Tipping is a tricky issue, especially when you play in tournaments. If there is a staff/dealer’s fee or gratuity built in, you are off the hook. If you make the final table and finish in the money, a tip is a nice thank you gesture. Dealers work hard; let them know they are appreciated. Big money professional players have different dynamics affecting their ROI: they may have sold a piece of their action, tournament entry fees are much bigger, and they are generally in the money less often. Adding tips reduces their return on investment.
By Howard Hian