To Tip or Not to Tip

The thing about playing games online that are dealt by real dealers is that (at some platforms at least) you can tip.  It’s as simple as moving one of those little virtual chips with your mouse and putting it into the slot market ‘tips’ (naturally).

Now this begs the question, what exactly is the etiquette for tipping dealers in while playing online?

Until recently my policy has always been forget it – for a number of very good reasons…

1. I am tighter than a frog’s sphincter with my hard-earned.  Giving it away to anyone other than my Liberian sponsor child just seems stupid to me (hello Blessing if you happen to be surfing gambling websites).
2. A typical blackjack session sees me loosing to the casino.  I hear this tends to be the norm with other players more often than not.  Why should I (and you) help the casino pay their dealers’ wages any more than we are (indirectly) doing anyway?
3. If you are going to pry a tip out of me, it’s only going to be for service that is above and beyond the call.  How does a casino dealer go above and beyond the call?  Their job is kind of like that of a referee…if they’re good you shouldn’t really notice them.

But recently I have had a bit of a re-think on my stingy approach.  I haven’t tipped yet, but at least I’m thinking about it.   And here’s why…2 words…

Section Spinning

Yep, there is chance, albeit it a very remote one, that a dealer that likes you can look after you – and in more tangible ways than a mere smile and friendly conversation.  If roulette’s your game, then you should consider tipping a part of your playing arsenal.  If you’re a blackjack or baccarat player…well a little bit of karma can’t hurt right?

So I’m going to take the plunge and start tying to cultivate some dealer love.  I’ll let you know if it works!