Tipping in a Dedicated Dealt Game (2 Viewers)

[merkong]

I currently run a dedicated dealer cash game twice a week. Our lower stakes game (.10/.20 $20 initial buy-in, unlimited add-ons up to half the big stack). Our sessions run between 7-10 hours each.

As owner of the game I am responsible for all aspects of the venue; equipment (table, comfortable seating, chips, cards), the cleanliness, the overall atmosphere, water and a fridge for the BYOB crowd.

I probably have a couple thousand dollars and 10 times that many hours (well maybe not 10 times that) into the venue and with set up and cleanup twice a week it’s a labor of love. But labor just the same.

I’m host and full-time dealer.

Two players recently approached me during the 4:30am final chit chat and suggested that I hang a “tip jar” on the light above the table, making it clear that while tipping is optional, the mechanism to do such after hands is not frowned upon. They said “you’d be surprised how it will catch on.”

The chips would stay out of play (duh) and counted at the end of the session during final cash out to ensure our bank was 100% accurate (it always is - my son in law is an awesome banker).

The jar would read something to the effect of “supporting the game.” Not the “house” or the “amazing dealer” but the game itself.

I have a couple of players that will drag off between a couple and a couple/couple of bucks and throw it in my direction at the end of the night (it really is good form) but being able to contribute to the overall maintenance of keeping the game alive would be a lot easier for people if they could throw a dime to the jar after raking a small pot and maybe even a .50 or two after raking a big pot.

I don’t rake (obviously) but don’t provide anything beyond a pretty awesome poker hideaway, water, and up to 15+ hours of well dealt, well-driven action. It’s my hobby but is still time. I do have the time.

Who else has a tip system available during the session similar to what I am likely to be announcing soon and implementing a session or three in the future.

I’ll make it a point to toss a few chips to the cause when I win even though the money is going to myself.

It really is good form.

Ken - Just a home poker host in MN

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

We don't have a jar or a dropbox, we just do it at the end of the night. Makes the players feel good. Losers aren't expected to but sometimes do, winners shave a few off and tip the house.

 

[glynn]

I deal my own and some other games. Mid-game tips are tapped on the felt with a "thank you" and go directly into my stack. I suppose if anyone ever protested, then I would separate them out, but our games play deep or match-the-stack anyway, so one BB here and there doesn't matter.

Often, one player will make a display of tipping me, then it's a cascade effect. Some will tip me out at the end of the night too. It's appreciated but never requested or expected.

A jar could serve the same purpose as a tip bell at a bar. The *clink* sound would act as a reminder and encourage a generous atmosphere. On the other hand, you have to be sure that your crowd is not the type to shame or feel shamed if that's not your goal.

 

[Mike mac]

i host a game and we have a couple dealers , my game is 1-2 or 1-1 (blinds) and i make it known that tipping is expected as our dealers do not work for free, sometimes i will pre tip hands for good luck if i see that the tipping has slowed just to remind people...... avg tip per hand is a buck or two , on big pots it is often 5$ .. hard to imagine tipping .10 but i guess you have to start somewhere??? also harder to tell your guys to tip if the host is the one dealing, so i guess tip jar is a clever idea for cash out time. dealing is a hard job and i pay for it because i hate doing it lol

 

[tabletalker7]

I am the psycho that built the cash register. Next to said cash register is a tip jar. When people cash out they have to come to the register. Some people drop cash, some drop chips, and losers aren't cashing out so they feel no pressure. Works great for dedicated dealer night.

EDIT - even better than a tip jar for me is the dedicated beer fridge. Most of my guys will bring a case, drink less than half of it, leave it, and bring a new case the next time. I haven't had to buy beer in YEARS!

 

[Beakertwang]

Wow, tipping? I've gotten gripes over 45¢ when I tell players I don't have any coins for cashing out. I suggest they all combine their loose change and do a flip for the last dollar or 2.

