Dealer Job: Expectation vs. Reality

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If you love gambling and have been to a land-based casino at least once, you may have thought about becoming a dealer. Playing the same game but from the opposite side, while communicating with other players, sounds like a dream job, right?

A dealer is a straightforward job, and you will be the heart and the soul of the casino.

Being a dealer at a casino can be a gratifying job, but drawbacks are also inevitable. Let’s take a look at the reality of being a dealer.

Job

Before diving into the excitement the job may offer you, you must understand who the dealer is. The role of a dealer, also known as a croupier, is to be responsible for the whole game: from handing out the cards and monitoring the play to paying out the winnings. The croupier’s duties are not as simple as selling ice cream. It is important to ensure the game is smooth and fair and that players don’t cheat. The dealer takes care of different games, such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette.

Money and Carrier

The first question that may pop into your head when you think about a job is, “How much will I get paid?”

You probably shouldn’t expect hundreds of thousands of dollars running to your wallet as soon as you become a dealer. When you first start, your salary may be approximately $10 per hour, although some casinos pay up to $25. The average dealer’s salary per year is roughly $15,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But we all know where the real money comes from — tips. Usually, the dealer gets tipped $5 per hour from each player at a table. If it’s a big win, the gambler can tip the dealer at a rate of 1-5%, depending on his generosity. Including tips, a dealer earns an average of $30,000 to $70,000 – or even $100,000 – a year.

Sure, it all depends on different days, hours and casino games, but the dealer’s position will always bring, in addition to your standard salary, tips. Although, if you are an introvert, dealing definitely isn’t a job for you. Remember that social skills and your charming smile are necessary for friendly communication with the players.

Flexible Working Hours

Are you a night owl? Working from 9 to 5 is not for you? Well, that’s lucky, since casinos require dealers at any time, and most of them are open 24/7. The good news is that this job may offer you flexible work shifts, full time or part-time shifts.

The bad news is that constant night shifts may affect your sleep pattern and cause significant health problems.

Skills Required

What do you see when looking at the dealer? A friendly and polite smile — everything to make you feel comfortable while playing. They have to be focused on the game and not get distracted by the world outside the game, just like the guards at Buckingham Palace.

Although dealers don’t require a college education, they need to be good at basic math skills – addition, subtraction and multiplication – to calculate the payouts.

Last, but not least, a good dealer has to be a multitasker. Of course, this job doesn’t require much physical work, but the dealer should always stay focused and remain friendly, no matter what.

But is it easy to keep smiling all day and socialize – no matter who is playing at a table? Let’s take a look at the reality of being a dealer.

Drawbacks

Casino dealing seems like a fun job. However, once in a while, you will face unpleasant situations. Like most jobs, you’d say!

While the majority of players are kind and friendly, others may blame you for their failures, bad luck or whatever. Female dealers are sometimes subjected to sexual advances from players. Even though it is considered harassment, the casino can take the side of the player in such circumstances.

The dealer’s job is to remain impartial and, at the same time, personable and friendly. You need to handle stressful situations in a professional manner.

To Deal, or Not to Deal, That Is the Question

Some might say it’s a dream job, while others might say it’s a complete nightmare. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

Each job has its pros and cons, so do not expect that you will be chilling in a chair the whole day while distributing the cards. A dealer is much more than that. However, if taking into consideration the career opportunities and the money you make, the job may be a good pick for you. And if you are a devoted gambler and know every mystery of the craft, try yourself in this position! As they say, choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Top Three Questions About the Casino Dealer Job

• What are the dealer’s responsibilities?

• Ensures a smooth and secure gaming process
• Understands and follows the rules of the game and reminds players to do the same
• Creates a pleasant and friendly atmosphere
• Accepts bets and pays out winnings

• How do I become a casino dealer?

You can become a casino dealer by merely finishing high school and completing a 4-8 week training. If you are passionate about games, and you have basic math skills, you can try your luck and apply for this job. There are lots of dealer schools where you can get accreditation, which may help you in your further employment.

• Can a dealer play games when they are not on shift?

Yes, but not at the casinos where they work as it makes the casino too vulnerable. The policy depends on the casino, but some non-dealer, casino employees are allowed to play games in their casino.