A Day in the Life of a Casino Dealer

Perhaps one of the best, if not most reliable ways to make money from a casino is to become a croupier – otherwise known as a dealer. Whether you’re interested in what it takes to man the physical games or host live casino adventures, the unique profession involves a lot of specialised training, skill and stamina.

So, join us for a glimpse at what it’s like to live a day in the life of a casino dealer – whether you’re thinking of training to become one yourself, or are just curious about the role.

Skills you need to become a casino dealer

Naturally, you’ll need to be an outgoing person with good communication skills and the ability to keep the table calm. You’ll need decent maths skills as well as a good ability to multitask as you’ll be dealing with bets, money, wins and losses, as well as sometimes cards and your own hand. You’ll also be competing with loud music and chiming slot machines on the casino floor.

On top of this, you’ll need to be fairly physically fit, as croupiers are expected to be on their feet for the entire day or night. Shifts can be between eight and 10 hours long, so good stamina is a bonus.

How to become a casino dealer

To become a casino dealer, you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent. You’ll also be required to pass a drug test, have no criminal offences, pass an audition, and have good and flexible availability. It’s likely you’ll be required to attend a dealer school. These classes usually last for eight to 12 weeks and can cost more than £2,000 for a course.

Funding this course might be a good investment if you’re passionate about becoming a dealer, but it’s important to note that many dealers are on minimum wage, earning an average of £20,000 a year, and so rely heavily on tips, much like many others working in the hospitality industry.

Walking in a dealer’s shoes

So, if you think you have what it takes to become a dealer, how about a glimpse of what it would be like to walk in their shoes?

First of all, you’ve got to undergo the training to learn each game. According to some professional dealers, Roulette is the hardest to learn – despite being one of the easiest to play – and it can take around six weeks to qualify before you’re allowed to spin the wheel on the casino floor.

Once you’ve perfected gameplay, then, depending on your shift pattern, you’ll likely be asked to work fairly unsociable hours. Eight-hour shifts might start at 2pm and finish at 12am, or you could find yourself working 12am to 8am. Generally, you’ll work five days a week, and despite receiving breaks throughout the day, the mental and physical fitness needed to be a croupier can be huge.

When arriving at work, you’ll change into a uniform of a cocktail dress or suit, or, if you’re hosting a live dealer game, then you might be required to wear a costume that fits the theme of the game. This helps to provide a more authentic casino experience to players, both land-based and online.

You’ll generally find yourself working with the same group of people, so getting on well with your colleagues will definitely make the shift go quicker. Throughout the day, you’ll get to meet new, interesting players, mainly chatting about life and socialising whilst playing the games is one of the many highlights of the role.

So, do you think you have what it takes to become a casino dealer? Or will you stick to having your cards dealt to you?

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