 

[tabletalker7]

Wow, tipping? I've gotten gripes over 45¢ when I tell players I don't have any coins for cashing out. I suggest they all combine their loose change and do a flip for the last dollar or 2.

When I cash out I leave the spare change for the next pot.

 

[Beakertwang]

When I cash out I leave the spare change for the next pot.

I know. If it's not at my place, I always leave a few bucks for the host. I don't make a big show of it, but i'ld hope it would catch on. My group is pretty stingy, unfortunately.

 

[merkong]

When I cash out I leave the spare change for the next pot.

All spare change to the house has been our norm.

 

[merkong]

I deal my own and some other games. Mid-game tips are tapped on the felt with a "thank you" and go directly into my stack. I suppose if anyone ever protested, then I would separate them out, but our games play deep or match-the-stack anyway, so one BB here and there doesn't matter.

Often, one player will make a display of tipping me, then it's a cascade effect. Some will tip me out at the end of the night too. It's appreciated but never requested or expected.

A jar could serve the same purpose as a tip bell at a bar. The *clink* sound would act as a reminder and encourage a generous atmosphere. On the other hand, you have to be sure that your crowd is not the type to shame or feel shamed if that's not your goal.

The chips would be slid to the dealer, and after a couple of “thumps” on the table into the jar they would go.

 

[merkong]

We don't have a jar or a dropbox, we just do it at the end of the night. Makes the players feel good. Losers aren't expected to but sometimes do, winners shave a few off and tip the house.

Some do tip at the end of course but ours is sort of a “play until we’re done” kind of game so players straggle out.

Not a lot of them tip but some do. If someone is stuck, and I don’t blame them but wouldn’t do this myself, might be more inclined to refrain from supporting the game in the form of even a small gesture.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

I understand that. I cant picture a jar hanging over the table thats NOT annoying lol, but you guys do you. Id rather drop it somewhere or fanny pack it rather than reach up but whatever works.

 

[CraigT78]

Wow, tipping? I've gotten gripes over 45¢ when I tell players I don't have any coins for cashing out. I suggest they all combine their loose change and do a flip for the last dollar or 2.

Play $1/$1 and this problem solves itself. You don't need coins and those players probably won't come.

 

[CraigT78]

I did a chip jar for a few years but did away with it when I added a hospitality charge to the tournament.

Cash games my guys tip at cash out. Most will round down to the nearest $20 or $100.

 

[merkong]

I understand that. I cant picture a jar hanging over the table thats NOT annoying lol, but you guys do you. Id rather drop it somewhere or fanny pack it rather than reach up but whatever works.

This is where our cash is at the moment until I install this drawer this weekend. The jar will be above the light but on the opposite side (dealer side) will work fine.

 

[merkong]

When I cash out I leave the spare change for the next pot.

The custom of the game here is spare change to your he house. It works for us.

 

[merkong]

I am the psycho that built the cash register. Next to said cash register is a tip jar. When people cash out they have to come to the register. Some people drop cash, some drop chips, and losers aren't cashing out so they feel no pressure. Works great for dedicated dealer night.

EDIT - even better than a tip jar for me is the dedicated beer fridge. Most of my guys will bring a case, drink less than half of it, leave it, and bring a new case the next time. I haven't had to buy beer in YEARS!

That works but they do that anyways. And I even leave it for them for the next session and they still bring more. Lol

 

[merkong]

If there’s tips accepted at the end of the game only, players who are steaming or stuck are less inclined to exercise good form.

Tipping is to support the game. When a player rakes a pot they’re more inclined to tip than they are if they cash out for $30 after playing $60.

