Keeping Up With "Keep the Change"

Not many people remember that the word "tip" is an acronym for "to insure promptness." Anymore, tipping has become standardized. In some places, everyone from the waiter to porters to proprietors figure gratuities as part of wages. In others, it's a different story. Here's some help in paying your own percentage.

Bartenders: $1 per round for parties of two to four.

Bellmen: $2-$5, depending on whether you will need services or advice during your stay.

Bingo and keno runners, keno writers: If playing for an extended period of time, $1 occasionally, even if not winning, is appreciated.

Change clerks: If a machine fills up your cup, give a few to the person who gave you the lucky coins.

Cocktail waitresses: $1 a round for small parties; more for larger groups.

Dealers: Tips, or "tokes" as they are called in Las Vegas, can be given directly to the dealer between hands, throws of the dice or spins of the wheel, or small "side bets" are permitted. These can range from $1 to, generally, half of your bet.

Maids: About $1 per day, usually left at the end of your stay.

Restaurant waiters: Standard 15-20 percent rule applies.

Room service waiters: Standard 15-20 percent rule applies.

Skycaps: 50 cents to $1 per bag, depending on size and weight.

Showroom servers: $5-$10 for a party of two to four at a cocktails-only show; for a dinner show, $10-$20 for the same size group, depending upon service.

Taxicab/shuttle drivers: Standard 15 percent of fare.

Valet parking attendants: $1-$2

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