Here is the gist, anyone that provides a service to you that make your stay more pleasurable deserves a tip. It’s a simple thing and rewarding that service is expected. A couple of dollars to anyone who is helping you out normally does the trick. Since some people still have problems I have decided to put together a little list so you don’t look like a complete loser.

At the tables

Ok you have just found a spot at a favorite table and you throw down a ‘Ben Franklin” to get the ball rolling. Obviously at this point you are not going to throw anybody a tip for breaking your hundred. But, let’s say you are just learning the game of Blackjack and you want to split 10′s while the dealer is showing a 6. (Yes, this is a BIG no no) if the dealer says nothing and just lets you screw yourself and the rest of the table. No tip but… if the dealer in a very nice way suggests that this is probably not a wise decision, you should listen, and then you should throw the guy/gal a buck or two. This is because they are being helpful, another occasion for tipping that you will see happen quite often is if you are on a hot streak. A LOT of people will tip because there dealer is hot for them or lucky. I usually tip whether I am winning or not as long as I like the dealer, I mean they actually engage in some sort of conversation.

Poker Table

These are slightly different. If you win a pot send a chip over to the dealer. They deal the cards and they have to put up with abuse from the players, A good dealer can split pots and keep the game going while a bad dealer can let things get out of control. Most Las Vegas dealers are very knowledgeable so drop a few chips in their pocket.

Cocktail Waitress

Ok this one I am a little bit opinionated on. If you are getting a free drink and the girl had to walk across the casino and find and remember you when you move around. Throw her a tip for god’s sake. And no a quarter is not enough. Not if you want another drink. I will tip a buck a drink, no matter what it is. Even a bottle of water.

Taxi

Most people get this one, because there are taxi’s in every town and people know to tip them for a good job. Right?

Bellmen

If they are hoisting you bags around and generally make your stay more enjoyable throw them a buck or two. Another thing is that these guys usually have their ear to the ground so if you are looking to find a special event of party , you want to get on their good side. Just a thought.

Buffet

It is customary to tip one to two dollars per person in your party for drinks and the clearing of dishes. Some buffets have eliminated beverage service and have made that self serve as well, for that you tip $1 for the clearing of plates per person in your party.

Restaurants

Now remember what I said at the beginning tipping is for people that make your trip or stay more enjoyable. For some reason it has become almost expected to give a tip at a restaurant whether you had good service or not. I don’t agree. I worked a long time in the service industry an I get it, tipping is a right not a privilege and if I wanted a buck from the guy at the end of the bar I better make sure that his pint stayed full. So if I go to a restaurant I cannot get my coffee re-filled or order a dessert, I know that someone is just punching the clock and is not interested in making my day any better. In these cases I will tip a nominal amount like 5%, why you say because I know that my whole tip does not go to the server, in fact a lot of it goes to the hostess, bus person and kitchen staff and I think that they deserve their money even if my server does not. On the flip side if you put a little effort in and a smile on your face I don’t care if you even bring me the wrong meal I will give you a GREAT tip.

Anyways for what it is worth there is my guide to tipping. The nice thing is this does not have to be a Las Vegas specific guide. It works everywhere.

For the first time since it’s inception, Las Vegas is reeling financially. Hotels and Casinos across town are dealing with record lows for occupancy and less spending from the visitors that do come to town.

Most pundits are blaming the slowing Vegas economy on raising fuel costs, which is utterly ridiculous. I have no doubt that the extra $100 or so that the average person has to spend per month on fuel is negatively affecting the economy but… the Las Vegas slow down started years before.

There was a time, not that long ago, when a quick trip to the desert was a nice weekend jaunt. You could stay in a nice hotel and have a decent meal without breaking the bank account. About a decade ago things began to change in Sin City, the dollar buffets were being closed around town. The more reasonably priced casinos were being imploded to make room for the billion dollar next generation. Cafes were replacing coffee shops and designer retailers were taking over the town.

In short, Las Vegas was no longer targeting the average working guy (or gal); they were trying to bring in the big money. And it seemed to work, until now. Now the town that averaged hotel occupancy in the 90 percent range is suffering through a long weekend that is hovering around the 80’s. Now casinos, hotels and even strip joints are filing for bankruptcy. And I am here to tell you it is about time!!!

Las Vegas needs to go back to it’s bread and butter. The working people! Get rid of the $15 BURGER and the $500 dinner and bring back what worked for all those years, before they got greedy. And I expect it is about to happen.

Well that’s it for this rant, I am heading back to Sin City on Wednesday, and it will be interesting to see what room prices are listed at.