Casino Dealer: The Face of the Game

You’ve seen them in movies, you’ve played with them in casinos, but do you really know who they are? 

Who is a Dealer?

Dealers, or croupiers, as they are sometimes called (especially if they work at the roulette table), are the people who run the game and handle the bets at the table.

Each game has its own dealer, who knows the ins and outs of blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, or whatever else they play. They have to master the rules, the moves, and the manners of each game, as well as chat with customers and handle money.

What Does a Dealer Do?

A dealer’s job is not as easy as it seems. They have to perform multiple tasks at once, like:

• Sorting chips, shuffling cards, spinning wheels, rolling dice, you name it.
• Running the game, calling bets, announcing results, and declaring winners.
• Talking to customers, answering questions, creating a friendly atmosphere.
• Taking bets and paying winnings, keeping track of the money, and avoiding errors or arguments.
• Reporting any shady or illegal stuff, and working with the security team.

How to Become a Dealer?

If you want to become a dealer, you need to have some basic skills:

• Clear speech, good communication, and nice manners.
• Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and quick thinking.
• Good hand-eye coordination, sharp memory, and mental math.
• Stress tolerance and patience.

You also need to get some training, which can be free or paid, depending on the casino.

Note: As of 2023, a casino dealer in Vegas makes $17.98 an hour on average, and around €13-14 in Europe. That’s not bad, considering they also get tips. Of course, the pay rate can change depending on how good, where, and for whom they work.

The Dealer’s Dilemma

Can a dealer cheat the casino and make money through dishonest play? The short answer is no. The long answer is that it is very risky and difficult to cheat the casino as a dealer, because:

• Big Brother is watching: Dealers are watched by cameras and security staff all the time, who check every inch of the casino floor for any signs of cheating.
• No pockets, no problem: They have to wear uniforms with fake pockets, so they can’t hide any chips.
• Rules are rules: They follow strict procedures and protocols, which leave little room for deception.
• Eyes everywhere: They have to deal with other dealers and pit managers, who can spot any irregularities.

If a dealer is caught cheating, they can face serious trouble, like losing their job, paying a fine, or even going to jail.

Fake pockets are the new fashion trend for casino dealers. They keep them honest, but also stylish, don’t you think?

Casino dealers’ uniform

Did you now? December 26th is International Croupier Day.

Pros and Cons of Being a Dealer