The Las Vegas $20 Trick Explained

Wondering What is the $20 trick in Vegas? Learn how it works, what you might get, and when it is worth trying for potential hotel upgrades and perks

What Savvy Vegas Visitors Need to Know Before Checking In

The $20 trick in Vegas is one of those tips that spreads fast among first-time visitors. Someone mentions that if you quietly slip a $20 bill to the front desk agent at check-in, you might magically land a better room, a Strip view, or even a suite. It sounds simple, a small bill for a big upgrade, and it can be tempting when you are hoping to stretch your budget and still feel like a VIP.

So what is the $20 trick in Vegas? In basic terms, it is an unofficial tactic where guests offer a cash tip at check-in while politely asking about complimentary upgrades, hoping the agent will unlock a better room than the one they booked. It is not an official program; it is not guaranteed, and it sits squarely in a gray area between tipping and something that can feel like a quiet bribe.

In this guide, we will walk through how the $20 trick is supposed to work, whether it still works in modern Vegas, what the real risks are, and better ways to get upgrades without awkwardness. At LAS Discounts, we focus on clear, legitimate ways to save money on Las Vegas hotels, shows, attractions, and more, so you get more value from your trip without relying on iffy tricks that may or may not pay off.

What Is the $20 Trick in Vegas and How It Works

At its core, the $20 trick is a check-in ritual. The classic version looks something like this:

• When you reach the front desk, you hand your ID and credit card to the agent with a folded $20 bill tucked in between.  

• As you pass it over, you smile and say something like, “Are there any complimentary upgrades available today?”  

• If the agent feels comfortable and has flexibility, they may look at inventory and move you into a better room, then quietly accept the tip.

People try this for possible perks such as higher floors, Strip views, corner rooms, larger layouts, or sometimes early check-in that would usually cost extra. The hope is that a modest tip might unlock something extra without paying the full, published upgrade fee.

There are also variations. Some guests try a $50 or even $100 bill if they are aiming for a big jump in room category. Others time it for slower midweek stays, when hotels tend to have more empty rooms. Some focus on mid-range or older properties where they think staff might have more leeway, rather than highly structured luxury brands.

The catch is that the online stories you see often highlight the wins and skip the times nothing happened. That can create the sense that the $20 trick is a secret code with guaranteed success. In reality, it depends on the hotel’s policies, the current occupancy, the exact room you booked, and the comfort level of the person checking you in.

Does the $20 Trick Still Work in Modern Vegas Hotels?

Vegas has changed a lot from the days when individual employees had wider personal discretion. Most resorts are now owned by large companies that use strict policies and revenue-management systems to control upgrades, comps, and discounts. Room assignments are heavily tracked, and complimentary upgrades are often tied to loyalty programs or specific offers.

Because of that, the $20 trick tends to have a lower success rate than people expect. Many front desk agents receive detailed training about what they can and cannot do, and complimentary upgrades may need supervisor approval or a note in the system. Electronic tools can lock certain room categories so they cannot be assigned without charging the appropriate fee.

That said, there are still situations where a friendly request might work in your favor, with or without a tip. You are more likely to have options when:

• You check in on slower dates, like midweek or non-holiday periods.  

• You already booked a decent room type, not the absolute lowest tier.  

• The hotel has plenty of open inventory in the next category up.

Even then, it is important to set realistic expectations. If something does open up, it might be a slightly better view or a higher floor rather than a huge suite. And if the hotel is packed or heavily restricted, the agent may simply say no. If you have already slid over the cash in a way that feels like a commitment, there is also the awkward problem that they may feel pressured to keep it as a standard tip, even if nothing extra happens.

Risks, Etiquette, and What You Could Be Doing Wrong

Tipping in Vegas is normal and appreciated, but the $20 trick shifts that tip into murkier territory. You are not just saying thank you for good service; you are pre-paying for something that might conflict with company rules. That can put both you and the staff member in an uncomfortable spot.

