casinos, blackjack dealers do receive tips, but whether they get to keep them entirely depends on the specific casino's policies. Tipping is a common practice in many casinos, and it's often a way for players to show appreciation for a dealer’s professionalism, friendliness, or just good luck at the table.

How Tipping Works for Blackjack Dealers

Tipping, or "tokes" as they are commonly referred to in the casino industry, is typically given directly to the dealer during or after a game. Players usually tip dealers by placing a chip on the table during their hand or giving chips directly to the dealer after a winning session.

There are a few common tipping structures that blackjack dealers might experience:

1. Keeping Tips Individually: In some casinos, dealers are allowed to keep their tips individually. Whatever they receive during their shift is theirs to take home, which can be a significant part of their earnings.
2. Pooling Tips: In many casinos, dealers are required to pool their tips with other dealers and staff. This means that all the tips collected throughout the shift are combined and then split evenly among the dealers and, sometimes, other staff like pit bosses or floor supervisors. This system is designed to ensure fairness, especially if some tables or dealers receive more tips than others during a shift.
3. Tipping Other Staff: In some cases, dealers might also share their tips with other casino staff, such as chip runners, pit bosses, or other team members, depending on the casino's policy.

Why Do Players Tip Blackjack Dealers?

Tipping is a way for players to show gratitude, but there are several reasons why players might tip a blackjack dealer:

1. Good Service: If the dealer is friendly, professional, or explains the game well, players might feel inclined to tip.
2. Good Luck: Players often feel more generous when they are winning and may attribute some of their luck to the dealer, encouraging them to give a tip.
3. Casino Etiquette: In many casinos, tipping the dealer is considered good etiquette, especially after a successful hand or session.

Conclusion

Whether or not a blackjack dealer gets to keep their tips depends on the casino's tipping policy. Some casinos allow dealers to keep individual tips, while others use a pooling system to distribute tips evenly. Regardless of the policy, tipping is an important part of a dealer's income, and it’s a common way for players to express their appreciation during a game.