Tipping Dealers is Proper Poker Room Etiquette

Poker dealers are a much-maligned group. Charged with maintaining order over a typically unruly gaggle of combatants, they can't win. They have to work fast, enforce the rules, manage the bank and maintain a cordial demeanor while sitting at a table with nine bosses.

Often reviled by players for events over which they have no control, they have cards (and slurs) thrown at them regularly. Under eagle eyes and cameras in the sky, they have to push the money of reluctant losers to gloating winners. Their backs ache, their fingers stiffen and they have chiropractor bills. For this they get minimum wage.

Like other workers providing a service, the poker dealer's income is derived mainly from gratuities. It's a rare Scrooge who will not tip a waiter if they've done their job satisfactorily, but many players will stiff a dealer. Some people don't know that it's the way dealers make their living, and some don't care.

It's proper poker etiquette for the winner of each hand to give the dealer a tip out of the pot. Since it's only the winner who's expected to tip, a dollar or two tossed to the dealer shouldn't be too painful. In a small-to-midsize tournament, if you place in the money, a 5 to 10 percent cut of your winnings is the rule of thumb. Consider it a modest business expense for keeping the action moving and (in the case of the best dealers) for making the overall experience pleasant for everyone.

In Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland," the Queen of Hearts is famous for saying "Off with their heads!" The Queen of Hearts writing this column has the same message for you non-tippers out there. Loosen up. Show some appreciation for a job well done. By George, it'll come back to you in spades. (Poker Gazette)


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