Tips for Tipping in Casinos

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Tipping the dealer—also called giving a gratuity—goes back decades in land-based casinos. It’s simply sending a little extra cash to your croupier as a thank-you for a smooth, entertaining live casino session. In Kenya, you must be at least 18 by law, and all live casino operations are licensed by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). While tipping at online casino games is entirely voluntary, it does form part of good casino etiquette if you’ve had fun.

Funding your account is straightforward: most players use M-Pesa or Airtel Money on the top sites we list at CasinoRank. Once you’re in the game, just look for the "Tip" button or keep some chips handy when you’re dealing live roulette, blackjack, baccarat, slots, virtual sports or poker.

Keep in mind that tipping cultures vary around the world. For example, tipping live dealers in North America is standard practice in Las Vegas, whereas tipping live dealers in Europe remains quite discreet. Here in Kenya, tipping at brick-and-mortar casinos is even rarer—players do it entirely at their own discretion.

Online live casino platforms make tipping feel effortless. Major providers like Evolution, Ezugi and Playtech embed a "Tip" button in most titles—from OTT Roulette and Jackpot Roulette to Unlimited Blackjack, Live Casino Hold’em, baccarat, virtual sports shows and even live dealer poker tables. A single click transfers the chips you choose directly to the dealer, no need to hunt for the cash tray.

In a land-based casino, the ritual is a bit more hands-on. At Nairobi’s tables you’ll either hand over chips directly, place a small stack beside your bet, or slide a chip down the rail. Some players opt for a side wager to show they’ve tipped, hoping (mistakenly) that the dealer will deal them better cards. Remember, croupiers can’t influence random outcomes.

You can also tip slot attendants if a machine malfunctions or you ask for a drink. In those cases, a quick KSh 200–KSh 500 can go a long way. Again, it’s totally voluntary—Kenyan casino staff don’t expect it, but they sure appreciate the gesture.

A Friendly Gesture

A tip isn’t about feeling sorry for someone who deals cards; it’s about acknowledging the entertainment they provide. Dealers deal hundreds of hands per shift, so a small reward shines through.

It’s Part of Casino Etiquette

If you’ve ever won a big pot in Caribbean Stud or hit a solid streak at live baccarat, you’ll see fellow players tip their dealers. It’s a long-standing tradition that keeps the vibe at the table positive.

Build a Good Rapport

Show some goodwill and your dealer is more likely to keep an eye out for you—whether it’s sorting out a betting error or just engaging you in friendly banter. A happy dealer often equals a more relaxed, enjoyable game.

A Dash of Luck?

Superstitious players swear that tipping brings them good vibes. Might it help your luck? Probably not—but if it improves your mindset and makes the session more fun, why not try it?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for tipping a live casino dealer—it depends on your budget and your generosity. After a big win, you could tip USD $10 (approximately KSh 1,000) or USD $100 (approximately KSh 10,000) without raising eyebrows.

If you’re playing tables with a minimum bet of USD $25 (around KSh 3,250), leaving a USD $5 chip (approximately KSh 500) is a tidy guideline. And when you place a side bet and it wins, consider tipping about 3%–5% of your payout. That approach keeps your tipping proportional to your stakes.

Don’t forget the rest of the team—waitstaff, restaurant attendants and security officers all help make your visit smooth. Many earn around USD $2–$3 per hour (roughly KSh 260–KSh 390), so even a modest KSh 200–KSh 500 tip shows your appreciation.

Always keep your bankroll in check—every coin counts when you’re chasing that next big win. If you ever feel you’re losing control, take a break. For confidential support, call the Kenya responsible gambling helpline at 0800 722 200 or visit Responsible Gaming KE.

18+ | Play responsibly – 0800 722 200 | Responsible Gaming KE