They are the ones who can make or break gamblers with the spin of a wheel or the flip of a card.
The good ones cannot be heard. Handling a million things at once, handling dissatisfied gamblers professionally while calculating out chips in a millisecond.
Although not for everyone, the life of a casino dealer is filled with late hours, low pay, and intoxicated gamblers.
Right? Certainly, there is a disadvantage. However, there are also flexible work hours, travel chances, and tips.
There are likely more chances than ever before to become a dealer, from land-based casinos and cruise ships to online Live Casino Dealer studios where croupiers deal out blackjack hands or spin genuine roulette wheels that may be wagered on via online casino sites.
Let’s take a deeper look at the viability of a career as a casino dealer.
How much do casino dealers make per hour?
Consider two scenarios: Britain and the United States.
Commonwealth
Within two years, an entry-level croupier’s income in London might increase from around £17,000 to £20,000. Tips, which are permitted in UK casinos, are a nice source of additional revenue, and it is not unusual for competent dealers to make an additional £400-£500 per month in tips. In London, dealers may make an additional 30% through tips.
Outside of London, starting pay at provincial casinos range between £12,000 and £15,000 per year, depending on experience. Again, tips are not included, although they will pale in comparison to their London colleagues.
It is feasible for a London croupier to become an Inspector within five years if they demonstrate talent; in this instance, the salary might reach around £28,000 plus tips. This will be around 30% less outside of London, but living expenses will also be reduced.
America, The United States
The median salary of casino dealers in the United States is around $23,000, with half of dealers earning significantly less. According to 2016 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average dealer salary in Nevada was around $17,440, while the average dealer salary in Pennsylvania was approximately $26,690.
How can I become a dealer at a casino?
To become a casino dealer, you must exert effort. Extensive training is necessary, either through a casino-run program or a school that offers courses on the various facets of casino life.
In regions where casinos are widespread, gaming programs are frequently abundant and last for six weeks on average. A dealer-in-training will study all of the essential parts of the profession, including the processes and rules for the various games. In addition, students will understand the legislation and municipal laws applicable to their specific location. Keep in mind that these vary from city to city and state to state, so you may need a refresher course at some time.
After completing your dealer training, you will audition for a position at a nearby casino. Here, not only will your technical talents be evaluated, but your personality may also play an important role in securing you a position.
Personality is a key aspect in the casino atmosphere, as many companies want extroverted individuals that are not simply polite and kind. Also, you must be able to perform simple math calculations fast.
What are the pros and cons of becoming a dealer?
Good
Excellent salary and tips
Promotion potential within the casino ranks
Free food and clothing
Four weeks of paid vacation every year
Possibilities for travel and global observation
Bad
Disturbance in sleep patterns
Beginning salary might be poor if you do not grow quickly.
Dealing the same games over might grow tedious.
Occasionally incredibly antisocial hours
What qualifications are necessary?
Anne Loughlin, who has worked as a dealer from England to Jamaica and Cannes to the Cayman Islands, asserts that there are no true requirements for becoming a dealer.
“Candidates need just basic numeracy abilities, but a positive attitude is required,” she explains. “They must also be able to operate well within a team, and prior expertise in customer service is also desirable.
“[In the United Kingdom], an NVQ in Gaming is offered, although it is by no means required; the vast majority of workers in the business have not pursued this route, as learning occurs mostly on the job.”
What Qualities Do Casinos Seek in Prospective Dealers?
As the position is customer-facing, a positive attitude and outgoing personality are required, as well as the ability to work effectively in a team and think quickly on one’s feet.
Basic Mathematics
The abilities required to add up and pay out bets are taught by formula; for instance, a trainee croupier might study ‘picture bets’, identifying what a bet pays out based on the pattern it produces on the table. However, each trainee must memorize their 8, 17, and 35 times tables.
Communication Expertise
Croupiers are similar to entertainers in that they must keep gamblers interested and engaged while handling all the activity with ease. Since the majority of players will lose, it is crucial for the croupier to make the experience enjoyable for the punter.
Diplomacy Skills
Bad losers may blame “bad” dealers for a lost bet, and it is easy to be thrown off attention. Experienced gamblers will hunt for weak dealers who are easily confused and lose focus. Therefore, a calm attitude to resolutions is essential, just as it is when dealing with a true error.
Trustworthiness
A quality highly valued by casino companies. criminal records must be spotless, with no past convictions. financial histories may also be investigated.
Have You Heard?
Prior to 2007, dealers in the United Kingdom were not permitted to receive gratuities, although waitresses were.
Dealers were formerly prohibited from visiting other casinos, however this restriction has been eliminated as a result of new legislation.
Due to the irregular work schedules, the majority of croupiers wind up in relationships with other casino employees.
Croupiers often only need to know how to play one game to obtain their first position, after which they can learn on the job.
Croupiers on cruise ships might earn greater compensation since their income is sometimes exempt from taxation.
Where is the best place to be a dealer?
Depending on the individual and desired lifestyle, it is possible to earn high pay and gratuities in London and Las Vegas, but you must have the proper documentation to work abroad.
There are now casinos in exotic locations across the world, both on land and aboard cruise ships, although salaries vary widely.
Dealers may also work for private parties or specialized firms that provide dealers for weddings and business events.
Casino Schools or Training on the Job?
I do not believe that many colleges are “scams,” but it is certain that some are superior to others.
Check out institutions like Nevada’s Casino Gaming School (http://www.learntodeal.com/category/courses-pricing) for ‘entry level’ croupier training in the United Kingdom.
A standard 80-hour training session for prospective roulette or blackjack dealers might cost between $300 and $400.
Check the experience qualifications of the training school, as well as the ratio of students to trainers. if there are more than seven pupils per instructor, the teaching environment is not appropriate.
Some casinos provide in-house training programs, which are often of a very high grade but may be difficult to enter.
The students will learn every aspect of the games, including chip handling and counting.
“British training institutes have a decent reputation overall, but aspiring croupiers should chat with former students or get references from current croupiers.”
What are the typical working hours of a dealer?
Nearly all casinos are now open 24 hours a day, and definitely all of those in London and the surrounding region, requiring dealers to work night shifts, weekend shifts, and Bank Holidays.
For individuals residing in the United States, the situation is similar, since the majority of casinos remain open continually. However, there are a few casinos that close for a few hours at a time.
Croupiers may be granted scheduled days off, or casinos may operate a “rolling rota” so that all employees have periodic weekends off.