There are three main risks you should think about before trying it:

• Policy and comfort: Some hotels consider off-the-books upgrades a violation of standards, and agents might be monitored.  

• Social awkwardness: Having your discreet offer declined while other guests stand behind you can feel embarrassing.  

• Financial loss: You might part with $20, $50, or more and walk away with the exact room you booked and no refund.

If you still decide you want to try something in this direction, etiquette matters. Start with a friendly attitude and a clear question. It is usually better to ask, “Are there any complimentary upgrades available today?” before showing any cash at all. That gives the agent room to check the system honestly.

If they respond that there is nothing they can do, you can still give a normal tip at the end if their service was helpful, but it should not feel like pressure or negotiation. A few good guidelines:

• Stay polite, calm, and discreet.  

• Do not argue, guilt-trip, or hint that you expected special treatment.  

• Accept a no as a final answer and remember that staff often have limited power.

Respecting the person behind the desk is important. They are working under rules you cannot see, and they are not responsible for how full the hotel is or what the system allows.

Smarter, Safer Ways to Get Vegas Upgrades and Deals

If your goal is value, there are much more reliable ways to upgrade your Vegas stay than slipping cash at the counter. A little planning can stretch your budget further than a single bill ever will.

Start with smart booking habits:

• Choose flexible rates when possible, then recheck prices as your trip gets closer and rebook if they drop.  

• Aim for midweek or non-peak dates, when hotels often have more inventory and softer pricing.  

• Consider booking an entry-level room at a nicer resort rather than a top-tier room at an older property.

Next, lean on legitimate discount channels. Many hotels offer lower member-only rates once you join their loyalty programs, and those memberships are usually free. Package deals that bundle hotel and airfare can sometimes reduce your overall cost, leaving more room in your budget for a paid upgrade on arrival if it feels worth it. If you like to gamble, even casually, casino loyalty cards and email offers can open up discounted or comped rooms over time.

At check-in, a simple honest question often goes further than a folded bill. You might say, “Are there any complimentary or reasonably priced upgrades available today?” Then be specific about what matters:

• A Strip or fountain view  

• A quieter room away from elevators  

• Nonsmoking or a particular tower or building  

• A junior suite or larger layout if it is not too expensive

Being upfront that you are willing to pay a fair, disclosed fee makes the interaction clean and policy-friendly. You avoid guessing, the agent avoids breaking rules, and everyone knows what is being agreed to.

For overall trip savings, this is where resources like LAS Discounts come in. With curated deals on hotels, shows, attractions, dining, and airfare, it is often possible to save much more than $20 across your whole stay. Stacking promo codes, resort-credit offers, and discounts on activities can easily beat the value of a single upgrade, and you never have to worry about awkward front desk moments.

How to Stretch Every Dollar in Vegas Without Awkward Tricks

So, what is the $20 trick in Vegas? It is an unofficial practice where guests offer a cash tip at check-in while asking for a complimentary upgrade, hoping to score a better room for a small bill. While it still occasionally works, it is far from a dependable strategy in today’s corporate-driven Vegas, and it can lead to uncomfortable or disappointing encounters.

The better approach is to treat your Vegas trip like a puzzle you can solve before you arrive. Smart booking, flexible dates, loyalty sign-ups, honest conversations at the desk, and well-chosen discounts all add up. When you plan ahead and use reliable savings tools, you can enjoy nice rooms, great shows, and memorable experiences without gambling your comfort or your budget on a folded $20.

Unlock Bigger Vegas Savings On Your Next Trip

Ready to put these tips into action and stretch your travel budget even further? At LAS Discounts website, we share insider strategies like What is the $20 trick in Vegas? so you can upgrade your stay without overspending. Explore our Vegas hacks to find practical, easy-to-use tactics for hotels, dining, and entertainment. Start planning smarter today and keep more cash for the experiences that matter most.