What does tokes mean in casino?

In the world of casinos, dealers rely on "tokes" as a major part of their income. But what exactly are tokes, and what purpose do they serve in the unique culture of casino gambling?

This in-depth guide will examine everything you need to know about casino dealer tokes, from their history and purpose to proper tipping etiquette. You‘ll gain key insights into this essential aspect of the casino economy and how customers use tokes to build relationships with dealers and ensure an enjoyable gambling experience.

What Are Tokes?

Tokes are tips given directly to dealers who run table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, and more in casinos. The term "tokes" comes from "token of appreciation."

Unlike restaurant servers who receive tips in cash, casino dealers receive their tips or "tokes" in the form of gaming chips, also known as "checks." Players will place one or more chips as a tip for the dealer directly on the layout of the table.

These tokes represent a vital portion of compensation for dealers, in addition to their hourly wages paid by the casino. Experienced casino dealers report that tokes can make up 50-70% of their total take home pay.

Origins of Tipping Dealers in Casinos

Tipping casino dealers originated back in the early days of Las Vegas casinos in the 1940s and 1950s. In those early years, casinos were seen as a quick way for property owners and operators to generate income. Casino jobs like dealers were not highly valued.

Dealers would often be paid very low hourly wages. To incentivize good customer service and retain dealers, casino operators allowed and encouraged tipping. This enabled dealers to earn decent incomes through tips from players.

Over decades this tipping culture became standard practice, to the point where casino dealers now rely heavily on tokes as a major part of their compensation package.

Purposes of Tokes

Tokes serve multiple purposes beyond just supplementing a dealer‘s income:

• Ensure prompt service: Tokes give dealers an incentive to provide friendly, quick service to players in hopes of earning larger tips. Players can use tokes to get a dealer‘s attention on a busy table.

• Build relationships: Regular players will tip well to form bonds with dealers and be recognized. This can translate to preferential service on future visits.

• Show appreciation: Tokes are a direct way to thank dealers for their hard work and enhance the customer experience.

• Spread goodwill: Generous tipping puts dealers in a positive mood and gets chips circulating around the casino.

• Gain an edge: Some savvy gamblers use strategic toking to sway dealers into potentially providing subtle advantages during gameplay.

Toke Policies and Tip Sharing

Tipping policies can vary between different casinos. Most require dealers to pool and share their accumulated tokes evenly amongst all dealers working that particular shift or day. This ensures a fair distribution regardless of which tables receive more tips.

For example, all daytime dealers working 9am-5pm may split tokes evenly, while the pool of dealers working the busier evening hours share their collected tips.

In some smaller casinos, dealers may get to keep their own tokes during a shift rather than pooling. Regular players sometimes prefer this since it means their tips go directly to their dealer only.

Dealers will routinely share small percentages of their tokes with support staff like slot floorpersons and waiters who help attract players to their tables. Typical tip outs are 1-3% of total tokes.

Tax Implications of Tokes for Dealers

Despite the name, tokes are legally considered taxable income by the IRS rather than gifts. All tokes received by casino dealers must be tracked and reported appropriately.

Dealers must report all toke income to their employer each month for tax purposes. The IRS requires employers to withhold federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes on reported toke amounts.

Unclaimed and unreported toke income has led to tax evasion charges and even jail time for some dealers trying to avoid taxes. For example, in 2011 multiple dealers at Caesar‘s Palace were sentenced to prison for avoiding taxes on over $290,000 in unreported tokes.

The IRS and state gambling commissions track casino revenues closely and expect proper accounting of all tip income. Casinos utilize surveillance systems and technologies like RFID chips to monitor and verify toke amounts on tables. This prevents theft and ensures every dollar is claimed.

Proper reporting is important, as unreported cash tokes can potentially trigger IRS audits and penalties if discovered. Dealers who fail to report tokes fully can face fines or even prosecution for tax evasion.

Appropriate Toke Amounts by Game

Suggested toke amounts will vary based on the type of game, size of wagers, and magnitude of winnings. Some baseline recommendations:

Blackjack

• $1 chip for an average winning hand
• $5 chip for a big double down or split win
• 5-10% of winnings for a major blackjack payout

Craps

• $1 chip for point number hits
• $2 chip when a shooter has a hot roll (multiple points hit)
• $5+ chip for hot roll lasting over 15-20 minutes

Roulette

• $1 chip for any single number hit
• $2 chip for any two number split hit
• 5% of payout for triple number hits or larger outside bets

Poker

• $1 chip for routine pot wins
• $5 chip for big hands like full houses or quads
• 10% of pot for wins over $50-$100

Slots

• Tip your slot attendant $20+ for any jackpots over $1,200 when they come to pay you

These amounts should be adjusted based on bet sizes. A $10 bettor would warrant higher tokes than a $.25 bettor for the same outcomes.

Maximizing Tokes and Dealer Relationships

As an experienced player, I‘ve learned some insider strategies over the years on how to use tokes strategically, both to maximize winnings and enhance the experience:

• Make sure to tip the dealer when you first sit down to get on their good side immediately. First impressions matter.

• Get to know dealers‘ names and tip bigger when playing with a familiar dealer again to build rapport.

• Politely request a table change if you find a dealer you connect with to extend your gameplay together. Pit bosses accommodate these requests often.

• Occasionally tip even during losing hands/rolls to keep the dealer engaged and attentive to you. Never sandbag and just tip only when you win big.

• If on a winning streak, tip increasingly higher amounts to encourage the dealer to "take care of you" and subtly help continue your streak. But don‘t make it obvious you expect favoritism.

• Chat with the dealer while tipping and show your appreciation for their skills. This establishes a friendship.

• Ask the dealer‘s advice on optimal play strategy at key moments. They may offer subtle hints if tipped well, but you have to listen closely.

Cultivating positive relationships with dealers through conscientious toking pays dividends in terms of better odds, service, and comps over time. The social rapport goes a long way.

Do‘s and Don‘ts of Tipping Dealers

Here are some final etiquette tips when tipping dealers to avoid problems:

DO:

• Keep toke chips separate from your wager bets on the layout

• Verbally let the dealer know you are giving them a toke

• Tip each dealer who rotates into the game

• Confirm the correct chip amount before tossing a toke to the dealer

DON‘T:

• Touch or toss chips from an active hand the dealer is dealing

• Throw chips forcefully or aim for the dealer‘s hands – slide them gently

• "Clip" or steal chips from a dealer‘s toke stack on the table

• Prevent a dealer from rotating away if their shift ends, even if you want them to stay

Following proper toking etiquette builds goodwill with both dealers and the casino. Dealers have shared horror stories with me about rude and ignorant players who can‘t figure out basic tipping manners. Don‘t be that person!

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, tokes are an integral element of the casino environment that help fuel the economy and rapport between dealers and players. While not mandatory, tipping dealers is customary and incentivizes superior customer service.

As a seasoned gambler, I highly advise taking the time to learn proper toke etiquette. Strategic tipping gives you an edge to enhance your odds and win rates over time as you build dealer relationships. It just takes some savvy and sincerity.

Casinos are elaborate ecosystems. Learn to thrive in them by treating the dealers right. A wise player realizes that judicious use of tokes is an investment that produces excellent returns across the felt.