Interesting perspective of Miss Manners. From:
http://www.buffalonews.com/opinion/columns/missmanners/story/307293.html (Archive copy)
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Dear Miss Manners:
As a veteran Las Vegas blackjack dealer, I’ve been involved in a heated discussion with my colleagues concerning the tipping practices of losing gamblers. Casino tipping is always a hot topic because it’s how we make most of our living.
It is not, however, the same as tipping a food server or a valet, where gratuities are usually offered for services rendered. Quite often, at gaming tables, large amounts of money hang in the balance and can be lost in the blink of an eye, seriously affecting the financial well being of an individual or a family.
Many of my co-workers expect to be tipped even by losing players because they say it has everything to do with etiquette and good manners. I say this is a ludicrous expectation on the part of the truly selfish.
I say the expectations of etiquette and good manners should have acceptable limitations, especially when it concerns a person’s bank account. What say you?
Gentle Reader:
Certainly not that only the fortunate should practice good manners. But also that your colleagues have unrealistic expectations.
It is true that polite people tip routinely, knowing that those who perform certain services do not get their full wages from their employers. But, as you point out, the service you perform is not quite like that of a food server. If the food is bad, the waiters should not be penalized (although they often are); complaints should be made to the restaurant management.
But you and your colleagues don’t just deal the cards. You represent the house, which is, in effect, the gamblers’ opponent. And although you personally have not acquired the money that was lost, it may be difficult for the gambler to make that distinction.
http://www.buffalonews.com/opinion/columns/missmanners/story/307293.html (Archive copy)
=======
Dear Miss Manners:
As a veteran Las Vegas blackjack dealer, I’ve been involved in a heated discussion with my colleagues concerning the tipping practices of losing gamblers. Casino tipping is always a hot topic because it’s how we make most of our living.
It is not, however, the same as tipping a food server or a valet, where gratuities are usually offered for services rendered. Quite often, at gaming tables, large amounts of money hang in the balance and can be lost in the blink of an eye, seriously affecting the financial well being of an individual or a family.
Many of my co-workers expect to be tipped even by losing players because they say it has everything to do with etiquette and good manners. I say this is a ludicrous expectation on the part of the truly selfish.
I say the expectations of etiquette and good manners should have acceptable limitations, especially when it concerns a person’s bank account. What say you?
Gentle Reader:
Certainly not that only the fortunate should practice good manners. But also that your colleagues have unrealistic expectations.
It is true that polite people tip routinely, knowing that those who perform certain services do not get their full wages from their employers. But, as you point out, the service you perform is not quite like that of a food server. If the food is bad, the waiters should not be penalized (although they often are); complaints should be made to the restaurant management.
But you and your colleagues don’t just deal the cards. You represent the house, which is, in effect, the gamblers’ opponent. And although you personally have not acquired the money that was lost, it may be difficult for the gambler to make that distinction.
