To Tip or Not to Tip

I recently received an e-mail from a poker dealer who was quite upset about a post on a newsgroup that urged players not to tip (toke) poker dealers. Here are some excerpts from his e-mail:

Every time you stiff the dealer, you are saying that you don't care that he is working hard to provide you with a professional game. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that you owe dealers tokes if they make unnecessary mistakes, fail to take pride in their work, or act in an unprofessional manner. Dealers also understand that you might not always choose to tip if the pot is very small or if you are extremely stuck. But, to have a philosophy of no toking regardless of how professional the service is an insult to those who do work hard to provide you with the best possible service. If all poker players were to adopt this attitude, how do you expect competent dealers to remain on the job? What kind of poker do you think you'll find if the best dealers decide that you are not worth their time and they find some other way to make a living? Many good dealers have already gotten fed up and changed professions, and with new cardrooms opening and others expanding, there already is a shortage of qualified dealers. How would you like it if a poker room couldn't hire enough staff to deal the games and had to close the room?

Would you deal the game for $5.15 per hour? Of course you wouldn't. Those of you who play see the problems with which dealers have to contend. And in some cardrooms, the dealer has to make up shortages in the bank, and even has to pay pots when he mucks a winning hand or pushes a pot to the wrong player. And if you think you could deal the game without making mistakes, I suggest that you put in eight hours in the box and prove it. I'd like to see the non-tippers put up with the know-it-all loudmouths and drunks and be happy making $300 every two weeks. I wonder if you think it's easy to deal four hours without a break, and still perform in a professional manner. No matter where you live, it would be very difficult to live the life you lead while making minimum wage.

I would like to say thanks to those of you who are generous and appreciate the dealers who do work hard to try to deal you the best possible game we can. It is a pleasure to deal to people like you, and fortunately, you heavily outweigh those who don't tip. One of the things that led me to take up dealing was that I enjoy being around people who are having fun. There is nothing more rewarding than dealing to people who are having a good time and enjoying themselves. I am sure that you prefer to be at a table where people are laughing and joking, rather than at one where people are sullen and whining.

Please excuse me if I came off as being angry. How would you like someone to insult the way you and your co-workers make a living?

Well, you certainly have provided us with some food for thought. Personally, I think dealers who have a good attitude, follow the rules, and do a good job deserve to make a good living. Players should consider toking to be a business expense, and if they can't afford to pay their business expenses, they should change businesses. Also, don't forget to occasionally toke the brush, chip runner, cashier, floorman, and other cardroom personnel who work hard to make your poker experience a good one.

Change of subject: I have received many questions about when the next World Poker Players Conference will be held. Details are currently being finalized and will appear in a future issue of Card Player, as well as at www.cardplayercruises.com.

Now, let's play poker!

Linda is available to host poker events and seminars.