Annoying Casino Cashiers

It annoys me to no end when I go to the cage with say a relatively small voucher or maybe some table chips, say maybe $800 or so, and the cashier will say something like, "Ooh, great night, congratulations, blah blah blah." Well for one thing, how does he or she know I didn't buy in for $20,000, blew my brains out, and this measly $800 is all I have left? In that case I really want to hear their bullshit. Just pay me and STFU.

So what is actually the motive here? It happens so frequently. I used to know a sleezeball at the off-track betting joint who would say "ooh" if you were cashing out for $10, like that's the big win of the century. I knew what he was doing, he was looking for a toke, and he had no shame, no shame at all.

So, that was one example. But is that the agenda with ALL of these different cashiers who do this so often? Are they looking for a toke? Who the F asked them to comment on my cashout? Do they say the same thing to everyone?

I'm usually a very pleasant person, believe it or not. If they are cordial, and then ask if I want large bills, I politely say "yes, please", and "thank you, have a nice evening". But when they START the conversation with, "Ooo, your lucky night, congrats", I wanna say, just give me the fkg money. They don't know what I bought in for. Half the time I DID blow my brains out. Congrats.

Maybe I'm just naive but I feel it's innocent. Most of the time they ask what machine I've played which makes me think they're gamblers too. I always patronize them with "yeah its nice to win once in a while." My goal is to not be noticed or remembered. The only time it got awkward was I was paid a 10k check for a jackpot and took it to a credit union in the hood. The cashier made a big deal about it "daaaayuuuummm" and showed all her cashier buddies.

Quote: RogerKint

Maybe I'm just naive but I feel it's innocent. Most of the time they ask what machine I've played which makes me think they're gamblers too. I always patronize them with "yeah its nice to win once in a while." My goal is to not be noticed or remembered. The only time it got awkward was I was paid a 10k check for a jackpot and took it to a credit union in the hood. The cashier made a big deal about it "daaaayuuuummm" and showed all her cashier buddies.

Gotta keep it real in the hood son

I hope you kept the money in the hood and played some street craps before you left

Quote: djatc

Gotta keep it real in the hood son

I hope you kept the money in the hood and played some street craps before you left

I forgot to keep it real that day :( t bone won't let me doey don't anyway

I feel the cashiers are trying to be nice when they innocently say stuff like,"Ooh, big congrats, you are so lucky, " not knowing how much you actually LOST. They are trying to be nice in the wrong way. In my job, my managers gave this piece of helpful advice. "No personal chatter with customers unless they do the personal chatter first." That should be the casino cashier's motto too.

A couple things are going on there.

Casinos will often want to push "customer satisfaction," especially if it costs them nothing; having employees chit-chat helps promote that.

Also, the cashier could be trying to induce you to give her / him a tip.

When you cash out for more than the average person and you haven't been up to the window for 3 credit card advances that night, they probably assume you won. Most of them are just happy for you that you're leaving with something.

I get that all the time too. I just say, "Ahhh, even for the day and leaving" even if I'm cashing in $3000 in tickets and way up.

Quote: bobbartop

It annoys me to no end when I go to the cage with say a relatively small voucher or maybe some table chips, say maybe $800 or so, and the cashier will say something like, "Ooh, great night, congratulations, blah blah blah." Well for one thing, how does he or she know I didn't buy in for $20,000, blew my brains out, and this measly $800 is all I have left? In that case I really want to hear their bullshit. Just pay me and STFU.

So what is actually the motive here? It happens so frequently. I used to know a sleezeball at the off-track betting joint who would say "ooh" if you were cashing out for $10, like that's the big win of the century. I knew what he was doing, he was looking for a toke, and he had no shame, no shame at all.

So, that was one example. But is that the agenda with ALL of these different cashiers who do this so often? Are they looking for a toke? Who the F asked them to comment on my cashout? Do they say the same thing to everyone?

I'm usually a very pleasant person, believe it or not. If they are cordial, and then ask if I want large bills, I politely say "yes, please", and "thank you, have a nice evening". But when they START the conversation with, "Ooo, your lucky night, congrats", I wanna say, just give me the fkg money. They don't know what I bought in for. Half the time I DID blow my brains out. Congrats.

We are complete opposite people. I do not miss an opportunity with a cashier or dealer to slip in a dad-joke about how my $10 is "almost a million". Just like you, they usually roll their eyes in pure hate.

Not sure what would happen if we were in a room together.

Quote: bobbartop

I'm usually a very pleasant person, believe it or not.

