Croupier

Description

A croupier works in a casino and is appointed at the gambling table for a number of duties. The work of a croupier is monitored by a gaming inspector who usually supervises two tables where the game is going on in a casino. Croupiers can work either in land-based casinos or on cruise ship casinos.

Education requirements

A high school diploma is sufficient to pursue this profession. A croupier gains most of his experience and training on the job. Being part of gaming societies in school and college is very helpful later on. Fluent English is appreciated and if one knows any other foreign languages, the chances of getting hired increase as people from many different backgrounds and languages visit casinos.

Working hours

A croupier usually works regular hours around eight to nine hours every day of the week. Sometimes, when the casinos are filled with customers such as during the vacation season or cultural holidays, they may have to work overtime or on weekends as well.

Common Duties/Routines

A croupier makes sure that all chips are arranged before the start of a gambling session and that they have the dice and cards ready. They greet and welcome the players to the table and also any new ones which join in later. At the beginning of the game, the inform all the rules to the players sitting at the table and answer any questions they may have so they understand how the game is played and what counts as cheating and then start the game by throwing dice, spinning the roulette wheel, dealing with cards or whatever game they are providing assistance in. Apart from the rules that the state has provided, most casinos also have their own set of rules and the croupier has to make sure the players abide by these as well. They keep an eye on all the players during the game to make sure no one is cheating or playing unfair and that all the rules are being followed. They ensure that all bets are made before the game starts. Also, they stop the game if they notice someone having a serious addiction to the game being played and is not stopping even after multiple losses and are sometimes taught by some casinos to how to provide guidance and assistance to them. They can command to stop the game at any time if they notice any suspicious activity or detect any unfair gaming by the players. They are also expected to deal with any complaints of the players regarding the casino or any other player and solve them if they can or report to their gaming inspector.

A croupier also collects paper money in exchange for chips and gathers the chips from the losing bets and pays to the winning ones. For that they have to count the payouts that are to be given to winners and they have to be quick about it without the use of a calculator or phone. They should also know the most allowed and least allowed bets and the rules of side bets. They also deal cards and compare it with the players’ card to ascertain the winner. They should know how many cards should be given to each player and make sure that the cards and other equipment are in good condition before the game. They also announce who is winning and what numbers are required to win and the winning colors.

Croupiers should be punctual and arrive before the casinos open to make arrangements and check on everything. Some casinos require croupiers to wear uniforms or suits and they should be ready before the casinos open and the games start.

Croupiers are also sometimes expected to train their juniors and other lower rank croupiers and provide them with guidance and share their experience and skills with them.

Required/Trained Skills

• Good mathematical skills to calculate winnings without the use of a calculator.
• Sharp to detect any player cheating or anything suspicious.
• Ability to work quick and in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal with all kinds of players and customers.
• Approachable and friendly to attract more customers to the casino.

Salary/Compensation

A croupier can be expected to earn an average of $20,000, annually. Salaries, however wary according to the years of experience, whether the casino is small or a very large one and on the skills of a croupier such as how many games he knows.