Do you tip if the handpay was a check?
I tend to tip about 1-2 % of the handpay. It really doesn't "hurt" you as badly as you think. Instead of a royal being worth 2.0% of your return, it's worth 1.96% to 1.98%.
In other words, you're giving up 0.04% of your return.
A 99.54% game (Jacks or Better) is now 99.5%.
Hell, even if you tip 10% (assuming you're playing a strong game with 5%+ edge), you're turning 9/6 JOB from 99.54% to 99.34%.
On a $4,000 royal I tip $40. On a $8,000 royal I tip $80. On a $20,000 royal I will hug and kiss the slot attendants no matter how ugly they might be because that's how happy I am.
Quote: AlanMendelsonYes, I tip -- whether the pay comes as cash, ticket or check.
On a $4,000 royal I tip $40. On a $8,000 royal I tip $80. On a $20,000 royal I will hug and kiss the slot attendants no matter how ugly they might be because that's how happy I am.
I never quite understood this. If you're going to tip someone $10 to run a grand out to you, why would you tip $20 to run two grand out to you? It takes literally no extra effort or anything, let alone that is their job. It makes me think people who tip like this are flooded with the endorphin's of actually winning and make very poor decisions with their money after.
I don't play slots/VP for the most part, but if I ever win a jackpot requiring a hand pay, I'll tip them what I would tip a bartender for being funny and bringing me one drink (as typically the bar tender has to do more work than the person walking the hand pay out), probably $5 or $10. The idea that you're "cheap" for only tipping $10 when you win $5,000 is ridiculous. The amount you win is erroneous, in my opinion. Does the hand pay person come out and give you $10 every time you lose $5,000?
My advice on tipping for cash hand pays is 0.5% to 1%, depending on the jackpot, the bigger the jackpot, the lower the percentage.
Quote: WizardIf anything, you should tip more for a check, because it is more work for them.
My advice on tipping for cash hand pays is 0.5% to 1%, depending on the jackpot, the bigger the jackpot, the lower the percentage.
What I was inquiring to earlier is why is it percentage based at all? The amount of work doesn't change from $2k to $5k; the exact same job is done. So regardless of amount, why shouldn't the same job be treated with the same tip?
I finally hit my first Royal last week. It was on a 100 play penny machine, and I was playing one credit per hand. The Royal netted me all of $2.50. Woo Hoo!
Quote: RomesWhat I was inquiring to earlier is why is it percentage based at all? The amount of work doesn't change from $2k to $5k; the exact same job is done. So regardless of amount, why shouldn't the same job be treated with the same tip?
Of course what you are saying is logical..... But that just is not how our society works. Tip $10 for a $50 meal that required 3 courses and you are an OK guy. Tip $10 for a $200 meal that required 3 courses and they spit in your food next time. Not saying it is right, but I live in the real world.
Since I'm not a slot or VP player, just asking..... How many handpays would an average attendant do in a regular 8 hour shift at say, the Rio?
Quote: SOOPOOOf course what you are saying is logical..... But that just is not how our society works. Tip $10 for a $50 meal that required 3 courses and you are an OK guy. Tip $10 for a $200 meal that required 3 courses and they spit in your food next time. Not saying it is right, but I live in the real world.
I understand what you're saying exactly, but for a hand pay from a casino it's not like they'll spit on your cash? And $10 is better than stiffing them?
The only reason we fear the spit is because local restaurants will remember you, and remember if you're a 'poor tipper.' Unless you're a local that plays 1 casino and knows all of the attendants, you won't have to worry about this problem in a casino. It would be pretty funny to see someone who doesn't tip receive "wet" cash on their next win though, lol.
I generally follow custom when tipping. But all these little fast food independent restaurants with tip jars. Forget it. And I've never tipped my mail carrier though there are some people that do every year.
I thought they were required to hand out 1199's or another form on anything over a certain amount? ...Or is that just slots (don't know if VP could be considered something like table games where they don't do that)?Quote: teddysMy last royal I tipped $25 on a $4000 JP which was a lot for me. I was feeling generous because they did not take any tax out (great state of maryland!)...