When players tip mid-game they’re doing it after a winning hand and are inclined to be in the good form that helps the game (and host for their hard work in coordinating and investing in the game)

 

[LeLe]

As a host and mostly the co-dealer of my game

Donating snack food or drink = yes

Loose change after cashing out = yes

Tipping = no

I doing the hosting for the comfort of playing in my house, so I don’t have to spend time on travel and money on transport

Spending on poker equipment and chips are my own investment

P.S below is the collection of donation of snacks & cup noodles from my group which I will always welcome

 

[casinochipper22]

I'm assuming you're playing the game as well and dealing yourself in? If that is the case, personally I wouldn't tip you during the game. I don't tip someone I'm playing against. That doesn't make much sense to me and kinda awkward. But if you're the host also, I'd tip out at the end of the night win or lose, and I'd keep that in mind you went to the extra trouble to deal all night.

If you do need cash to fund the game, I'd push for "tips" at the beginning of the night, just covering the cost of whatever, clean up, food, drinks.

 

[merkong]

I'm assuming you're playing the game as well and dealing yourself in? If that is the case, personally I wouldn't tip you during the game. I don't tip someone I'm playing against. That doesn't make much sense to me and kinda awkward. But if you're the host also, I'd tip out at the end of the night win or lose, and I'd keep that in mind you went to the extra trouble to deal all night.

If you do need cash to fund the game, I'd push for "tips" at the beginning of the night, just covering the cost of whatever, clean up, food, drinks.

In my opinion it’s not that hosts need cash to fund the games it’s just good form.

I mentioned earlier that any tips come off the table and are not in play.

I do deal and play but it’s clear that the tips are intended to support the game, exercise good form. I wouldn’t ask for a sitting fee as again, any support of everything I mentioned that it takes to hold a good game, is optional and free will.

Yes, people can tip at cash out or at the end of the session, but they don’t. And I’ve been told by some that they would have “if they weren’t stuck” or they forgot.

Taking tips during the match just makes it easier for people to painlessly exercise good form.

It might amount to a total of $10-20 which is nothing compared to the few thousand dollars and hundreds of hours I have into the room and equipment.

There’s a variety of ways to generate support for the effort it takes to provide a venue that my group would admittedly be really bummed if it didn’t exist and my proposed way is just one of them.

 

[Mike mac]

i still cant get over how low that light hangs !

 

[merkong]

i still cant get over how low that light hangs !

Oh yeah… We like it low. You can see the player across from you but just barely.

I’ve always hung low lol.

Once we kill the room lights it’s on like Donkey Kong

 

[Machine]

I host a .25/.5 game, I don't ask for tips, and I don't ask for donations.

When asked I explain some people like to donate to the game, some often do, typically 20 bucks. I typically provide smoked meats (bbq) and sides that are better than you can find by going out, including homemade desert. I also have 8 different soft drink options, 4-12 alcohol options, and snacks.

I do have a dedicated dealer, and I do explain they are dealing for tips, tips range from .25 to 5 bucks, but the pots do get up to 100-200 at times. Spoiled dealer even has a shuffler.

I agree with @casinochipper22, if you're playing in the game and dealing, I would likely not tip you. I would also expect lower stakes games to pass the deal.

It is not 'good form' to tip someone that is dealing and playing, it IS good form to donate for food or to the game.

The delineation of terms, I feel, helps with the expectations. I'd donate to help carry the financial burden of hosting the game, but I wouldn't tip you because you feel the need to deal, and play.

 

[RivieraDanny]

I host a .25/.5 game, I don't ask for tips, and I don't ask for donations.

When asked I explain some people like to donate to the game, some often do, typically 20 bucks. I typically provide smoked meats (bbq) and sides that are better than you can find by going out, including homemade desert. I also have 8 different soft drink options, 4-12 alcohol options, and snacks.

I do have a dedicated dealer, and I do explain they are dealing for tips, tips range from .25 to 5 bucks, but the pots do get up to 100-200 at times. Spoiled dealer even has a shuffler.

I agree with @casinochipper22, if you're playing in the game and dealing, I would likely not tip you. I would also expect lower stakes games to pass the deal.

It is not 'good form' to tip someone that is dealing and playing, it IS good form to donate for food or to the game.

The delineation of terms, I feel, helps with the expectations. I'd donate to help carry the financial burden of hosting the game, but I wouldn't tip you because you feel the need to deal, and play.