Might want to get a 2nd opinion on that one.


ZCore13

I bet his dog loves him.

Quote: Zcore13

Might want to get a 2nd opinion on that one.

Ok, I took your advice and just went and got a second opinion from someone.

And that person can bite me.

Quote: billryan

I bet his dog loves him.

Hey Bill, that reminded me of something. A lot of times I click on youtube music videos to cheer me up. Boy did I get a surprise the other day. The video image had a dog on it and I clicked it. Big mistake. It was so sad, and caught me at the wrong moment, I just broke down for a few minutes. Hugged my dog, ended up taking her for a walk, and I could not shake it out of my head.

You're probably stronger than I am and won't start crying if you click this. It's not gruesome or anything, it just sad. Beautiful music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9jBx_97KMc

Quote: billryan

I bet his dog loves him.

Quote: bobbartop

Ok, I took your advice and just went and got a second opinion from someone.

And that person can bite me.

Guess his dog doesn't love him.

To the OP,

I feel your pain all the time. That's why my formula is to only cash out in even amounts. No extra change. And a $5 bill counts as extra change. I'll pocket all loose change and cash out say $4000. "How would you like it?". "Duhh all large?". Then when I thank them, I do so in a way that I am practically cutting them off. I'm already taking two steps away while my arms are just barely able to hold all of my bills to then stuff into my pocket. It's like I've never been in more of a rush in my entire life...every single time I cash out. Also it helps to play to your own Racial stereotype if it exists. LOL. My take on the matter. And yes the hustling of the Casinos piss me off.

Casinos try to make everything a pleasant experience.... remember that stuff about a win is a loan to the player and he can re-pay it in any casino, so make sure his stay here is pleasant so he will repay the loan here.

Cage clerks are supposed to smile, be courteous, count things out correctly and sense what the customer would like. Offended at the offer of a security escort? Sorry sir, but my manager insists I make the offer. Offended at some banter when all you want is your money? Thats part of the deal. Alot of people enjoy the banter.

I still remembe when I was losing so bad that I resolved this casino will not get my last dollar, I'm going next door. And I went to the cashier to cash in my final chip. She said I should have gambled it and maybe I should have but I was simply pissed at my bad luck. Sometimes the cashiers are pissed at their crappy jobs and the fact that few people tip them.

And yes,,,, usually the cashiers are gamblers. Each week they run some sort of pool on something.

Quote: bobbartop

I knew what he was doing, he was looking for a toke, and he had no shame, no shame at all.

Is tipping a cashier a thing? I am a pretty decent tipper, and I would never consider tipping the cashier. And I never will.

Quote: Mosca

Is tipping a cashier a thing? I am a pretty decent tipper, and I would never consider tipping the cashier. And I never will.

I once tipped the cashier out of elated gratitude because I accidentally hit "Max bet" on a African themed game, think it is called "Mount Kilamanjaro" and I immediately got the 45 spin bonus. I ended up cashing out at around $900. I was so grateful for that monster unexpected Max bet win that I gave the cashier $20.

I also tipped a cashier for handcounting $17 in change at a local that didn't have a counting machine. 2 of my locals have a counting machine and 1 doesn't. I think I gave her about $3. She told me she didn't really need the tip but I insisted as I pointed out that handcounting $17 was painstakingly hard to do and I was grateful she did it. She accepted it after I made my very valid point. :)

I often tip the change, if the cashier is pleasant. Coming from the service industry, tipping is a way of life.

I don't think they are tip-hustling most of the time. It's just an honest reaction when you are cashing out anything significant. I think they assume if you are cashing out anything significant that you have won.

Usually, it's just a congratulations sir. I do oftentimes tip them a small amount $1 - $5 either way. I always say, "Thanks, but it looks better than it actually is" They will usually say, "Oh sorry to hear that, better luck next time."

If you are an AP, who's on a play, doing multiple transactions, I suggest that you do tip. If it hurts you to tip then just think of It as the cost of doing business. The last thing you need is some cashier thinking you are a cheap non-tipping prick. All's a cashier needs to do is suspect you of suspicious activity and that could bring you heat. They can simply lie(and they don't even have to do that) and say they thought they saw you in the day before cashing in a substantial amount of times. You may be vindicated in the end, but they might be watching you from then on. Make casino employees like you any chance you get. It doesn't always work, but It's worked in my favor more times than I can count. It's not that hard for me, because I actually do like people and I don't mind tipping in many cases.