W-2G was delivered but no federal or state tax was withheld. ($4000 cash payout). They didn't break down the last $100 into $20s, either, which I appreciated.Quote: RomesI thought they were required to hand out 1199's or another form on anything over a certain amount? ...Or is that just slots (don't know if VP could be considered something like table games where they don't do that)?
If you are an AP than I hate that answer. If your not an AP keep on keeping on. I would rather employees hate non tipping non AP's and embrace APs.Quote: AZDuffmanI would never tip for a handpay. No reason.
Stiffing makes all AP's look bad and can cost you money in the long run.
Remember some of them change/floor people grow up to be management(everyone remembers stiffs). Being a good tipper has saved my ass and brought me some good will many times.
Over tipping can cause you some unwanted attention occasionally, where they want to always chat you up(Ive had bartenders hovering over me all night at the VP bar sweating my action ), but that's rare and usually only happens on extended juicy plays .
I agree with RS and his logic, that's exactly how I have always thought about it. For me It's both a needed business expense and a kind jester,occasionally I do it because I actually like the person and it makes me and that person happy.
I agree with Mike and have always used this policy "the bigger the jackpot, the lower the percentage." I never use an exact percentage I always make an assessment at the time and think about many factors(How hot was she?☺)
More for a Check? I wouldn't. I'm not sure who is doing that paper work and cutting the check, I doubt its a floor person. I assume he/she hands that information to someone (possibly management who is disallowed from taking tips) and delivers it back.
I always give more on good promotions and juicy plays.
Quote: strictlyAPWhat would you tip on this. http://i.imgur.com/LPSeiGW.jpg
Wow!
Quote: RomesWhat I was inquiring to earlier is why is it percentage based at all? The amount of work doesn't change from $2k to $5k; the exact same job is done. So regardless of amount, why shouldn't the same job be treated with the same tip?
I agree with SOOPOO's reply 100%. It isn't logical to tip more on a $1,200 jackpot than $12,000, except for the extra minute to count out the additional $10,800. However, you can either live in the logical world or the real world.
The topic of tipping has been discussed here over and over but it all really comes down to the tipping scene in Reservoir Dogs.
Note that I don't treat restaurants like this. I'm a different person when I'm in a casino. I'll do things like harass ploppies to get them off a game, when I wouldn't even think about doing something like that outside a casino (even if there was financial gain involved).
Quote: strictlyAPWhat would you tip on this. http://i.imgur.com/LPSeiGW.jpg
$3.50
Some slot tech got passive/aggressive at me when I got 4 deuces on $1, and they had to handpay me and I stiffed them. After getting paid he walked by me and called me a stiff under his breath. First of all why is a $1k payout a handpay, and second of all F that guy.
Although if it's a place I frequent I tip a lot. I've given out $60 for $600 slot jackpots, or $20 or on 4 deuces on DDW (pays 2000 coins).
My feeling is this:
I don't tip when I lose. You won't find me making bets for dealers at craps when I am losing. I only make dealer bets when I am winning -- and usually when I am shooting and have made at least one pass (I will make a passline bet for the dealers on the next point). Craps is the only table game I play.
At video poker I tip on handpays when $1250 or more. I play at Rincon and they have handpays on $1,000 wins and I do not tip on $1,000 handpays -- I think that is an unnecessary burden and they should adjust the machines to pay credits for $1,000. Also for wins under the $1200 W2G threshhold -- the machine should take that in credits, not as a handpay.
I do not tip anyone in video poker unless there is a handpay. If I get lucky and start with $100 coin in and cash out for the evening with $1625 (this happened last week) no one gets a tip from me.
I think a handpay is appropriate because it is part of the casino culture. I do think there is a maximum hand pay -- though I haven't been faced with it yet.
On a $36,000 royal (the biggest progressive I ever hit) I tipped $400. And looking back, I think I tipped too much. I think $200 would have been enough.
Now on a $20,000 royal I would tip $100. (I didn't mention this above.)
