Guide to Tipping in Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore
Have you ever thought; “How much should I tip this person?” when on vacation in Atlantic City, NJ? Most travelers visiting Atlantic City for the first time, have no idea who and how much to tip casino service providers. For sure, if you read my guide to tipping, you’ll feel much more comfortable about it next time. Latest Atlantic City Blog News!
It’s important to keep in mind that many casino workers rely heavily on tips from customers, some make a very low hourly wage to begin with and rely on the extra revenue from tips. In some cases tipping some key people can turn into an incredible experience for you and your posse. How would you like an upgrade to a nicer room or suite, and a VIP table in a top nightclub or front row seats for a show, it’s all achievable if you follow this guide. Ok, here we go!
Restaurant Maitre d’ – During busy times or if you desire a specific table location, it may necessary to take care of the Maitre d’. Simply fold a $10 or $20 bill in the palm of your hand and shake his hand, asking if there are any available tables. If there is nothing he can do, he will hand your money back to you.
Showroom Captain – This one works for me everytime! Most casino House Shows are General Admission, including the Comedy Stop at the Trop, identify the Seating Captain while in line, shake their hand when you arrive at the front of the line with a $20 bill, they will instruct the greater to take you to a specific location. You can give a few dollars to the greater who actually seats you but it’s necessary.
Nightclub Bouncer / Doorman – Don’t be intimidated by the Big Guy is Rule #1. If you want to bypass the line or gain access to specific location of a nightclub, instruct the first person in your party to put $50 bill in his hand, approach the bouncer in a single line, hand him the money and say I have X number of people with me, the bouncer will escort you either directly into the club or to the payment cashier, or, if he can’t help you he give your money back. (He likes his job and doesn’t want to risk a problem.)
Front Desk Clerk (Room Upgrade) – I do this one everywhere I go. When you arrive at the Front Desk, place a $20 bill between your ID and your credit card, simply hand to the Front Desk agent and say “Are there any complimentary upgrades tonight?.” Once again, if they are unable to help, they will hand back your money.
Here’s Quick Look Guide at Tipping in Atlantic Casinos – Lucky 21
1. Dealers – Rule of thumb is $5 per hour you are playing at a table.
2. Cocktail Servers - $1 per drink on the casino floor.
3. Slot Attendants– Hand Pay Outs – 0.5% to 1% of total jackpot payout.
4. Keno Runners – The standard is $1 per order, $5 or more if you hit a nice one!
5. Horse Racing Teller – Always leave the change for each cashed ticket, give more if you win. The #1 Race Book in Atlantic City is the Borgata Hotel.
6. Massage Therapist – Normally 10% to 20%, be sure the gratuity isn’t already on the bill however.
7. Hair Salon Stylist / Technician – $5 per hair cut, 15% for other services like nails etc.
8. Concierge – I would give $5 for dinner reservations, $5 for each additional service they provide, they know people, so ask for the moon, you won’t know until you try.
9. Musician / Singer / Entertainer - $5 per night if you enjoy the music, $10 for requests!.
10. Shuttle Driver – $2 for Free Shuttle Service to other casinos.
11. Wine Steward – 10% of the total wine bill only if the Wine Steward makes an enjoyable recommendation, he probably gets a percentage of each bottle he selld that night.
12. Houseman – Delivers extra blankets, Pillows, Towels etc give him a minimum of $2.
13. Cab Driver – Most trips around town are really short, $2 – $5 per trip is plenty, don’t blink as you’ll arrive at your destination.
14. Limousine Driver – Short Free Trips $5, 15% – 20% on full nights service, especially with lots of people.
15. Parking Valet – $2 – $5, I say $2 for standard cars and $5 or more for luxury cars.
16. Chambermaid – $1 – $2 per day is sufficient. Most commonly ignored service provider.
17. Room Service – 15% is Standard
18. Waiter/Waitress – For Casual Dining and Cofee Shops tip 15%, for Gourmet Restaurants – Fine Dining Tip 20% but only if you’ve experienced good to great service and a good meal!
19. Tour Guide, Driver – $2 – $5 depending on length of tour. Trolley Tours, Vineyard Tours etc
20. Doorman $1 to $2 if he hails you a cab, $1 to $5 if he carries your bags.
21. Bellman – $1 per bag, $2 for very large or heavy bags.
Wow, that’s a lot of potential tips a customer visiting an Atlantic City hotel or casino could have to fork out of their pocket. As you can tell, some of these service industry positions do not require a tip, however, it’s based on your discretion. I believe in paying forward good Karma, thus, tipping whenever I can to hopefully make someone’s day I hope this guide to tipping really helps you enjoy your next casino vacation at the Jersey Shore. Take a look at Reviews on Hotels prior to booking your trip, this may save you some aggravation. Atlantic City Boardwalk History.
