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!
As you can imagine, Atlantic City employees relay heavily on tips to survive, plus, in most cases tipping the right person can turn into an upgraded room, better table, bottle service at a nightclub or front row seats inside the Showroom, it’s very probably if you follow our tips to tipping in Atlantic City, NJ.
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 – Some Casino shows are General Admission, in this case, identify the Showroom Captain and shake their hand with a $20 bill, they will gladly find a great location for you. This works with all general seating shows.
Nightclub Bouncer / Doorman – This is one underused do to the intimidation factor of these big guys. If you want to by pass a line or get into a certain area of a nightclub, have the first guy in your party put $50 in his hand, follow in a single file line, the first guy shakes the bouncers hand and says, “I have # of people with me”, the bouncer will escort you into the club, if he is unable to accept tips he will say so and give the money back.
Front Desk Clerk (Room Upgrade) – This one can really make for an enjoyable trip. Upon arrival at the Front Desk, place a $20 bill between your ID and Your Credit Card, hand the it to the Front Desk Clerk and ask “Are there Complimentary Upgrades Tonight?”. Be kind and curtious, no one wants to help the jerk. I’ve been upgraded to Bi Level suites with Jacuzzi’s for $50 tip before. Be confident and polite and this is sure to work!
Once Inside the Casino, Here are some Guides to Tipping!
1. Dealers – Rule of thumb is $5 per hour you are playing at a table.
2. Cocktail Servers - This one is pretty simple, $1 per drink on the casino floor, $2 or more if you’re winning!
3. Slot Attendants– Hand Pay Outs – If it’s a large jackpot .5% is fair of the total jackpot.
4. Keno Runners – The standard is $1 per order, $5 or more if you hit a nice one!
5. Horse Racing Teller – We recommend to always leave the change for every ticket you cash, this adds up. Give more when you’re winning of course! The Borgata Atlantic City has the best Race Book.
6. Massage Therapist – Generally 10% – 20%, check to make sure the tip isn’t included.
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 - $10 to request a song and $5 if you dig the music, this is not mandatory but is a part of you paying it forward.
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 Trips that are free $5 per person, paying cutomers should tip 15% – 20% of total bill for an entire night, you’ll have the drivers head spinning all night with stops!
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 overlooked service provider.
17. Room Service – Most likely already included, check this first, then, if not 15% max, unless you are a difficult customer.
18. Waiter/Waitress – 15% for coffee shops and casual dining, 20% for fine dining and gourmet.
19. Tour Guide, Driver – Vary’s based on length of tour, $2 to $5 per person, Trolley Tours, Cruise 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.