Today the Supreme Court ruled Gratuities (tips) are legal as long as they are offered prior to the act for which they are given.
Okay. Building inspector shows up at my site. If I offer him a gratuity after the inspection that would be a bribe. But If I do it before he steps on the property then it’s just a gratuity.
If I want help from my Representative and lay an extra five bills on him before I ask the favor that’s a gratuity. Drop a few Benjamins in his hand the day after he does what you needed and that’s a bribe.
So. RV first, Gratuity. Trip to Alaska or Fiji. first, gratuity.
Got it.
EDIT As has been pointed out I have it flipped. So is it a bribe if you get private plane rides to Alaska or Montana, a gratuity, or hospitality?