An incident at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino yesterday afternoon prompted me to enlist the aid of Mr. Manners to pen an essay on proper etiquette when it comes to tipping in glitzy Las Vegas (or elsewhere for that matter).
Normally, when a patron gambles on the Casino floor - at the slots or at a gaming table - cocktails, soft drinks, water, even beer - are on the house.
The "lubricating" drinks are not only geared to elevate a guest into a happy-go-lucky mood - but also - offered up with the hope that the gambler may be more inclined to part with a bit of cash in favor of the cashier's gate, too.
Just try to secure a drinkie-pooh from a tired old cocktail waitress if it appears you are not a whale about to drop a truckload of cash at the tables - or at a minimum - fritter away a fistful of bucks on the one-armed bandit scattered about the dazzling premises.
In view of the foregoing, I have a tipping structure that I follow - whenever I zip into my favorite Casino - to plug a handful of coins into the inviting 3-D slots strategically-placed about the floor of the Hotel environs.
If the waitress delivers up a lone beer - or a glass of quality white wine - I usually tip a buck (provided I haven't been forced to wait a half-an-hour-or-so to quench my thirst once I have stepped inside the establishment to take a respite from the sizzling-hot afternoon desert sun).
If I ordered an exotic cocktail, the stages get higher, and I generally toss at least two dollar bills on the tray (with a smile and a thank you very much).
But, when it comes to soft drinks or regular water, I usually pass on a tip for good reason.
For example, if I sit at the slots for a couple of hours - and consume four or five cokes - I'll end up frittering away a fiver at least.
In these tough economic times?
No way, Jose!
Especially if the handful of sodas (?) consist mostly of packed ice, water, and a dollop of syrup.
Yup!
What they offer up at Bellagio (and elsewhere on the glitzy Vegas strip) is not even real coke, folks!
Judging by the response I get from a large percentage of the waitresses on duty, my tip structure is acceptable, because it is reasonable and practical (bottom line).
In fact, more often-than-not, a server is inclined to respond to my take on tipping in a respectful manner.
"If you need anything else, just wave me down," they usually stress with sincerity in their voice.
So, you can imagine how surprised I was yesterday afternoon when an uncouth waitress proceeded to linger at my side (after she plunked the coke down) in a diabolical bold-faced effort to intimidate - and ultimately - coerce some moolah out of me.
Sheesh!
What gall.
As a rule, a well-brought-up waitress -with a modicum of good manners - usually cruises up, slips soda down, then drifts off in the event coin of the realm is not offered up.
No big deal for someone with class!
In contrast, the shocking behaviour of the hag at the Bellagio - was not only inappropriate - but underscored poor breeding and a total lack of etiquette.
Amen!
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