Respect goes a long way in poker, and one of the easiest ways to show it is by taking care of the people who make the game possible. Dealers, floor staff, and waitstaff all work hard to keep things organized, fair, and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Tipping is not a rule, but it is part of what keeps live poker running smoothly. Whether you have won a small pot or booked a big score, a simple tip and a kind word show that you appreciate the work being done. Even when things are not going your way, treating staff with respect helps set the tone for the whole table.
Do You Have to Tip in Poker?
The answer is simple: No, you are under no obligation to tip in poker. Just like when you go to a restaurant, you don't have to tip the service staff. That being said, it is common etiquette in the poker world to tip dealers and staff around you to show your gratitude, to boost their earnings and keep their jobs financially sustainable.
When Should You Tip in Poker?
There are no set rules for when to tip in poker, and tipping etiquette differs between cash and tournament poker. It can also depend on where you are playing poker and what stakes you're playing. In this guide, we'll talk you through all of your options to avoid any awkwardness and to make sure you know exactly what you should and shouldn't be doing.
When to Tip the Dealer?
There are two main ways players can tip their dealer at the table. Which one depends a lot on each individual player, but also what game they're playing.
The most common way to tip is after winning a big pot in a cash game. You've probably seen this in poker films where someone tosses a chip to the dealer after raking in the chips. It's a common sight at most cash game tables because you have the chips readily at hand, and it's a good opportunity to show appreciation to the dealer if they're doing a good job.
It is in the best interest of the players that dealers make reasonable wages, since good dealers then have an incentive to stick around and keep dealing
Tipping can be confusing at times, but at the end of the day it's all about showing our appreciation. It can also be a way of adding some fun to the table.
I remember having a prop bet with a dealer in Vegas - if they dealt the Ace of Spades on a certain street, they received money from some of the players. $1 on the flop, $2 on the turn and $4 on the river. It made for some interesting hands!
Other players opt to tip dealers at the end of a session, especially if it's a winning one. This is a less common occurrence, but some prefer to do it this way in order to retain some level of bankroll management and to ensure any tipping doesn't impact their profits too heavily.
While either of these options is a valid time to tip the dealer, remember that you can tip whenever you want. Money is money at the end of the day, and a dealer is never going to be disheartened by you sliding over a chip in appreciation.
Tipping in Cash Games
Tipping works slightly differently depending on whether you are playing cash or tournaments.
It's much easier to tip in cash games because each chip has a monetary value. As we mentioned above, players usually tip the dealer after winning pots or, sometimes, after ending a profitable session. This is the simplest and most transparent tipping model.
Tipping isn't an obligation, and it can depend on in-game factors as well. So, just tip however much you're comfortable with and whatever you think is reasonable given the pot size, session win rate, or the dealer's quality.
Tipping behavior often varies depending on the stakes being played. In lower-stakes games, tipping is usually modest and more frequent, with players showing appreciation for small pots and session wins.
As stakes increase, the amounts naturally grow, but high rollers sometimes tip less frequently or even skip tipping altogether, relying on their large buy-ins and the expectation that dealers are already well-compensated
Below is an example of how much to tip from a hand based on the size of the pot. This is just a rough guideline - remember, there are no set amounts or defined rules around tipping, but typically 1% of the pot should suffice.
Stakes
Pot Size
Tip Amount
$1/2
$5-$99
$0/$1
$1/2
$100-$250
$1-$2
$1/2
$250-$500
$2-$5
$1/2
$500-$1,000
$5-$10
$1/2
$1,000+
$10+
$2/5
$12-$250
$0/$2
$2/5
$250-$750
$2-$5
$2/5
$750-$2,000
$5/$15
$2/5
$2,000+
$15+
$5/10
$25-$500
$0/$5
$5/10
$500-$2,000
$5-$15
$5/10
$2,000-$5,000
$15/$50
$5/10
$5,000+
$50+
Here are some more examples of cash game situations and how much you should tip. Again, these are just suggestions and tipping amounts can vary from person to person.
