Croupier

Also known as:

Casino Croupier
Dealer, Casino

Introduction

Croupiers work within a licensed casino or gaming club. They are usually trained to deal in a number of games such as roulette, blackjack and baccarat. The work also involves taking bets and paying winners.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Croupiers, or dealers as they are also known, work at tables in licensed casinos or gaming clubs. They run games like blackjack, American roulette, and variations of baccarat such as punto banco. Casinos prefer to employ croupiers who are capable of running more than one game. A small casino might have around six gaming tables; a large one might have more than 30.

In casinos, cash is exchanged for plastic chips that are then used for playing. The croupier spins the roulette wheel or deals the cards after all bets have been made. They collect chips from losing bets and pay out on those that win. All dealing, even by experienced croupiers, is carried out under supervision of an inspector to ensure that they observe the guidelines set by the Gambling Commission.

Casinos assume that players understand the rules of the game they are playing. However, if asked, the croupier will explain playing and gaming rules.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

You must be very quick at mental calculations and have a high standard of numeracy, as most players know exactly how much a winning bet is worth. This requires high levels of concentration and competence. Good communication skills are vital, including the ability to speak clearly and confidently. The ability to work well under pressure is also essential.

Croupiers must be capable of creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the table when people are playing. They also need to show tact when players lose.

Standards of dress and grooming are very important. Most casinos provide a uniform of some kind and staff are not allowed to deal on the casino floor unless they satisfy the set standards. Croupiers also need good hand skills as they deal cards and move chips around the table quickly.

You should have good eyesight in dim lighting, normal colour vision and good hearing. You must be prepared to work unsocial hours.

Croupiers are expected to show total honesty to their employer and customers alike.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for croupiers vary depending on the employer. However, earnings are comparable with other employment in the hospitality industry.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Croupiers earn in the range of £11,000 - £14,000 a year, rising to around £17,500 - £20,500 a year.

Casinos open between 2.00pm and 6.00am the next day. Shift working is normal and most staff are required to work every Saturday. Many croupiers work part-time.

About a third of all casinos in Europe are in the UK. Some 6,000 gaming staff work in 116 casinos in towns and cities throughout the country. There are also opportunities for croupiers in other countries and on cruise ships.

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Most croupiers enter before the age of 30.

• 47% of people in occupations such as croupier work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 5% work on a temporary basis

Back to Top