What It’s Really Like to Work at a Casino

If you’re like me, you’ve most likely been sitting at a table and questioned what it’s like to work at a casino.

While television shows and movies often glamorize casinos and depict dealers and employees as smooth talkers who rarely crack under pressure, that stereotype doesn’t tell the entire story.

If you’ve been gambling long enough, there’s no doubt you’ve sat next to a belligerent gambler who blames his misfortune on the dealer or someone who wins big and decides to stiff the dealer on a tip.

Additionally, not all casino jobs involve dealing cards.

Here are 7 things pop culture doesn’t tell you about working in the casino industry:

Gamblers Are a Mixed Bag

In the casino industry, like any other industry, a customer base consists of a variety of people from all walks of life.

Some folks are kind and measured, while others can be hard to deal with and aggressive.

Adding to the uncertainty and inconsistency of a casino’s customer base is the fact that serious amounts of money are on the line on almost any given hand. While some people understand the ebbs and flows that come with gambling, others are not so understanding.

In my experience interviewing blackjack dealers, I’ve heard some serious horror stories, and I’ve witnessed some as well.

A common occurrence at the casino I frequent most is people who cash their paychecks looking to turn rent money into something more.

But when you gamble with money you need to pay bills, things can go awry quickly.

Gamblers who fall into this category can easily blame their losses on the casino or allege that the dealers are setting them up to fail.

But some can’t resist the urge.

Belligerent Gamblers Are Everywhere

I’ve been to a dozen casinos in my life and played at tables that have deteriorated into pandemonium a handful of times. One dealer at my favorite casino told me a story about a certain gentleman who doubles his bankroll and starts stacking bets.

If you’re considering trying your hand at dealing cards, be wary of these types of gamblers. Things can get tense at tables, and emotions swing at the drop of a hat.

Add in the potential of alcohol influencing the decision-making processes of gamblers, and you could have a full-fledged breakdown on the casino floor.

Luckily for potential dealers, casinos are full of security to make sure you aren’t hung out to dry and deal with these situations by yourself.

In my experience, these types of gamblers are often berated by the other gamblers at their tables. No one wants to be at a table with bad energy.

Dealing at a Casino Requires Skill

It’s one thing to be the go-to dealer during a weekly poker night at your buddies’ place.

It’s another thing entirely to be a competent dealer during a high stakes game of poker where stranger’s money is on the line.

• Games are fast-moving, forcing dealers to be quick on their feet.
• The margin for error is slim.

Casinos require dealers to possess a gaming license and attend an accredited dealing school. These schools teach potential dealers the rules of several varieties of poker as well as other table games and how to run a table while maintaining professionalism and amiability adequately.

This might sound somewhat menial and unnecessary to you, especially if you’ve grown up dealing cards with friends and family.

But these schools will break you of bad habits you’ve most likely formed and teach you different games you haven’t played in the past. Certification from an accredited institution goes a long way to demonstrate your dedication to learning the craft if you have limited job experience.

Working Your Way Up

If you think you’re going to waltz into your new job and head straight to the high roller tables, think again.

Casinos want their top talent to deal with gamblers who can potentially supply the most profit.

One of the best parts of working at a casino is the flexibility in the schedule.

But this could also be a double-edged sword.

To start, you will most likely get stuck with some of the less desirable shifts dealing table games besides poker. I know you have your heart set on being a live blackjack dealer at a packed high stakes table on a Saturday night, but you have to start somewhere.

This climb up the ladder probably seems tedious, but it will teach you valuable skills that you can use to reach your goal of dealing at the most sought-after tables.

Living off Tips

Dealing cards is a great way to make money.

But most of that money isn’t coming from your base salary.

Most dealers start out making anywhere from $7 to $10 per hour. That may seem low given the job requirements, but keep in mind that most of your money will come from the tips gamblers leave you.

If you’re like me, you’ve gone on a heater or two. As you count your stack of chips, it’s always good to keep the positive energy flowing, so you slide a chip or two across the table to thank the dealer for dealing you some good cards.

You’ve had your fair share of dealers who are incredibly helpful and kind, so you make sure to leave a good tip after a big win. On the flip side, you’ve probably had some dealers who seem disinterested and unprofessional. It’s still good practice to tip regardless of the quality of the dealer, but the amount may be lower.

As a dealer, it’s important to remember this thought process when you’re working the table. Gamblers want to win money. When they’re winning, most want to return the favor and share the winnings.

If you’ve been good to your table, they’ll be good to you in return.

Gamble Away From Home

This should go without saying, but in my conversations with dealers, you’d be surprised how many were shocked to hear you’re typically not permitted to gamble at the casino you work for.

This practice varies from casino to casino. Some won’t allow table dealers to gamble at the tables but permit them to play slots and vice versa.

It’s a good practice not to gamble with your employer. Think about it this way, if you worked at a restaurant, would you want to get off your shift, go sit down at a table, and order food that you’ve been serving all day?

Probably not.

The same applies to casinos. However, in this case, most don’t allow employees to gamble on company property.

Dealing is Taxing, but Doable

Dealers spend most of their shift on their feet, counting cards, and managing the cards and emotions of the gamblers they serve.

While you’re on the floor, you need to be on your A-game, because like I said earlier, mistakes must be limited.

You’re already going to be dealing with gamblers who flocked to the casino to win money only to be returning home empty-handed.

Emotions are high, so you need to do anything in your power to maintain control.

Luckily, shift changes are frequent and provide an opportunity to rest your legs and your mind. Those breaks are designed to let you recharge and prepare to get back out to the tables at your best, both mentally and physically.

If you don’t think you can handle the constant mental duress or the physical strain of standing and stretching across a table for the majority of your shift, you should reconsider your interest in the field.

Conclusion

Dealing cards is a great way to earn money, either as a full-time job or as a side hustle for extra cash in your pocket. You will encounter a few bad apples dealing, but the goods outweigh the bads. Most gamblers are good people who love to win money while understanding losing is just a part of the game.

If you love gambling as much as I do, it’s the perfect environment to work in, and you’ll be able to gain valuable knowledge of a variety of different games. Who knows, maybe that hobby of dealing cards on poker night can turn into your dream job.