Gaming Loyalty Programs - Tipping/Gifting Hosts

What is the protocol for tipping or giving gifts to hosts at casinos? Is that expected, nice to do or not allowed? Does it vary by casino (I'm wondering about mlife, total rewards and borgata in particular)? In what amount or form? I've only started reserving through hosts recently (ordinarily it had been online or through the general line on the card for the particular casino). Thanks for any advice.

Casino hosts generally toe the company line and (at least publicly) refuse cash gifts, although as you might imagine it's not like any host would truly decline the generosity. I suppose it also depends on the circumstance - I did regularly give one of my old hosts at Bellagio a red envelope every Chinese New Year.

With my current host, I try to take him to a nice dinner every so often, and bring him a bottle of scotch every other trip or so (although it's more annoying to do so now with the stupid TSA rules). Certainly you should not feel obligated to give gifts and there is no real expectation, but there are many ways to get around cash gifts if you choose to do so.

What is the protocol for tipping or giving gifts to hosts at casinos? Is that expected, nice to do or not allowed? Does it vary by casino (I'm wondering about mlife, total rewards and borgata in particular)? In what amount or form? I've only started reserving through hosts recently (ordinarily it had been online or through the general line on the card for the particular casino). Thanks for any advice.


Gestures are remembered. It's an artform to Spiff properly. You have to do it in a manner that the host cannot refuse. No handshake spiffs or don't just pull out your wallet and wave a few benji's at your host.

Fedex a thank you card to your host after you leave. Have it arrive a day or two after you've gone while you're still in their memory. Five hundred or a thousand dollars cash and a simple "Thank You. I look forward to seeing you again soon."

I also heard that if you are a table player, the average bet you make is an appropriate gift/cash amount.

In the MGM Resorts system, hosts are "not supposed" to take gifts, or if a guest insists, they they are supposed to share it with VIP staff. However, if the folks in the VIP lounge are particularly helpful, it is perfectly ok to tip them.

My go-to girl seems to be happy with the nice flower arrangements I send. This month I also got 30 miles per dollar and a 200 mile bonus. Win- win.

In the MGM Resorts system, hosts are "not supposed" to take gifts, or if a guest insists, they they are supposed to share it with VIP staff. However, if the folks in the VIP lounge are particularly helpful, it is perfectly ok to tip them.

I've never heard of such a restriction nor have any of my gifts ever been denied or suggested as inappropriate. As I noted previously, I have even given cash gifts to prior hosts within the MGM system.