How Much to Tip in Las Vegas (Full Guide 2026)

Key Highlights:

Restaurants: 18%–20% is the standard; 22%–25% for exceptional service at fine-dining spots.
Casinos: $2 per drink from a cocktail server; $5–$10 per hour for a dealer (or a small bet for them).
Hotels: $2–$5 per bag for bellhops; $5–$10 per night for housekeeping (leave it daily).
Transportation: 15%–20% for Taxis and Ubers; $5 for the valet when they return your car.

In Las Vegas, the “neon lights” might be powered by electricity, but the service is powered by tips. Gratuities aren’t just a bonus here; they are the gears that keep the city running smoothly. Whether you’re winning big at the tables or just grabbing a coffee, knowing the unwritten rules of the “Vegas handshake” is the key to being treated like a local VIP.

We have spent years exploring every corner of the Strip and Downtown, and we can tell you: the etiquette can be confusing. From the cocktail server who finds you in a sea of slot machines to the dealer who helps you share the “good karma” of a win, everyone relies on your generosity. Here is our honest, expert-led guide to the Las Vegas Tipping Guide.

Dining and Drinks: The 20% Rule

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When you sit down to eat in Las Vegas, you aren’t just paying for the food. You’re paying for a performance. Whether it’s a celebrity chef’s bistro or a late-night diner, the staff works incredibly hard to manage massive crowds and high expectations.

Sit-Down Restaurants

For standard service, 18% to 20% of the pre-tax total is expected. If you are dining at a high-end spot like Hell’s Kitchen or Joël Robuchon, 22% to 25% is more appropriate for the level of attention you’ll receive.

Direct Answer: Standard restaurant tipping in Las Vegas is 18-20% of the pre-tax bill. For 2026, many high-end Strip restaurants have transitioned to clear upfront fee disclosures, so always check if a “service charge” is already included before adding a separate gratuity.

Buffets and Bars

Buffets: Even though you serve yourself, someone is clearing your plates and refilling drinks. $5 to $10 per person is the 2026 standard for high-end buffets like Bacchanal.
Bars and Nightclubs: For a simple beer, $1 to $2 is fine. For craft cocktails that require a “build,” lean toward $3 to $5. In nightclubs, a 20% service fee is almost always added to bottle service automatically.

Casino Floor Etiquette: Chips are Cash

Tipping while gambling is a unique Vegas skill. You can tip in cash, but using casino chips (which dealers call “cheques”) is the pro move. It keeps the game moving and shows you know the culture.

Casino Dealers

Tipping your dealer is a way to share the “good karma” of a win. You don’t have to tip on every hand, but a $5 to $10 chip every hour—or whenever you rake in a big pot—is standard.

The “Player Bet”: Instead of just handing them a chip, place a small bet for the dealer (like a $1 chip on the “Dealer’s Circle” in Blackjack). If you win, they win! It makes the dealer a partner in your success.

Cocktail Servers

Those “free” drinks while you gamble aren’t exactly free. The server has to navigate a loud, crowded casino floor to find you. $2 per drink is the minimum.

Pro Tip: If you want the server to come back quickly, tip $5 or $10 on your first round. They will remember your face, and you’ll never see the bottom of your glass.

Hotel and Transportation: The “Small Bill” Strategy

To survive the hotel lobby and the taxi lines, you need a pocket full of $1 and $5 bills. These small gestures make the difference between a stressful arrival and a smooth check-in.

Bellhops and Valets

Bellhops: For the person who brings your luggage to the room, $2 to $3 per bag is standard.
Valets: You only need to tip when they return your car. $5 is the norm, though many people tip $10+ during the 110-degree July heat.

Housekeeping

Housekeepers are the hardest-working people in the building. $5 to $10 per night is the respectful amount in 2026.

Important: Tip daily rather than at the end of your stay. The person cleaning your room on Monday might not be the same person there on Friday.

Summary & Final Helpful Tip

The Las Vegas Tipping Guide is less about “buying” service and more about respecting the hospitality culture of the city. When in doubt, a small tip goes a long way toward making your trip more enjoyable.

Our Best Helpful Tip: Go to an ATM as soon as you land and break a $20 into singles and fives. You’ll likely encounter five people who deserve a tip before you even reach your hotel room (shuttle driver, skycap, valet, bellhop, and elevator attendant). Being prepared avoids that awkward “I’ll get you next time” moment!

❓ FAQ: Las Vegas Tipping Guide

Do I tip if I lose money gambling?

Yes. Tipping the dealer isn’t a “commission” on your winnings; it’s a payment for their service. If you’re having a rough run, you can tip less, but “stiffing” the dealer is generally considered bad form.

What about the “$20 Trick” at check-in?

This is the classic move where you sandwich a $20 bill between your ID and credit card while asking for “complimentary upgrades.” While not a guaranteed “tip,” it’s a common practice that often leads to a better view or a higher floor.

Do I have to tip at Starbucks or fast food counters?

Generally, no. For counter service, where you stand in line, tipping is optional. Don’t feel pressured by the tablet screens—save those dollars for your sit-down servers and housekeepers.

Can I tip with a “slot voucher”?

Technically yes, but it’s tacky. Housekeepers and servers have to go through extra steps to cash those in. Always use actual cash or casino chips.

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