And an awesome dealer you are!!

 

[ekricket]

I'm assuming you're playing the game as well and dealing yourself in? If that is the case, personally I wouldn't tip you during the game. I don't tip someone I'm playing against. That doesn't make much sense to me and kinda awkward

I have a hard time with this as well. I try to rationalize it by thinking “even if they didn’t put it in their stack now, they would tomorrow when they buy in” but it doesn’t help much. It’s just a mental stumbling block I have. I appreciate it greatly when someone does something for the group. I’m reluctant to fund their bankroll against me though.

 

[merkong]

I host a .25/.5 game, I don't ask for tips, and I don't ask for donations.

When asked I explain some people like to donate to the game, some often do, typically 20 bucks. I typically provide smoked meats (bbq) and sides that are better than you can find by going out, including homemade desert. I also have 8 different soft drink options, 4-12 alcohol options, and snacks.

I do have a dedicated dealer, and I do explain they are dealing for tips, tips range from .25 to 5 bucks, but the pots do get up to 100-200 at times. Spoiled dealer even has a shuffler.

I agree with @casinochipper22, if you're playing in the game and dealing, I would likely not tip you. I would also expect lower stakes games to pass the deal.

It is not 'good form' to tip someone that is dealing and playing, it IS good form to donate for food or to the game.

The delineation of terms, I feel, helps with the expectations. I'd donate to help carry the financial burden of hosting the game, but I wouldn't tip you because you feel the need to deal, and pla

Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts on the subject.

We play twice weekly. It’s not a potluck. It’s a poker game. They’re not tipping the dealer. They’re being provided an opportunity, during the game to support the game.

I don’t hire a dealer and I don’t spread food. As I mentioned, it’s a card room that has a game starting around 7:30 every Friday and Saturday and ending when people are finished. Sometimes as the sun is coming up.

Pass the deal games are a no go for me. We have newer players at times and it’s been made clear to me that hands/hour is a priority for my players.

Every game is different and if providing food and drink is a games thing that’s great. If making it clear that financial offerings are accepted but not required that’s great. If a host wants to fully support all of those amenities and deliciousness that’s great.

I’m not here to espouse that what I’m considering is the only way by any means.

I’ve hosted for 20 years and have never smoked a pig or filled my fridge for people. And yet they come. Regularly. The game is legit, well dealt, well ruled, and open to suggestions. The opportunity to receive tips throughout the night was one of those suggestions brought to me by a consortium of several of my regulars.

Hosts are all free to have a potluck and all free to have straight up poker sessions.

YMMV

Ken - Just a home game host in MN

 

[merkong]

I have a hard time with this as well. I try to rationalize it by thinking “even if they didn’t put it in their stack now, they would tomorrow when they buy in” but it doesn’t help much. It’s just a mental stumbling block I have. I appreciate it greatly when someone does something for the group. I’m reluctant to fund their bankroll against me though.

So you wouldn’t tip the house/host at the end of the session for fear they might buy-in with that money next time you take a seat at the game?

 

[ekricket]

So you wouldn’t tip the house/host at the end of the session for fear they might buy-in with that money next time you take a seat at the game?

We were talking about tipping while someone was dealing and the dealer putting the tips into his stack.
You are asking me about something totally different that I haven’t even hinted as to an an opinion on.

Do you have a problem with the tips being used for car payments instead of supply’s for the game?

 

[merkong]

We were talking about tipping while someone was dealing and the dealer putting the tips into his stack.
You are asking me about something totally different that I haven’t even hinted as to an an opinion on.

Do you have a problem with the tips being used for car payments instead of supply’s for the game?

My apologies but my thread never talked about a playing dealer putting the tips into their stack.

Since I’m the host and therefore the one receiving support for the game I might indeed make a car payment with that $20 total when I’m sure some of my $800 truck payment went to Casino Supply for the hardware for our table.

Playing dealers can’t stack tips. That’s not even part of any conversation.