If I ever got a $400,000 royal (but I probably never will because I don't play at that level) I can't imagine tipping more than $500. But if I followed my example of $100 for a $20,000 the tip would be $2,000. I just can't tip $2,000.
However, players who do play $100 video poker frequently have a slot attendant standing behind them recording W2G wins and that slot attendant could be standing there with a yellow pad for 2 or three hours recording wins and turning a key so the player can continue. In that case tipping $2,000 for a $400,000 royal makes perfect sense.
Without that slot attendant standing there, the $100 video poker player every time they hit 3ofakind would be waiting for an attendant.
Quote: AlanMendelsonI think tipping is personal and I would never criticize anyone for their personal decision -- whether they tip large, small or none at all. It's your business and not mine.
My feeling is this:
I don't tip when I lose. You won't find me making bets for dealers at craps when I am losing. I only make dealer bets when I am winning -- and usually when I am shooting and have made at least one pass (I will make a passline bet for the dealers on the next point). Craps is the only table game I play.
At video poker I tip on handpays when $1250 or more. I play at Rincon and they have handpays on $1,000 wins and I do not tip on $1,000 handpays -- I think that is an unnecessary burden and they should adjust the machines to pay credits for $1,000. Also for wins under the $1200 W2G threshhold -- the machine should take that in credits, not as a handpay.
I do not tip anyone in video poker unless there is a handpay. If I get lucky and start with $100 coin in and cash out for the evening with $1625 (this happened last week) no one gets a tip from me.
I think a handpay is appropriate because it is part of the casino culture. I do think there is a maximum hand pay -- though I haven't been faced with it yet.
On a $36,000 royal (the biggest progressive I ever hit) I tipped $400. And looking back, I think I tipped too much. I think $200 would have been enough.
Now on a $20,000 royal I would tip $100. (I didn't mention this above.)
If I ever got a $400,000 royal (but I probably never will because I don't play at that level) I can't imagine tipping more than $500. But if I followed my example of $100 for a $20,000 the tip would be $2,000. I just can't tip $2,000.
However, players who do play $100 video poker frequently have a slot attendant standing behind them recording W2G wins and that slot attendant could be standing there with a yellow pad for 2 or three hours recording wins and turning a key so the player can continue. In that case tipping $2,000 for a $400,000 royal makes perfect sense.
Without that slot attendant standing there, the $100 video poker player every time they hit 3ofakind would be waiting for an attendant.
My thinking about tipping is pretty much in line with yours, except for your not having some criticisim for people who don't tip at all. I think people that never tip a waitress have a condescending and anti-social attitude towards those workers who make a modest hourly wage. And if someone doesn't tip a bellhop for bringing their bags to their room, I think the bellhop should just load them up on the cart and dump them off in the hotel lobby (the bags, not the stiff).
Quote: GreasyjohnI had a girlfriend that was playing some $1 VP in Palm Springs at an Indian casino. Was dealt a Royal for a $4,000 win. She didn't tip because she didn't know it was customary. Ignorance is bliss.
Until I started posting on forums like this, I didn't know it was customary either. Never had the opportunity to do it. Meh.
I'm not judging you but....Quote: sc15From an AP standpoint, it depends on what casino it is. If it's a place I regularly AP at, I'd probably tip a little bit. If I don't plan on returning any time soon, I'd tip 0, since there's no EV in tipping at that point.
Note that I don't treat restaurants like this. I'm a different person when I'm in a casino. I'll do things like harass ploppies to get them off a game, when I wouldn't even think about doing something like that outside a casino (even if there was financial gain involved).
From an AP standpoint this is a selfish attitude because it has a long term affect on others and that can also affect you as well. I agree giving less at a place you rarely visit is a smart move financially but tipping zero is kind of bad. I'm no tip fanatic and I don't like people who get on there high horse about tipping either way. I dont like it when people stiff and I dont like it when people start screaming about under tipping.
I admit when me and my GF eat out by ourselves at a fancy place I'm on the low end of tipping, If Im with others I tip appropriately. Low end restaurants I over tip often.
