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Do you tip a slot host?

As for tipping a casino host, it is voluntary, but not expected. In many casinos, it is not even allowed, but still happens. The reason is that hosts are compensated according to the player's action versus how much in goodies they hand out.

freep.com - Mark Pilarski: Should casino hosts get a tip?

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Make Your Bookie Cry And Pull The Hair By Generating $23,187

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Mark Pilarski

QUESTION: Is it appropriate to tip a casino host? When I hit, the dealer, bartender, server(s) and the slot attendants are automatic. I see very few people doing it. I’m just curious. — Mike B. ANSWER: Speaking on behalf of all casino employees, I can assure you they sure do appreciate your spreading the love around. Casino employees need those gestures of gratuity to make a decent wage. If the casinos had to pay a true living wage, they would have to figure a way of making up for lost revenue by changing the rules of the game, increasing table minimums and even altering paybacks. As for tipping a casino host, it is voluntary, but not expected. In many casinos, it is not even allowed, but still happens. The reason is that hosts are compensated according to the player’s action versus how much in goodies they hand out. With that said, Mike, tipping a host, especially if you are asking for perks beyond your level of play, can be advantageous. Let’s say you want to get in on tournaments and events that you might be qualified for only marginally. If a host gets you into a such a tournament and you win a boatload of money, then you might consider tipping both the dealers and your host generously. Yes, I have quietly tipped casino hosts in the past by using an envelope containing a gift certificate. Occasionally, I have made a sports bet for them. Back in 1999, I made two $100 bets on Kenny Brack to win the Indianapolis 500 at 25:1 and handed the host one of the tickets before the race began. It was the least I could do for the royal treatment I received that weekend and probably didn’t deserve. If I recall correctly, the host told me he was going to take his family to Disneyland with the $2,500 he made, whereas I bought a new Mac laptop with the winnings. The bottom line, Mike, is that you should never feel obligated to tip for perks that you are entitled to. Yet I believe I am on the plus side for having done so. Q: On a Jacks-or-Better machine, with the screen showing an A, K, Q, J, and a 6 off-suit, do I draw one for the 10, or do I drop the A and 6 and draw two? Also, with a three-card flush, all low with two low off-suit, do I draw two or draw five? — Kevin F. A: My video poker strategy card offers a simplified strategy that will reduce the house edge to less than 1%. Learning the complete Jacks-or-Better strategy will tighten the screws on the casino even more, and you’ll experience better results. For the two hands you mentioned above, this would be the correct strategy. The four high cards off-suit as described (A, K, Q, J) should be kept intact. Just draw one. As for the three-card flush, all low cards with two low off-suit, if you are looking at a three-card, double inside straight flush, yes, keep it. Otherwise, draw five. Mark Pilarski is a contributing editor for numerous gambling publications. E-mail questions to pilarski@markpilarski.com.

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