Suppose Tipping Poker Dealers Was Illegal

David Sklansky · #1 07-20-2007, 01:38 AM

This is actually a technical question that under other circumstances should be posted on a different forum. But it is topical here.

Obviously if tipping poker dealers was absolutely not allowed, and the ban was stictly enforced, the casinos would have to pay a larger salary and charge a larger rake. Let's go under the assumption that this larger rake was exactly equal to the pay raise the dealers got, in order to make up for no tips.

We can also presume that some casinos would up the rake by smaller amounts and get less competant dealers while some would charge more and get better dealers. (The very best dealers might look for different work, at least those who have the skills to succeed elsewhere.) If, after a time, it looked liked the customers wanted better, (or worse) dealers, hiring practices and rakes would be adjusted.

Here is my question: Under this scheme, would reasonably good dealers who chose to remain dealers make as much or more than they do now? If not how would things change for them?

Clarkmeister · #2 07-20-2007, 01:41 AM

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would reasonably good dealers who chose to remain dealers make as much or more than they do now?

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It would be about a $12-14/hr job with benefits is my guess.

Rottersod · #3 07-20-2007, 01:43 AM

Post it in Poker Theory please.

RR · #4 07-20-2007, 01:43 AM

I think the very best dealers would do better and the majority of dealers would make less.

David Sklansky · #5 07-20-2007, 01:52 AM

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I think the very best dealers would do better and the majority of dealers would make less.

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If you understood my post, you answer is equivalent to saying that you think a few cardrooms could get away with a bigger rake increase because it would allow them to hire the best dealers. Is that what you meant?

afish · #6 07-20-2007, 01:52 AM

Given that dealer quality improved dramatically when tip pooling was eliminated in AC, I think dealer quality would go down if tipping were eliminated (at least in cash games). This would be the case whether or not they made more or less. There would simply be less incentive to deal quickly.

Tournaments might be different.

W brad · #7 07-20-2007, 01:54 AM

Tip pooling makes the game quality suck. Keep the tipping system as long as the dealers get to keep their individual tips. The best dealers should and do make more than the average ones do.

RR · #8 07-20-2007, 01:56 AM

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think the very best dealers would do better and the majority of dealers would make less.

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If you understood my post, you answer is equivalent to saying that you think a few cardrooms could get away with a bigger rake increase because it would allow them to hire the best dealers. Is that what you meant?

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I think the few games that demand the very best dealers would go out and get them. I think right now the dealing market is not efficient in that a room will have low limit players that "overtip" dealers allowing the high limit players to free ride. Currently the people that demand the very best dealers pay the least and those that will settle for the worst dealers pay the most.

shaniac · #9 07-20-2007, 02:04 AM

I don't have an answer, but I know that in Australia, dealers and casino staff aren't allowed to accept tips, and they were mostly competent at the Aussie Millions.

gobboboy · #10 07-20-2007, 02:07 AM

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I don't have an answer, but I know that in Australia, dealers and casino staff aren't allowed to accept tips, and they were mostly competent at the Aussie Millions.

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Agreed.