Tipping is common in many settings, from restaurants to taxi rides, but it can feel less clear when it comes to online casinos. If you are new to live dealer games, you might wonder whether it is possible, or even allowed, to tip the dealer as you might at a land-based casino.
Playing live games online is not quite the same as visiting a physical venue, so it is natural to have questions about what is expected or permitted. The specifics can also vary by game and operator.
Below, we’ll explain how tipping works in live games, the key rules to know in the UK, and what to look for if you join a table. Read on to learn more.
How Tipping Works in Live Online Casinos
In a live online casino, you join table games such as blackjack, roulette or baccarat that are hosted by real dealers on camera. The stream runs in real time and you can usually chat to the dealer and other players.
Some platforms provide a tipping button within the game window. This lets you send a small cash tip if you choose, often with preset amounts like £1, £5 or £10. It is always optional and there is no expectation to tip.
Tipped money is either passed to the dealer or added to a staff pool, depending on the casino’s policy. Not every casino supports tipping and some games do not include the feature. If there is no button on screen and no mention in the table guide, tipping is not available for that game.
Tipping features and rules are set by each operator and its game studio. If anything looks unclear, the table guide or chat will usually explain how the feature works where it is offered.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Can You Tip Live Dealers in the UK?
Live dealer studios may be in different countries, but for players in the UK the availability of tipping simply depends on the casino and the specific game. Where it is offered, any tips are processed in pounds sterling and 
appear as a separate transaction in your account history.
You will normally see a clearly marked icon or menu option when tipping is enabled. It appears in selected games such as live blackjack or roulette and is never suggested or required by the operator. UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-licensed casinos must keep any tipping feature fair and transparent, and the rules for each game should be easy to find in the on-screen help.
Some casinos share tips among staff, while others give them directly to the on-screen dealer. The approach can vary between sites and even between games.
Why Do Players Tip Live Dealers?
For many players, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service during the session. Live dealers run the table, keep the pace smooth, respond to questions and set a friendly tone on camera. If the experience feels well handled, some players choose to recognise that with a small tip.
Others see it as part of casino culture, especially if they have visited land-based venues where tipping is familiar. The amounts tend to be modest, often between £1 and £5, and the decision is entirely personal.
It does not influence the outcome of any game or change the odds. It is simply a gesture of thanks for the service and presentation.
How to Send a Tip to a Live Dealer Online
If a live table supports tipping, the feature sits alongside the usual table controls or within the chat panel. The icon opens a small panel with preset amounts in pounds sterling, commonly in low denominations. After an amount is chosen, the tip is taken from your casino balance and recorded separately from bets or winnings.
Some casinos allow a short message to accompany the tip, such as a thank you. If no option is visible, that particular game or provider does not support tipping on that table.
Because the layout varies by casino and studio, the location of the icon can differ. The table guide or help section will show what is available on the game you are playing.
Are There Rules or Limits on Tipping?
Yes, but they are straightforward. Operators and game providers set minimums and maximums for each tip, often through preset amounts. Some also set session or daily caps. These restrictions are displayed before you send a tip, so you know exactly what is possible.
Tips are final once processed. They are handled separately from bets, cannot be withdrawn and are not tied to game outcomes. UK-licensed casinos must present the feature clearly, with transactions itemised in your account history for full transparency.
Because settings can differ between providers, it could be a good idea to have a quick look at the game rules before using the feature on a new table.
Do Dealers Keep the Full Tip or Share It?
That depends on the operator’s policy and the studio’s internal rules. In some places, the full amount goes to the dealer who was on screen when the tip was sent. In others, tips are pooled and divided among the live team over a set period. The shared approach helps even out shifts and quieter tables, and may include behind-the-scenes staff.
Details are not always listed at the table, but operators often explain their approach in help pages. If you want to know exactly how a tip is handled, a quick check with customer support could help clarify it.
Is Tipping Live Dealers Safe and Secure?
In the UK, tips are processed through the same secure payment channels as regular wagers, using your casino account balance. Operators licensed by the UKGC must meet strict standards for safety, security and data protection, and transactions, including tips, appear in your account records.
There is no need to enter extra payment details to send a tip. Encryption protects your account information and the casino is required to keep the process transparent, with clear records you can review.
As with any spend online, only tip if it fits your budget and you are comfortable with the amount. Tipping is always optional, and you can enjoy live games with or without it.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.