Dealer Tipping and Economics

Fact: The market value for dealers is in the mid five-figure range.

Fact: Generally, dealers get paid minimum wage.

Conclusion: In order to have a supply of decent dealers, more compensation is necessary for them than merely their hourly wage. It is that simple.

Possible Source No. 1: Stealing – this is obviously totally unacceptable

Possible Source No. 2: Higher wage – This is good in theory, but in practice, dealers make most of their living from tips. Besides, in the few places around the country where poker dealers pool tips instead of keeping their own, dealer quality tends to be inferior to other places.

Furthermore, changing the economic wage model to pay dealers a "living" wage would force casinos to increase the rake, and although the net result to the dealer would likely be the same, it would discourage some of the economic incentive that good dealers currently have to be friendly, fast, accurate, and professional.

Possible Source No. 3: Tips – Tipping from players, as has been customary, seems to be a good solution.

There are weaknesses here, too, unfortunately. Some people do not tip their fair share, which puts the burden on the rest of us. Therefore, I believe it is OK to quietly let these players know that undertipping is not acceptable, and why.

Also, some of us are so consistent in our tipping that we do not really reward quality or penalize poor dealing. Even inferior dealers have to pay their rent, but quality should be rewarded.

Only a moron would reward or punish a dealer for what card is brought rather than how well the dealer handles the game.

Conclusion No. 1: When you win a pot, throw the dealer a dollar or so. In big pots, a bit extra is always appreciated.

Conclusion No. 2: When a good dealer leaves the table, acknowledge the good job that has been done. People tend to remember compliments and try to rise to the occasion.