Make casino employees like you any chance you get. It doesn't always work, but It's worked in my favor more times than I can count.


Change "casino employees" to people and you are well on your way to success in life. I've never understood why some people seem to go out of their way looking for perceived insults and lash back at them.

Hardrock casino in Tampa they have tip things at each window.

I play a lot of live poker and was talking to a dealer once who told me even though the cashiers are regular hourly (not the 2.13 hr type) they had to cut them in on their tips at the end of each shift, plus they got the tip jugs at the window as well they were getting on top.

I never tipped the cashiers before that but that made me that much more adamant that was the right decision

Quote: AxelWolf

I don't think they are tip-hustling most of the time. It's just an honest reaction when you are cashing out anything significant. I think they assume if you are cashing out anything significant that you have won.

Usually, it's just a congratulations sir. I do oftentimes tip them a small amount $1 - $5 either way. I always say, "Thanks, but it looks better than it actually is" They will usually say, "Oh sorry to hear that, better luck next time."

If you are an AP, who's on a play, doing multiple transactions, I suggest that you do tip. If it hurts you to tip then just think of It as the cost of doing business. The last thing you need is some cashier thinking you are a cheap non-tipping prick. All's a cashier needs to do is suspect you of suspicious activity and that could bring you heat. They can simply lie(and they don't even have to do that) and say they thought they saw you in the day before cashing in a substantial amount of times. You may be vindicated in the end, but they might be watching you from then on. Make casino employees like you any chance you get. It doesn't always work, but It's worked in my favor more times than I can count. It's not that hard for me, because I actually do like people and I don't mind tipping in many cases.

Excellent advice and excellent post, Axel, as usual. The truth is, that I tip everyone, and am nice, in the casino. It's just that I never thought of tipping the cashier. It just never occurred to me, and I still remember that sleezy guy from the race joint and that was 25 years ago. I always tip anyone bringing me something, and I tip generously if a girl watches my machine while I go to the restroom, and if I ever have to call a tech to get my ticket out of the machine or to fix something, I always tip them too. I don't really know why it irked me about the cashiers, I just felt I was getting hustled. But it is part of the game, everyone is on the hustle. That's life in a casino.

Thanks for the excellent post, and the advice from Billryan following yours is a good post too. Thanks both.

Only time I tip a cashier is if they ask for my ID. Think the last time it happened was 2013, when I could still qualify as being in my early 30s. I don't like the comments about size of the cashout, but accept it as part of playing in a casino. My script is always "It all comes and goes."

Quote: bobbartop

Do they say the same thing to everyone?

Like billryan, I also had a previous life in customer service. In my experience, if service staff are inappropriately trained, the answer to your question is a resounding "Yes! They WILL say the same thing to everyone!" But that's because the trainer hasn't impressed a range of conditions on the staff - so, rather than havin to "think", the customer service staff are likely to just repeat the same phrases (as you've stated already). Personally, I will either tip a bare minimum (so my spouse won't kick me under the table), or very well if I thought the service was exceptional. I totally empathize with your comments about meaningless "customer service comments".

At any rate, we've just come back from a Vegas trip with 2 delightful customer service stories I'm glad to share with the WoV forum. One story was at the cashier' cage, and the other story was about a server who actually served as the "cashier" as well.

Story 1: On our last day, as I was unfolding my carefully folded winnings (oh, maybe $125 :-) ), one of my $20s ripped right along the folded side. It was a clean "rip", so I stood in line and waited my turn at the cashier's cage. With a wimpish smile, I asked the elderly cashier if she could help me with some scotch tape or something to put the torn pieces back together again. She carefully matched the 2 pieces first, eyed them carefully, and then just gave me a spanking new $20! I tipped her a $1 for the trouble. She said "no worries, it happens quite often".