I'm all over the map with bartenders and cocktail waitresses sometimes $1 for a shot and sometimes ill give $3.
Quote: AxelWolf
I'm all over the map with bartenders and cocktail waitresses sometimes $1 for a shot and sometimes ill give $3.
This kinda made me laugh. "All over the place.....$1 - $3".
As for the " bigger tip for bigger payout", I think you should tip more for a bigger payout (or if you're a bigger player....etc.).
First of all, dealers will make mistakes, no way around it. (And don't say this isn't true.) Is the dealer going to get into trouble when he messes up on a $5 bet? Eh, probably not. Hell no one probably even cares nor watching the game. What about if he messes up on a $1,000 bet? A lot more likely on a 1k bet than a $5 bet.
Maybe it isn't 100% the same for slot hand pays, but it's the same principle. You get a $1200 hand pay, I imagine they don't have to do a whole bunch of extra work. You get a $12,000 hand pay....that's a lot more money to count, check and double check (and have someone else "verify!" And a CTR [maybe slot attendant doesn't do a CTR? Idk])... and takes longer to payout on the floor. Especially with them new $100 bills that stick together like a mother f******, if two of them stick to each other while counting it out...they gotta re-do it.
If youre tipping a few hundred on a $400k payout....you may as well be stiffing them. My opinion.
Quote: RSThis kinda made me laugh. "All over the place.....$1 - $3".
$3 tip for a shot is all over the place for me.
Quote: WizardIf anything, you should tip more for a check, because it is more work for them.
My advice on tipping for cash hand pays is 0.5% to 1%, depending on the jackpot, the bigger the jackpot, the lower the percentage.
I think this is absolutely spot on, and exactly what I do. Where it falls in that range might also be determined by how quick and efficient and friendly they are....though I do understand some delays on handpay jackpots are unavoidable. Like if the guy behind me who is playing $100 slot machines at $200 per spin just hit on 3 different games before I hit on whatever I was playing...then I know they will be busy doing his first and that my handpay may take some time. No big deal. Often it is a nice break from the action of playing and staring at the screen for a long time.
Quote: RSThis kinda made me laugh. "All over the place.....$1 - $3".
As for the " bigger tip for bigger payout", I think you should tip more for a bigger payout (or if you're a bigger player....etc.).
First of all, dealers will make mistakes, no way around it. (And don't say this isn't true.) Is the dealer going to get into trouble when he messes up on a $5 bet? Eh, probably not. Hell no one probably even cares nor watching the game. What about if he messes up on a $1,000 bet? A lot more likely on a 1k bet than a $5 bet.
Maybe it isn't 100% the same for slot hand pays, but it's the same principle. You get a $1200 hand pay, I imagine they don't have to do a whole bunch of extra work. You get a $12,000 hand pay....that's a lot more money to count, check and double check (and have someone else "verify!" And a CTR [maybe slot attendant doesn't do a CTR? Idk])... and takes longer to payout on the floor. Especially with them new $100 bills that stick together like a mother f******, if two of them stick to each other while counting it out...they gotta re-do it.
If youre tipping a few hundred on a $400k payout....you may as well be stiffing them. My opinion.
I've never had the good fortune of hitting for $400k. But thinking about it....a 0.5% tip would be $2000. That seems high to me. A $500 tip doesn't seem unreasonable, but maybe it is a little low considering that large payout would involve more processing etc. Maybe $1000 is right? I'd love to have to deal with it though. But I can't see myself peeling off twenty $100 bills and handing them that stack as a tip.
Quote: AxelWolfI'm not judging you but....
From an AP standpoint this is a selfish attitude because it has a long term affect on others and that can also affect you as well. I agree giving less at a place you rarely visit is a smart move financially but tipping zero is kind of bad. I'm no tip fanatic and I don't like people who get on there high horse about tipping either way. I dont like it when people stiff and I dont like it when people start screaming about under tipping.
I admit when me and my GF eat out by ourselves at a fancy pla'm on the low end of tipping, If Im with others I tip appropriately. Low end restaurants I over tip often.