1. You win a $120 pot at $1/2 - Suggested tip: $1–$2
This is a standard pot size at low stakes. Most players tip a single $1 chip. If the dealer is excellent or the pot was slightly larger, $2 is still very normal.
2. You win a $20 limp pot - Suggested tip: $0
Small pots, especially ones that never saw a flop, generally do not require a tip. Most players tip nothing here, and it is totally acceptable. If you really want to tip, $1 is the absolute maximum.
3. You win a $10K bad beat jackpot - Suggested tip: $100–$300
Players often tip around 1–3 percent of the payout on larger jackpots, but jackpot tips can vary wildly. Here’s a realistic range:
$100 is the low-end baseline
$200 is very common
$300 is considered generous but not excessive
4. You lose all session but win one medium pot - Suggested tip: $0–$1
If you are stuck for the session, dealers understand. It is totally fine not to tip every pot, especially if you are losing. No dealer expects you to tip heavily while buried.
Tipping in Poker Tournaments
Most tournaments include staff fees as part of the buy-in, which helps pay dealers and floor staff. Even so, many players choose to tip an additional amount after cashing, especially when making a deep run or winning a large prize.
How Much Should You Tip in Poker Tournaments?
While tipping in poker tournaments is less common than in cash games, it still happens and is appreciated by tournament staff. While dealer tips in cash games usually go straight to that particular dealer, tournament tips are often combined and distributed from one big pot.
The tipping amount varies depending on how deep you run in the tournament — here are some helpful examples.
1. You win a tournament min-cash - Suggested tip: $10–$20
Tournament buy-ins usually include a staff fee, so tipping is already “baked in.” Therefore for a min-cash, $10 is a perfectly acceptable low-end for a tip.
If the tournament min-cash is exceptionally small, tipping may not be expected at all.
2. You make the final table of a mid-stakes tournament - Suggested tip: 1–2 percent of winnings
Final tables usually come with higher payouts, and dealers appreciate it when players acknowledge the deeper run.
Win $5,000 ➡️ Tip $50–$100
Win $12,000 ➡️ Tip $120–$240
5. You finish as runner-up in a tournament - Suggested tip: 1.5–3 percent of winnings
A second-place finish normally pays well, and players often tip a little more than for a min-cash or mid-pack run.
Win $20,000 ➡️ Tip $300–$600
Win $45,000 ➡️ Tip $700–$1,300
6. You win the tournament - Suggested tip: 2–5 percent of total winnings
Winners typically tip more, partly out of tradition and partly because payouts are usually significant. Some rooms even quietly expect a little extra from the champion.
There are plenty of other people in the poker industry, besides dealers, who would appreciate tips. It's normal to tip waitstaff when ordering drinks at the table — often the drinks are free, so tipping seems very reasonable.
There are also other tournament staff who work, for example, at the cage. They usually have a tip box for players to show any extra appreciation when registering or cashing out from a tournament or cash game.
Regional Differences in Tipping
Tipping norms vary significantly across the world, not just regarding poker, and what is expected in one country may be seen as unusual in another.
If you travel to play poker, it helps to understand the local culture so you avoid awkward moments at the table. Some regions view tipping as an essential part of dealer income, while others see it as a small optional gesture or even discourage it entirely.
United States
The United States has the strongest tipping culture in poker. In most American poker rooms, dealers rely heavily on tips to supplement their wages, especially in places like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and major East Coast casinos.
In cash games, tipping after most pots is standard. In tournaments, players often tip a percentage of their winnings, even though the buy-in usually includes a staff fee. American dealers generally expect consistent tipping, and not tipping at all will stand out.
United Kingdom
The UK has a more relaxed and modest tipping culture than the US. Players often tip less frequently, and the amounts tend to be smaller. Cash game players still tip for big pots or after solid sessions, but you will rarely see someone tipping every single hand. Tipping is appreciated, but it is not seen as a constant obligation.
Europe
Europe is varied, but many countries follow a low-tip or no-tip culture when it comes to poker. In places like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, players often tip only after larger pots.