Story 2: On our return flight, we had to get up at 3:00a to put our bags out by 4:30a and meet in the staging room by 5:30a (we were on a very pleasant and well organized charter flight). We got up on time, and since we prepped ourselves the night before, we had plenty of time for breakfast. But rather than take the skywalk over to the Cal's Market Street, we opted to try out the 777 Brewery & Restaurant. We discovered by accident that it offered late night snacks from 11p-2a, and a la carte breakfast from 2a-7a! Luckily, we were able to use our meal coupons for 2 full meals: steak & eggs for me, and a veggie & cheese omelet for my wife, bottomless coffee cups, and pretty fast service. There were 2 other tables of 4 and 5, but only the one waitress also taking care of walk-ins (for carry out), a handful of bar drinkers, and the 3 tables. She moved very fast, and showed she enjoyed her work. Those of you familiar with the 777 will recall it's a sports bar with about a dozen or so big TVs spread around the room. With the missile strike just announced the previous night, we wanted to watch the news - could she change one of the TVs to a news station, in the far away corner where we sat? She said it's ok, and she'll try, but she's never "messed with the high fangled remote thingies!" (Big pleasant smile on her face). Coffee was getting cold, could we get a top off? Meanwhile, click here, click there, click everywhere - no results. We said it's ok. She said it's not ok! (smiley again) - there's gotta be a way. So she went over to the bartender for help, and sure enough, she returned with an even BIGGER and confident smile, click-click-click --> CNN's on! Oh, the steak plate's too much for me, do you have a small carry out box? Sorry, none, but let's see what I can come up with. Hustle, hustle, bus the other tables, quick walk into the kitchen, and back with a couple of sheets of foil, lots of napkins, a small plastic bag, and our check! After neatly folding 1/2 of my steak into a sandwich, I signaled her to take our coupons, and she just said "You're all set to go!" I held her hand for a brief second, told her "You're my Ten!" (folded a 10-spot in her hand), and did she blush a big thank you and have a safe flight.

Quote: TomG

Only time I tip a cashier is if they ask for my ID. Think the last time it happened was 2013, when I could still qualify as being in my early 30s. I don't like the comments about size of the cashout, but accept it as part of playing in a casino. My script is always "It all comes and goes."

I realize I'm replying to a post that is over a year old, but asking for my ID at the cage is one of my biggest gripes. I was at the Bally's Las Vegas about two years ago. I was 34 years old, salt and pepper hair, substantial "I haven't shaved in 3 days" stubble. And, to be honest, I looked 35-40. Twice in two days two different cashiers asked for my ID. I was playing rated and no AP at all. I was cashing in a trivial amount of chips. It makes zero sense since, if there's any legitimate question about my age, the dealers should have asked for ID before selling me the chips. I think it was either (1) idiotic corporate policy or (2) petty people exercising whatever small amount of power they have. I haven't been back to Bally's since.

Quote: TinMan

I realize I'm replying to a post that is over a year old, but asking for my ID at the cage is one of my biggest gripes. I was at the Bally's Las Vegas about two years ago. I was 34 years old, salt and pepper hair, substantial "I haven't shaved in 3 days" stubble. And, to be honest, I looked 35-40. Twice in two days two different cashiers asked for my ID. I was playing rated and no AP at all. I was cashing in a trivial amount of chips. It makes zero sense since, if there's any legitimate question about my age, the dealers should have asked for ID before selling me the chips. I think it was either (1) idiotic corporate policy or (2) petty people exercising whatever small amount of power they have. I haven't been back to Bally's since.

All you had to do is say "No thanks" or "I don't have it on me". Just because they ask, doesn't mean you have to oblige. They are doing it for Title 31 purposes, but can just use your description if you refuse.


ZCore13

Quote: Zcore13

All you had to do is say "No thanks" or "I don't have it on me". Just because they ask, doesn't mean you have to oblige. They are doing it for Title 31 purposes, but can just use your description if you refuse.


ZCore13

I'm glad you think its always that easy.

Quote: AxelWolf

I'm glad you think its always that easy.

Couldn't be easier to start that way. Then you see what they say.



ZCore13

I agree it's a tip hustle, they must know they get more tips when someone admits it's a winning session. It works, I don't like it, but I give in if I must use a cashier for a large ticket. I usually tip about $5 if under $1000. I don't usually use cashiers unless I must, such as machines only giving twenties out or if the ticket is otherwise uncashable.

I never tip cashiers. I know someone who always uses the cashier, never the kiosk, because "it's good luck" and leaves a tip (i.e. superstitious). So I'll use the kiosk for small amounts and the cashier with no tip for large amounts because I am not superstitious.

when asked my line is always the same "most of it's mine"
It generally shuts them up and quashes any tip expectations
without any feathers getting ruffled.

Never tipped a cashier. Once gave a cashier a $1,098.87 ticket plus $1.13 (or something like that). She added up everything on her trusty calculator, opened the drawer, counted out 2k and pushed it over. Monet won't like what I did next. I said "uhhhh I think you gave me too much". SHE should have given ME a tip but all I got was a thank you.

