Las Vegas tips on tipping

Tips on tipping: Because Vegas is a service-based city, tipping is a big, big deal. Just ask the IRS. You may not be sure how much to tip and when, so here's a quick rundown.

• Bellmen: They usually receive $1 a bag, but an extra tip is suggested if you ask them to make show reservations or if they help you with taxis, etc.
• Cigarette Girls: About $1 to $2 is sufficient, depending on how much you buy and how many times you want her to return.
• Concierge: If the concierge helps you arrange show tickets, tours, hair appointments or anything else, it is customary to leave a tip. It's up to the customer, but anywhere from $2 to $20 is graciously accepted.
• Front desk clerks: If you're looking for a room upgrade, tipping the front desk clerk can get you a better room. We leave it up to your discretion, but we've heard everything from $10 to $50.
• Valet parking attendants: We suggest $1 to $2 for valet parking attendants when you drop off and pick up. If you want them to leave the car up front, be prepared to tip higher, anywhere between $10 to $30 depending upon how busy it is.
• Taxi drivers: These folks drive like mad to get you where you're going, they help you with your bags, and provide a little chit-chat along the way. About 15 percent of your total fare should make up for their efforts.
• Dealers: Tipping a dealer is a little trickier. You can give the dealer a tip in between hands or spins, and this tip can range from $1 to as much as you want to give. You also can wait until the end of your session and tip the dealer then.
• Keno and bingo runners: $1 every few rounds is acceptable and suggested even if you aren't winning.
• Cocktail waitresses: About $1 to $2 per round is sufficient for a small group (two to three people). Increase it for larger groups. Don't fail to tip, even if your drinks are comped.
• Food servers: Unless your bill indicates that a gratuity has been included (typically this only applies to groups of six or more), tip your food server 15 to 20 percent depending on the quality of their service. Drop a buck or two at the buffet as well.
• Room service: Yeah, we know. The food is already outrageously priced. But don't hold that against the people who have to lug your breakfast back and forth from the kitchen to your hotel room. Go with the standard 15 to 20 percent of the bill, unless the bill indicates a tip has already been added.
• Change person: Don't forget to slip a few bucks to these helpful folks -- especially if you win. Don't try to palm off a $5 tip for a Megabucks win; it's insulting.
• Slot supervisors: They fix bill jams and fill the hopper, allowing you to collect your jackpot -- could it hurt to tip a buck or two?
• Pool attendants: Slip the hottie dishing out towels a dollar or two between dips in the pool.
• Maids: We'd recommend $1 to $2 a day for the maid service in your hotel room. After all, you couldn't pay us enough to clean up after you.