It’s common to offer the dealer a small percentage of your take after a big win, or to leave a few chips on the table when you get up to leave RELATED LINKS Return to Las Vegas City Guide

Vegas is a town that thrives on tips. From the moment you arrive at your hotel to the moment you leave, you’ll encounter numerous situations where gratuities are expected, including at the gaming tables.

Casino dealers depend on tips, or "tokes" in gambling lingo, for much of their pay. It’s common to offer the dealer a small percentage of your take after a big win, or to leave a few chips on the table when you get up to leave. Many players also tip dealers in advance by placing small side bets on the dealer’s behalf. If you win, the dealer gets the payout from his or her portion of the wager. If you lose, the dealer gets nothing, but your gesture of goodwill should help keep the game friendly and relaxed. If you’re playing the slots, consider giving a small percentage of any big payout to the change attendant.

With reserved seating now common in many Las Vegas showrooms, the venerable practice of greasing the maitre d’s palm in exchange for a choice table is not as widespread as it used to be, but $10 or $20 still goes a long way in some showrooms, lounges and restaurants. Even with reserved seating, it’s common to give showroom ushers a few dollars when they seat you at your table.

In other situations, Las Vegas tipping practices generally conform to national norms — a dollar or two for hotel shuttle drivers and parking valets, a dollar or two per bag for bellhops, a few dollars per day for hotel housekeepers, a few dollars per round in bars and 15 to 20 percent in restaurants.