In certain parts of Europe, dealers may pool their tips, while others may receive them individually. It is always a good idea to observe the local customs or ask quietly if you are unsure.
Asia and Other Regions
Tipping culture across Asia varies just as widely as the continent itself. In major or high-end casinos, tipping is common, although the amounts tend to be modest. Some venues have strict rules prohibiting dealers from accepting tips, especially in government-run casinos or those with fixed salary structures.
In other regions like the Philippines or South Korea, tipping is usually allowed, but always be prepared to ask for clarification if unsure.
Jackpots, High Hands, and Promotions
Besides regular tipping etiquette in both cash games and tournaments, there are other promotions that may alter tipping expectations. These include bad beat jackpots, high-hand bonuses, and other room-funded promotions.
Bad Beat Jackpots
Bad beat jackpots are usually the largest single payouts players can win outside of tournament prizes, and tipping expectations increase accordingly. Players commonly give the dealer a portion of the jackpot, either as a fixed amount or as a small percentage. This amount may then be split among all dealers and staff in the poker room at the time.
High-Hand Bonuses
High-hand bonuses are usually funded by the house rather than other players. Tips in these cases are smaller and more symbolic, reflecting that the money is not directly coming from the pot.
Room-Funded Promotions
Room-funded promotions, such as high-hand races, time-based bonuses, or other in-house incentives, generally have no strict tipping expectation. However, players often give a small tip as a gesture of goodwill
Tipping in poker is about respect, not showing off. Avoid these common mistakes:
Tip at the right time
Never tip during a hand. It distracts the dealer and can slow the game.
Keep it subtle
Do not throw chips or make a show of tipping. Dealers appreciate discretion over theatrics.
Use proper chips
Coins or unusable chips are confusing and unwelcome at the table. Always tip in standard poker chips.
Blame the game, not the dealer
Never criticize a dealer for bad beats or misfortune. Tips are a gesture of appreciation, not a reward for luck.
Tipping and Bankroll Management
Tipping should be part of your overall poker expenses. It can have a real impact on your hourly win rate, especially in smaller-stakes games, so it is worth planning for it just as you would for rake and food costs.
Budget a reasonable amount for tips and factor it into your session plan. This keeps you from overtipping impulsively or under-tipping because you did not think about it in advance.
To see the effects of tipping ony our bottom line, start tracking all the money you spend at a casino or card room. Write down all the tips for a few sessions and see for yourself how big of an impact managing tipping amounts can make.
Final Thoughts
Tipping in poker is not mandatory, but it is a long-standing part of live poker culture and helps keep games friendly, efficient, and enjoyable. A small chip here and there for a hardworking dealer can lift the whole atmosphere and ensure everyone at the table has a better experience.
Is tipping required in poker?
No, tipping is optional. Dealers are usually paid a wage or salary, but tips are a customary way to show appreciation for their work.
How do I decide how much to tip?
There is no fixed rule. Many players tip based on pot size, session winnings, or the size of a tournament payout. The key is tipping an amount you feel comfortable giving.
When should I tip a dealer?
Common moments include after winning a large pot, at the end of a winning session, or following tournament cashes. Tipping during hands is discouraged.
Do tipping customs vary by location?
Yes. Some regions, like the United States, have strong tipping cultures, while others, such as parts of Europe and Asia, have more relaxed or even discouraged tipping norms.
Can I show respect to dealers without tipping?
Absolutely. Being polite, attentive, and positive at the table, keeping the area tidy, and offering a sincere “thank you” are all ways to show respect without giving money.
Are there differences between tipping in cash games and tournaments?
Yes. In cash games, tips are often based on pots or session wins. In tournaments, tips are usually a small percentage of your payout, especially for deep runs or big wins.
What should I avoid when tipping?
Avoid tipping during a hand, making a show of it, using coins or unusable chips, or publicly announcing you are not tipping. Discretion and politeness are always appreciated.
Based in the United Kingdom, Will started working for PokerNews as a freelance live reporter in 2015 and joined the full-time staff in 2019. He now works as Managing Editor.
He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German. He also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.