I'm all over the map with bartenders and cocktail waitresses sometimes $1 for a shot and sometimes ill give $3.
Why do I think that the 1 or 3 $ depends on the servers bra size combined with how shitfaced drunk you are. Gee I never had
Such thoughts before I started hanging out with Buzz !
$
Quote: AxelWolf..... sometimes $1 for a shot and sometimes ill give $3.
$3 for a shot seems high to me
Quote: RomesI'll tip them what I would tip a bartender for being funny and bringing me one drink... probably $5 or $10.
$10 tip for a shot had me laughing out loud
Quote: teddysW-2G was delivered but no federal or state tax was withheld. ($4000 cash payout). They didn't break down the last $100 into $20s, either, which I appreciated.
I had to look into this because of the horses win I had earlier this month (yay!).
For this particular example, $1200 generates a W2G but no taxes withheld.
They must withhold 25% of any JP or single win for $5000 or more.
There are other rules, like for bet ratios, games, acceptable ID, non-citizens, etc. But in this situation, that's why they did what they did.
Why you betting horses?Quote: beachbumbabsI had to look into this because of the horses win I had earlier this month (yay!).
For this particular example, $1200 generates a W2G but no taxes withheld.
They must withhold 25% of any JP or single win for $5000 or more.
There are other rules, like for bet ratios, games, acceptable ID, non-citizens, etc. But in this situation, that's why they did what they did.
Fun or did you find value ?
I hear the can be addictive .
She bet the same horses on a 4-horse box tri as well, another 2087 on a 48 dollar ticket. She was in the box with the Toast of New York (placed second, almost got first when Bayern bumped) owners and this mega-millionaire BH plastic surgeon (famous nip-and-tuck guy). They went to the afterparty, got cool stuff, the whole deal. She does the whole horsey thing (steeplechase etc.) at a national competition level (actually, she's a champion herself; I didn't know that till recently - you should see her trophy room!) and knows all those guys.
Quote: beachbumbabsI had to look into this because of the horses win I had earlier this month (yay!).
For this particular example, $1200 generates a W2G but no taxes withheld.
They must withhold 25% of any JP or single win for $5000 or more.
There are other rules, like for bet ratios, games, acceptable ID, non-citizens, etc. But in this situation, that's why they did what they did.
There's actually a difference on the withholding requirements for pari-mutuel wagers (like horses) and slot/video poker jackpots.
The 25% federal withholding applies to pari-mutuel wins in excess of $5000 (if that win represents 300x your bet amount)....so if you placed a $10,000 bet on a horse at 2-1 odds then you won $20,000 but no withholding. But a large trifecta or superfecta win typically would require withholding. And that would be the case regardless of the state where it happened.
On slot/video poker jackpots there is typically no required federal withholding....unless that state has a special law that requires it.
I have won over $5000 many times on slot/video poker jackpots and elected to have no federal tax withheld. But I've never done that in Maryland. If that state requires 25% federal withholding on slot/video poker jackpots then it would be unusual, and essentially they would be treating pari-mutuel wagers and slot/video poker jackpots the same way. Most states don't do that.
Depending on the state, there may be required state withholding on slot/video poker jackpots. For example, I love the gambling options in Biloxi, MS. But one downside is that any win over $1200 is subject to 3% MS state tax. And worse is that if you are not a MS resident then you cannot file a tax return to get that money back even if you had losses in excess of the win. So high limit players who come in to MS from out of state rack up a ton of W2G wins....paying 3% state tax on each....but not necessarily ending up a winner. If you play $50-200 per spin then you will surely have plenty of hits in excess of $1200. But that doesn't mean you're ahead.
Interestingly, Maryland does require state withholding on slot/video poker jackpots in excess of $5000, at an 8.75% rate for MD residents and 7% for non-residents. But I see nothing online that addresses the federal tax withholding issue on slot/video poker jackpots over $5000.
