Can croupiers earn a decent living working poker tables?
It has often been said that the job of a croupier for a casino is one filled with glamour and excitement, however in reality it’s a job that requires much training, constant vigilance, good customer service skills and a keen eye.
With all that said, can a croupier in fact earn a good living? Absolutely, however it is dependent on several key factors.
First, in order to be a good croupier, it is important to learn every single table game officiated by a dealer, or croupier. Oftentimes at major casinos, croupiers are floated between different gaming tables, so while in one moment a croupier may be presiding over a roulette wheel, the next moment they may be dealing at a poker table.
In the United States, it is required for a croupier to attend a certified course or training program specifically geared toward learning about all table games. Once the croupier has passed the course, they may then become certified to work at tables. However this alone does not guarantee gainful employment at a casino.
Oftentimes, because the job of a croupier is a highly sought after position, casinos who are hiring croupiers will conduct thorough auditions, and the budding croupier must then successfully pass their audition.
Croupiers generally work for minimum wage, and rely heavily on tips provided to them by bettors. In some casinos, the position can indeed by quite profitable, especially if bettors are feeling generous after a good run at a poker table.
In general, croupiers average between 10 and 40 dollars per hour depending on various factors—location and popularity of casino, skill level and customer service acumen. A good croupier can combine all of these elements to earn a very good living indeed.