What Does a Casino Dealer Do?
Find out what a casino dealer does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as a casino dealer.
Casino dealers are the people who make sure that everything runs smoothly at a casino. They ensure that gamblers have an enjoyable experience by providing them with friendly service, keeping tables clean and organized, and making sure that games are being played fairly.
Casino dealers must be able to multitask effectively while maintaining a positive attitude at all times. They often deal with large crowds of people who are all trying to place bets or play games at the same time. This requires strong communication skills as well as the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Casino Dealer Job Duties
Casino dealers have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Cashing out winning bets, paying off losing bets, and issuing payouts to customers
- Supervising and providing support to other casino staff members
- Playing a major role in keeping the gambling environment safe by reporting suspicious activity or individuals to security personnel
- Explaining the rules of games to new players and answering questions about game strategy
- Communicating with other casino staff members about changes to casino policies or procedures
- Coordinating with other staff members to ensure that customers are having a positive experience
- Making sure that all rules are being followed by players at all times
- Setting up new tables or breaking down existing ones as needed to maintain an active gaming area
- Collecting chips from players who have finished playing and returning them to the cashier’s cage
Casino Dealer Salary & Outlook
Casino dealers are typically paid hourly wages, which can vary depending on their level of experience, the type of casino they work in, and the city or state in which they live.
- Median Annual Salary: $49,500 ($23.8/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $79,500 ($38.22/hour)
The employment of casino dealers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.
Growth will occur because casinos are expected to continue to open in states that currently do not have them. In addition, an increase in gambling across the country may lead to more casinos and greater demand for casino workers.
Related: 17 Casino Dealer Interview Questions and Answers
Casino Dealer Job Requirements
In order to become a casino dealer, one typically needs to possess the following:
Education: Casino dealers are typically required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some dealers may choose to pursue a post-secondary education in casino management or a related field.
Training & Experience: Casino dealers receive on-the-job training to learn the specific procedures and policies of the casino. Training may include learning the casino’s specific rules and regulations, how to use the casino’s computer systems and how to use the casino’s surveillance equipment. Training may also include learning how to use the casino’s equipment, such as the card shuffler and the chip sorter.
Casino dealers may also receive training in basic dealer techniques, such as shuffling cards and dealing cards.
Certifications & Licenses: Depending on the location, casinos dealers may need to obtain a gaming dealer license. These licenses allow dealers to work gaming tables in the casino.
Casino Dealer Skills
Casino dealers need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication: Communication is another important skill for casino dealers. They use this skill to interact with customers, supervisors and other casino staff. They also use it to explain rules and regulations to customers and to answer questions about the casino’s games.
Gaming Knowledge: Casino dealers must be familiar with all of the games that they are dealing, as well as the rules and procedures for each game.
Memory: Memory is an important skill for casino dealers because they often have to remember large amounts of information. For example, they might have to remember the names of all the players at a table, the amount of chips each player has and the order in which they placed their bets. This is important so they can accurately record the transactions and pay the right players.
Patience: Patience is a necessary skill for casino dealers because they often work with large crowds of people. Dealers must be able to handle stressful situations calmly and help customers feel comfortable. This can help the dealer maintain a positive attitude and keep the casino environment friendly.
Teamwork: Working with other casino employees can help you develop teamwork skills. As a casino dealer, you may work with other dealers, security personnel and other casino employees to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for casino patrons.
Casino Dealer Work Environment
Casino dealers work in the gaming areas of casinos and other gambling establishments. They stand or sit behind gaming tables and operate games of chance by dealing the cards or operating the roulette wheel. Although most casino dealers work in well-lit and ventilated areas, some may work in smoky environments. They also may be exposed to secondhand smoke. Casino dealers usually work shifts that include evenings, weekends, and holidays. They may work more than 40 hours per week.
Casino Dealer Trends
Here are three trends influencing how casino dealers work. Casino dealers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Growth of Online Casinos
The growth of online casinos has been a major trend in the gambling industry over the past few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This is because online casinos offer players a number of advantages that traditional casinos cannot match, such as 24/7 access and greater variety of games.
As more and more people play casino games online, dealers will need to learn how to deal with different types of software and navigate complex payment systems. They will also need to be familiar with the latest trends in online gaming, such as social gaming and mobile gaming.
Casino Operators Will Focus on Customer Experience
Casino operators are increasingly focusing on customer experience as a way to differentiate themselves from their competitors. This means that dealers who can provide excellent service will be in high demand.
Dealers who are able to create a positive atmosphere for guests will be especially successful, as they will be seen as an important part of the overall experience. In addition, dealers who are able to communicate effectively with guests will be able to answer questions and resolve issues quickly.
More Attention to Security
Casinos are becoming increasingly focused on security as they try to protect their patrons and their assets. This is leading to a growing demand for casino dealers who have expertise in security measures.
As casinos become more concerned about security, they will look for dealers who can help them implement new measures and ensure that current ones are working properly. Dealers who are able to do this will be in high demand and will be able to find employment in many different areas.
How to Become a Casino Dealer
A career as a casino dealer can be both rewarding and lucrative. It’s important to start off on the right foot by getting certified, which will allow you to work in any state that has legalized gambling. You should also make sure that you are familiar with the rules of each game you plan to deal.
Once you have your certification and are familiar with the games, it’s time to find a job. There are many online forums where you can post your resume and find jobs in your area. You can also try contacting local casinos directly to see if they have any openings.
As long as you are willing to put in the effort, there is no limit to how far you can go in this career. You could become a supervisor or even manage your own casino someday.
Advancement Prospects
Casino dealers can find advancement opportunities by working for larger casinos or casino chains. They may also advance by becoming a supervisor or pit boss. Some casino dealers open their own businesses teaching others how to deal casino games.
Casino Dealer Job Description Example
[CompanyX] is looking for qualified casino dealers to join our team and provide our guests with an exceptional gaming experience. As a dealer, you will be responsible for running assigned table games, such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. You will also be responsible for exchanging chips for cash, providing change, and paying out winnings. The ideal candidate will have prior experience dealing casino games, as well as excellent customer service skills. He or she must be able to remain calm and professional under pressure and have the ability to think quickly on their feet.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor with guests at all times
- Adhere to all company policies and procedures
- Arrive to work on time and in proper uniform
- Maintain knowledge of current casino promotions and events
- Be familiar with all games offered in the casino
- Deal assigned game efficiently and accurately according to established procedures
- Pay winnings and collect losses as prescribed by law and company policy
- Handle chips, cash, and other forms of payment in a secure manner
- Balance an accurate bank at the end of each shift
- Complete paperwork and reports as required
- Notify Floor Person or Pit Boss of any irregularities that occur during your shift
- Assist fellow dealers and supervisors as needed
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 6 months to 1 year of experience in customer service
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Excellent communication, math, and people skills
- Able to pass a background check
- Pleasant and professional demeanor
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Some college coursework preferred
- 1-2 years of experience in customer service
- Previous experience working in a casino or other gaming establishment
- Familiarity with casino games
- Certification from a Casino Dealer School