by Rocco DeLorenzo
In the high-energy world of casino dealing, a dealer’s paycheck isn’t just determined by how well they shuffle cards or push checks. It’s dictated by the players sitting across from them at their table. Unlike many service industries where tips are a bonus, for dealers, they’re the lifeblood of their income. In fact, tips can make up 50% to 80% – sometimes even more – of a dealer’s total earnings. Yet some dealers make a critical mistake: ignoring, frustrating, or alienating the people responsible for their livelihood.
Tips: The Make-or-Break Factor
Casino dealers depend on tips to turn what might be a minimum-wage job into a sustainable career. The reality is simple – when players enjoy their experience, they’re more inclined to tip. When they feel neglected or disrespected, they hold back, or worse, take their business (and their tips) elsewhere.
Despite this, many dealers fail to engage with players, missing golden opportunities to build rapport and increase their earnings. A disengaged dealer can be the difference between a player staying for hours and tipping generously or walking away after a few hands, taking potential tips with them.
The Domino Effect on Fellow Dealers and the Casino
In many casinos, tips are pooled among all dealers. That means when one dealer doesn’t put in the effort to create a positive atmosphere, everyone’s earnings suffer. Dealers who engage, entertain, and build relationships with players often end up carrying the weight for those who don’t.
But it’s not just the dealers who pay the price – poor service also hurts the casino itself. When players feel undervalued or mistreated, they are more likely to take their business elsewhere, seeking a better experience at a competing casino. Over time, this can lead to a decline in customer retention and revenue for the casino, making it a lose-lose-lose situation for the players, the dealers, and the casinos.
How to Boost Player Relations (and Tips)
If you want to maximize your tips, the solution is straightforward: treat every player like they matter – because they do. This isn’t about being fake or over-the-top. It’s about fostering an environment where players feel valued and enjoy their time at the table. To accomplish this, dealers must learn to:
Engage With Players – A friendly greeting or simple small talk can make players feel comfortable and appreciated.
Show Gratitude for Tips – A quick “Thank you, I appreciate it” reinforces the act of tipping and encourages repeat generosity.
Keep a Positive Attitude – Keeping a welcoming demeanor makes all the difference, no matter how long your shift is.
Encourage a Fun Atmosphere – Celebrate wins, commiserate losses, and make the experience enjoyable – even when players aren’t on a hot streak.
Be Patient and Helpful – New players bring fresh revenue to the casino. Helping them learn the game fosters goodwill and increases the likelihood they’ll tip.
Reality Check: Casinos Exist for Players
Without players coming through the front door, there’s no action, no games to deal, and no paychecks to collect. A single player can tip more in one night than a dealer can earn in several days of wages – yet some dealers still drive these high-value patrons away with poor attitudes.
On the other hand, a dealer who masters the art of player relations can turn even losing players into loyal tippers. A fun, engaging experience keeps players coming back, and repeat players mean consistent tips. This cycle benefits dealers, players, and casinos – a win-win-win.
A Call to Action for Dealers and Casinos
Being a casino dealer is more than dealing cards, spinning a roulette ball, and moving dice – it’s a hospitality job. And in the hospitality industry, customer satisfaction is king. The most successful dealers understand this and actively work to create a great player’s experience.
The connection is undeniable – better service leads to better tips. A dealer who engages with players, maintains a positive attitude, and makes the game enjoyable will be rewarded, both in the moment and in the long run. But this is not just a dealer’s responsibility – casinos also play a crucial role in fostering an environment that encourages service excellence.
Proper training programs that focus on customer engagement, communication skills, and player interaction is key. A well-trained dealer is proficient in both the mechanics of the game and skilled at creating a welcoming atmosphere for players. This combination ensures a more profitable dealer, benefiting both the individual and the casino.
Rocco De Lorenzo has worked in the casino industry for over 25 years. He can be reached by email [email protected].
