‘Stiff’ Meaning | Casino & Gambling Terms Explained

A stiff is a player who rarely tips the casino staff, such as the dealers, the waitresses, the hosts, or the valets. Tipping is a common and expected practice in casinos and gambling, as it shows appreciation and gratitude for the service and entertainment provided by the staff. Tipping is also a way of building rapport and goodwill with the staff, who may offer better service, advice, or perks to the generous tippers.

Stiff Tipper

A stiff, on the other hand, is a player who does not tip or tips very little, regardless of the quality of the service or the outcome of the game. A stiff may have various reasons for not tipping, such as being cheap, greedy, ignorant, or rude. A stiff may also have a negative attitude towards the casino staff, believing that they are not worthy of tips, that they are already paid by the casino, or that they are part of a rigged system.

A stiff is considered a very undesirable and disrespectful player by the casino staff, as well as by other players. A stiff may face various consequences for not tipping, such as being ignored, snubbed, or scolded by the staff, being given poor service, advice, or perks, or being banned from the casino. A stiff may also lose the respect and trust of other players, who may view them as selfish, stingy, or ungrateful.

A stiff is usually identified by the casino staff by their behavior and appearance. For example, a stiff may avoid eye contact, smile, or conversation with the staff, may act impatient, arrogant, or demanding, or may complain or criticize the staff. A stiff may also dress poorly, carry little cash, or play low stakes.

The best way to avoid being a stiff is to follow the etiquette and norms of tipping in casinos and gambling, which may vary depending on the game, the location, the culture, and the personal preference of the staff and the player. However, some general guidelines are as follows:

• Tip the dealer 5% to 10% of your average bet per hour, or a fixed amount per session, depending on the game and the service. Tip more if you win big, or if the dealer is friendly, helpful, or entertaining. Tip less if you lose big, or if the dealer is rude, incompetent, or boring. You can tip the dealer by placing a bet for them, handing them a chip, or saying “thank you”.
• Tip the waitress $1 to $2 per drink, or more if the drink is expensive, or if the service is fast, courteous, or frequent. You can tip the waitress by placing a chip on the tray, handing them a bill, or saying “keep the change”.
• Tip the host 10% to 20% of your expected loss, or a fixed amount per visit, depending on the game and the service. Tip more if the host offers you free or discounted items or services, such as rooms, meals, tickets, or transportation. Tip less if the host offers you nothing, or if the service is poor or infrequent. You can tip the host by handing them an envelope, giving them a gift card, or saying “thank you”.
• Tip the valet $2 to $5 per car, or more if the service is quick, polite, or careful. You can tip the valet by placing a bill in their hand, or saying “thank you”.