I am not a very spiritual guy by any means; however I am a big believer in Karma.

There are so many things that happen in Vegas that simply can not be explained in any other way than Karma.  There is almost always a guy who has a completely negative attitude at the Blackjack table and just loses constantly.  He is cursing and generally unhappy.  Then the bubbly Coed sits down at the table and proceeds to win 5 in a row and she is stoked.  He is still sour, rude, and generally unpleasant yet she is having the time of her life.  Karma.

So I have a philosophy that even old “44” has picked up on; and that’s tipping.  I mean tipping everyone who does anything for you while you are in Vegas.

I know that there will be some resistance to this, because why in the world is the cab stand guy deserving of anything when he just whistles for a cab and throws you in?  Well I don’t know other than it’s a dollar, and you will get great service.  $1 goes so far that you will be amazed at how people’s faces light up when you tip and thank them for providing you with a drink; some change; or even a pay out.

Here is a quick run down of who and what you should be tipping while you are in Vegas (not a definitive list by any means, feel free to expand when necessary):

Cab Driver – $2 per trip

Taxi Stand Guy – $1 again it doesn’t feel right at first, but do it

Bell Stand Guy – $1 per bag

Waiter –  20-30%, depending on your level of service

BJ Dealer –  $1 tips on your bet when you can, varies with play

Cocktail Server – $1 per drink, if you don’t you will go thirsty!

Maid – $2 per night/person, they clean your toilet, `nuff said

Casino Cashier – $1 when you are cashing your winnings, why not?

Front Desk – $20 if they upgrade you, but probably won’t take it.

Casino Host – $50-? if you have one then you’re a balla; tip like one.

I will leave you with a nugget that actually convinced “44” that this is the way.  Every year a couple of us go out to bet college basketball during March Madness.  We are betting a ton of games and I am winning more than I am losing at this point.  We are at the MGM sportsbook and I am cashing my tickets in with the same two ladies all day.  I tip every time I cash in a winner and chat them up all the while.  Well on 3 different occasions over the course of the day I was overpaid by $50, $100, and then $50 again.  They were honest mistakes I think, but every time I was at the window they would scan the tickets, be happy for me winning, we would chit chat, I would get my tip out for them, and then collect the money.   Only one of them would count my money back to me, and she just counted it out incorrectly.  The other just game me my winnings and that was that.  There is so much money going in and out during that first weekend of games that I am sure it’s hard to keep up with all of the small timers like me, but it’s nice when people make “mistakes” in your favor.  True Story.

Like I have been told by countless dealers, “this is not my money and I would rather see you take it then the house.”  Don’t even get me started about what goes on at the Blackjack tables. 

So do the right thing every time and good things will happen to you too!