Now what might be the case here is that the Maryland slots are actually "video lottery terminals"....which, if that is the case....would mean they would have the same federal tax withholding requirements. Because the lottery is really a form of pari-mutuel wagering, and VLT's would then be considered pari-mutuels too. Whereas a "real" slot or video poker machine is not a pari-mutuel...because you are playing against the house. On a VLT you are essentially playing against other players, so to speak.
So the question is....are the Maryland machines really video lottery terminals and not "regular" slot/video poker machines? Looking online, it appears that everything related to gambling falls under their lottery commission. So based on that, I am inclined to think the machines are VLTs. But they also offer table games, like blackjack. Obviously those have nothing to do with the lottery. So does that mean the slots are "regular" slots too? I can't really tell.
On a side note...the powers that be within the horse industry are lobbying the IRS to have this rule changed. They feel that the requirement to always withhold federal tax on their winners of $5000+ but not for slot/video poker winners puts the horse racing industry at a disadvantage, especially in states that offer both.
Quote: pelotariThere's actually a difference on the withholding requirements for pari-mutuel wagers (like horses) and slot/video poker jackpots.
The 25% federal withholding applies to pari-mutuel wins in excess of $5000 (if that win represents 300x your bet amount)....so if you placed a $10,000 bet on a horse at 2-1 odds then you won $20,000 but no withholding. But a large trifecta or superfecta win typically would require withholding. And that would be the case regardless of the state where it happened.
On slot/video poker jackpots there is typically no required federal withholding....unless that state has a special law that requires it.
I have won over $5000 many times on slot/video poker jackpots and elected to have no federal tax withheld. But I've never done that in Maryland. If that state requires 25% federal withholding on slot/video poker jackpots then it would be unusual, and essentially they would be treating pari-mutuel wagers and slot/video poker jackpots the same way. Most states don't do that.
Depending on the state, there may be required state withholding on slot/video poker jackpots. For example, I love the gambling options in Biloxi, MS. But one downside is that any win over $1200 is subject to 3% MS state tax. And worse is that if you are not a MS resident then you cannot file a tax return to get that money back even if you had losses in excess of the win. So high limit players who come in to MS from out of state rack up a ton of W2G wins....paying 3% state tax on each....but not necessarily ending up a winner. If you play $50-200 per spin then you will surely have plenty of hits in excess of $1200. But that doesn't mean you're ahead.
Interestingly, Maryland does require state withholding on slot/video jackpots in excess of $5000, at an 8.75% rate for MD residents and 7% for non-residents. But I see nothing online that addresses the federal tax withholding issue on slot/video poker jackpots over $5000.
The powers that be within the horse industry are lobbying the IRS to have this rule changed. They feel that the requirement to always withhold federal tax on their winners of $5000+ but not for slot/video poker winners puts the horse racing industry at a disadvantage, especially in states that offer both.
Thanks, pelo; I was trying to avoid getting into the weeds with my disclaimer, but you did pretty well with it. FWIW, I won a $3300+ JP on a slot in Biloxi a couple years back on a $.40 bet, and they withheld no MS taxes, but as you said, "subject to", perhaps weren't "required" to. But, yeah, the instructions on the W2G/form 5754 are pretty complicated as to what type of wager, ratio of bet to win, and dollar threshholds by game.
Quote: beachbumbabsThanks, pelo; I was trying to avoid getting into the weeds with my disclaimer, but you did pretty well with it. FWIW, I won a $3300+ JP on a slot in Biloxi a couple years back on a $.40 bet, and they withheld no MS taxes, but as you said, "subject to", perhaps weren't "required" to. But, yeah, the instructions on the W2G/form 5754 are pretty complicated as to what type of wager, ratio of bet to win, and dollar threshholds by game.
I went back and edited my post. Looking around online it appears that the Maryland machines may be video lottery terminals and not "regular" slots(?)
Not 100% sure but I did change my reply to reflect that possibility.
I believe that MS recently updated their state tax withholding requirements on gambling. Probably in the last couple or few years.
From what I know, the changes were two-fold. First, they now are required to take out that 3% MS state tax on all W2G wins over $1200. And second, they made it so that if you are not a MS resident then you cannot claim losses to offset your wins and get that 3% back.