#hustlemachinesnotppl

Quote: RogerKint

Never tipped a cashier. Once gave a cashier a $1,098.87 ticket plus $1.13 (or something like that). She added up everything on her trusty calculator, opened the drawer, counted out 2k and pushed it over. Monet won't like what I did next. I said "uhhhh I think you gave me too much". SHE should have given ME a tip but all I got was a thank you.

#hustlemachinesnotppl

I think I've only gotten overpaid at the cage once for sure, AFAIK. I've tipped cashiers a few times, mostly on plays where I have to cash out many tickets at the cage, or some other situation where tipping the cashiers may be beneficial. But it's rare.

Quote: TinMan

I realize I'm replying to a post that is over a year old, but asking for my ID at the cage is one of my biggest gripes. I was at the Bally's Las Vegas about two years ago. I was 34 years old, salt and pepper hair, substantial "I haven't shaved in 3 days" stubble. And, to be honest, I looked 35-40. Twice in two days two different cashiers asked for my ID. I was playing rated and no AP at all. I was cashing in a trivial amount of chips. It makes zero sense since, if there's any legitimate question about my age, the dealers should have asked for ID before selling me the chips. I think it was either (1) idiotic corporate policy or (2) petty people exercising whatever small amount of power they have. I haven't been back to Bally's since.

,
The last time I ran into this kind of nonsense, the casino cage had been robbed of black/purple/yellow chips, and they didn't know who had them (some kind of inside job with confederates cashing). They were doing all sorts of strange stuff at the tables and cage trying to identify the missing chips. That included showing an ID and players card to cash in any of them, permission slips from the Floor for x number of affected chips, other stuff.

Maybe I'm looking at a horse and calling it a zebra, but they don't necessarily tell you what-all is going on.

Quote: Zcore13

Might want to get a 2nd opinion on that one.


ZCore13

Be nice please. 😜😜

I once brought a slot ticket to the cashier and she not very nicely told me to use the redemption machine. It was broken and I had to walk around to find one that worked. I was insulted.

Quote: RogerKint

Never tipped a cashier. Once gave a cashier a $1,098.87 ticket plus $1.13 (or something like that). She added up everything on her trusty calculator, opened the drawer, counted out 2k and pushed it over. Monet won't like what I did next. I said "uhhhh I think you gave me too much". SHE should have given ME a tip but all I got was a thank you.

#hustlemachinesnotppl

1098.87 + 1.13 = 2000 to me. I dunno what you smokin cuz

Cashiers always ask me how do I want it? I always ask for in pennies please. Watch as they roll their eyes. Silent pause for at least 5 seconds. Then say just kidding! It always gets them.

Quote: LoneStarLyla

I once brought a slot ticket to the cashier and she not very nicely told me to use the redemption machine. It was broken and I had to walk around to find one that worked. I was insulted.

That's pretty messed up. I shouldn't use the word "pretty," should I. That's ugly messed up. I don't blame you for being upset.

Quote: djatc

1098.87 + 1.13 = 2000 to me. I dunno what you smokin cuz

No, it's not. It's almost $1100, not $2000. She almost gave him almost $900 more than he had on the TITO which is a humongous mistake and would be cause for serious reprimands and quite possible a termination. The Cashier was lucky he was honest because a Gambler who is morally bankrupt would have said,"Okay, thanks," and taken the almost $900 extra he knew he didn't have on the TITO and her boss would have seriously questioned why her till was almost $900 short.

I was just reading this old thread I started and came across the comment about getting a second opinion, from Zcore. I had to laugh. It was funny. It may have had some truth to it, I may have been a bigger a-hole when I started this forum than I am now. I dunno, maybe I'm still an a-hole. One thing, though, from reading Axel's post, I can honestly say that it made me change in real life. I tip everyone now, and I'm a happier person for it. Axel's posts have good advice.

Quote: djatc

1098.87 + 1.13 = 2000 to me. I dunno what you smokin cuz

Cuh*

Quote: Nathan

No, it's not. It's almost $1100, not $2000. She almost gave him almost $900 more than he had on the TITO which is a humongous mistake and would be cause for serious reprimands and quite possible a termination. The Cashier was lucky he was honest because a Gambler who is morally bankrupt would have said,"Okay, thanks," and taken the almost $900 extra he knew he didn't have on the TITO and her boss would have seriously questioned why her till was almost $900 short.

Well, it wasn't easy. I'm no math dweeb but $900 is like a lifetime supply of haircuts and at least 90,000 spins on the nearest penny slot.

Quote: RogerKint

Cuh*.

My bad cuh