Massage at the poker table--Do you tip?

nabmom

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  • #1
Yesterday, at a tournament at the MGM National Harbor, I had my first ever massage at the table. After all those years watching players get massages while playing at the wsop, it was my turn. I have a frozen shoulder and the masseuse was really good.

I didn't find the position of being table-side, facing the back of the chair, so comfortable. There's that firm pillow you can use and I found that slipped around. I timed my massage for during a short break, but was still being massaged when break ended. Getting dealt cards while having a massage isn't optimal.

One question I have about this is: If you get massages during poker, do you tip? In this case, it seemed that all the cash from the massage went straight to the masseuse. I don't know if she had to pay something to the poker room to be able to work there. Anybody know?
 
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bruno13xs

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  • #2
get a good massage turante the range would be very good, but during the game I think it would hamper, I think that should be employed by the establishment, whether massage would be good yes tip
 
Debi

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  • #3
None of the money goes to the poker room that I am aware of but that would really be irrelevant. Tipping in the massage industry is standard.

Unfortunately this country has lost it's fricking mind when it comes to the service industry and tipping.

I always tip 20-25% but I find it disgraceful that we have allowed this to happen.
 
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fishfood80

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  • #4
Of course. It's a service industry. Always tip somebody providing a service
 
Misofer

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  • #5
always tip a good service and someone that is providing you a service
 
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  • #6
I would always provide, a tip for any service. That's the way it should be. Service jobs are definitely jobs that are under payed. They have families like the rest of us. No matter what I would tip.
 
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  • #7
yes dont be that guy. TIP
 
Poker_Mike

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  • #8
nabmom said:
Yesterday, at a tournament at the MGM National Harbor, I had my first ever massage at the table. After all those years watching players get massages while playing at the WSOP, it was my turn. I have a frozen shoulder and the masseuse was really good.

I didn't find the position of being table-side, facing the back of the chair, so comfortable. There's that firm pillow you can use and I found that slipped around. I timed my massage for during a short break, but was still being massaged when break ended. Getting dealt cards while having a massage isn't optimal.

One question I have about this is: If you get massages during poker, do you tip? In this case, it seemed that all the cash from the massage went straight to the masseuse. I don't know if she had to pay something to the poker room to be able to work there. Anybody know?


I love dragging in pots when I'm getting a massage.

Sometimes I tell the table, "You're not just up against me....I got backup!" And the masseuse always smiles.

I tip because if I need the service again next time I want them to be eager to come to my table! Nothing worse than a masseuse in a bad mood...lol

I certainly want them to be able to get me on their list if they are booked up!

You can ask her if she gets to keep the tips....that's not rude.

Some rooms have a spa on location and it is the spa that is actually providing the service as opposed to independent contractors.

Good luck !
 
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zinzir

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  • #9
I only tip after a massage at the asian parlor with a happy ending :)
 
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  • #10
zinzir said:
I only tip after a massage at the asian parlor with a happy ending :)
So you give the tip and then some..
 
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  • #11
If I got one I would tip yes. When I used to drive for Uber/Lyft I would take some of them home after their shifts and would talk to them about their job and the pay structure. They get paid minimum wage and get to keep tips. Only downfall is they have to sit and wait to be flagged down. Somedays it can be great money others they are working for free because they still have to pay a "Booth" rental to their company
 
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  • #12
You should definitely tip if the person is providing a service to you. I never get massages while playing poker though. I want to be as focused as possible.
 
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  • #13
nabmom said:
Yesterday, at a tournament at the MGM National Harbor, I had my first ever massage at the table. After all those years watching players get massages while playing at the WSOP, it was my turn. I have a frozen shoulder and the masseuse was really good.

I didn't find the position of being table-side, facing the back of the chair, so comfortable. There's that firm pillow you can use and I found that slipped around. I timed my massage for during a short break, but was still being massaged when break ended. Getting dealt cards while having a massage isn't optimal.

One question I have about this is: If you get massages during poker, do you tip? In this case, it seemed that all the cash from the massage went straight to the masseuse. I don't know if she had to pay something to the poker room to be able to work there. Anybody know?
Yes. As independent contractors we have to pay to work. Here at the Lodge in Texas we charge $2/per minute. We pay $1/minute to the company and we keep a $1/minute. We purchase our uniforms and supplies. Tips are always appreciated.
 
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  • #14
I've never been massaged at a poker table because I didn't sit at it:cry:
 
pirateglenn

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  • #15
I would tip absolutely but probably less if he was big and hairy ;).

It got trialled at my most frequented casino but then was stopped.

Sad times - especially if you are in a grind with a stack and have a history of back pain or other...
 
Sunz of Beaches

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  • #16
Guys the Bro asked 4 years ago. I'm sure he had many massages since then and maybe tipped something here and there

1000001037
 
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  • #17
The poker community values massage much more than the rest of the country's population, sociological surveys show. In addition, poker is a unique sport in which you can get a massage without breaking away from the competition with your opponents. Live poker tournaments are a source of pain, muscle tension and stress, and a good massage can be a panacea for all these ailments.There is an unwritten rule that masseuses are not allowed to have relationships with players, but everyone understands that it is impossible to monitor this.Masseuses often receive tips, sometimes very generous ones.
 
EvertonGirl

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  • #18
I would tip if I was to get a massage, my tip would probably turn into compensation as I would probably knock their block off for touching me, so safer to not have a massage in the first place 😛
 
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Poker_Mike

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  • #20
EvertonGirl said:
I would tip if I was to get a massage, my tip would probably turn into compensation as I would probably knock their block off for touching me, so safer to not have a massage in the first place 😛
It's not like they sneak up on you - lay their hands on you - and demand payment. ;)

Usually you have to fight to get on their list and then wait however long for them to get to you.

But I can understand if you have a natural reflex with strangers.....

karate-fighting-stance.gif
 
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nabmom

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  • #21
EvertonGirl said:
Haha! And actually I haven’t had another poker table-side massage since!
 
billibooo

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  • #22
WHAT???!!! Massages are normal at poker tables.....holy ship balls <3 I need to get to a casino <3 (and yes to tipping)
 
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LUKADONCICMVP

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  • #23
ofc tip it's good to feel like Phil Ivey for some hours.
 
Sunz of Beaches

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  • #24
Yes, it's normal to tip massage therapists at a poker table if they provide you with a service. A typical tip might range from $5 to $20, depending on the quality of the massage and your level of satisfaction.
 
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  • #25
Suns of Beaches said:
Guys the Bro asked 4 years ago. I'm sure he had many massages since then and maybe tipped something here and there

View attachment 370210
The person who opened the comments again (4yrs. later) appears to be an actual poker masseuse & has provided some good info.(unlike the large % who got that much closer to the passwords). I knew they paid a portion to the casino but wasn't sure how much - - seems they pay 1/2 to the Casino.
ScreenHunter 22265
 
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