The way they did that was by changing the requirements on filing MS state tax returns. Now....if your only "income" in the state of MS is from gambling, then there is no way to file a MS state tax return. Only a person who has "regular" income in MS can file a state return there, and they can then also list gambling wins/losses.
So technically, I suppose that someone could be a resident of another state....but for some reason have income in MS from their job....say a pro golfer who won a tournament there or something.
But outside of that, basically the change they made in MS is that any visitors to the state who gamble and hit a $1200+ jackpot while there will end up giving MS 3% of that win....and the state will keep it no matter if that gambler loses overall in MS.
Basically a "tourist tax" on gambling.
Quote: pelotariI've never had the good fortune of hitting for $400k. But thinking about it....a 0.5% tip would be $2000. That seems high to me. A $500 tip doesn't seem unreasonable, but maybe it is a little low considering that large payout would involve more processing etc. Maybe $1000 is right? I'd love to have to deal with it though. But I can't see myself peeling off twenty $100 bills and handing them that stack as a tip.
Good point. I agree that 0.5% on a $400,000 jackpot would be overly generous. Here is new formula: 0.5*sqrt(jackpot). So, for a $400,000 jackpot the tip would be $316.23. Of course, round that up or down, depending on your personality and level of service.
Quote: WizardGood point. I agree that 0.5% on a $400,000 jackpot would be overly generous. Here is new formula: 0.5*sqrt(jackpot). So, for a $400,000 jackpot the tip would be $316.23. Of course, round that up or down, depending on your personality and level of service.
Wow...I've only been on here a couple days and already have a reply from the Wizard....awesome! I have been following your advice for years, and while I am not an AP....I do enjoy various casino games and your info has been very helpful especially on all the various new table games out there.
I would love to hear your thoughts on my Superball Keno post. I think I've come across a game where the casino is starting the progressive at $5,000 when mathematically it should never start below $10,000...or maybe even higher. I'm thinking about getting my info together, verifying the details on the machine, and bringing it to the attention of the casino.
I didn't post it on that thread....but the game in question is on a bank of $1 denom Pot O' Golds that have recently been added to the floor. The place is loaded up with 25 cent denom games, and with these new $1 denoms I think they either mistakenly (or intentionally?) set the progressive reset value too low. Perhaps going with the same value they are "used to" with the 25 cent denoms. Something is not right, when raising your bet amount makes you eligible for a progressive but reduces your max win.
(Sorry for the cross-topic-post....I am learning the ropes here....)
Quote: WizardGood point. I agree that 0.5% on a $400,000 jackpot would be overly generous. Here is new formula: 0.5*sqrt(jackpot). So, for a $400,000 jackpot the tip would be $316.23. Of course, round that up or down, depending on your personality and level of service.
I'd love to see the look on the attendant's face when the winner pulls out a calculator.
That's actually quite crippling. Do you know if they allow you to file a non-resident tax return if you just have gambling income?Quote: pelotari
Interestingly, Maryland does require state withholding on slot/video poker jackpots in excess of $5000, at an 8.75% rate for MD residents and 7% for non-residents. But I see nothing online that addresses the federal tax withholding issue on slot/video poker jackpots over $5000.
Ohio withholds 3% on every W2-G-generating jackpot. And you CANNOT deduct your losses up the amount of your wins on your resident tax return. Hate them.
Quote: SOOPOOI guess I'm out of touch here...... I can't imagine giving someone a $500 tip for bringing me the check for that lucky jackpot. I can't imagine anything more than $100. The way I look at, if winning that jackpot now allows me the freedom to just give someone $500, I can think of hundreds of people or organizations I'd give to before the unskilled worker who happened to have the job of bringing me my check. So if I feel the $400k ($240k after taxes) allows me 20 $500 gifts to give, no way is the slot gal in the top 20...... And if she looks at me as a cheapskate for giving her $50, then I will be happy to give it to Mike's charity......, or kewlj's soup kitchen...
Point well taken.
