Training, daily work routine and salary of a professional casino dealer/croupier
Just like the roulette wheel, the chips, poker or blackjack playing cards, the croupier or croupière is part of the fixed repertoire in a reputable casino.
Have you ever thought about turning your passion for gambling into a career? Find out here how you can become a professional casino croupier, what to expect during training and in your day-to-day work, and what the earnings prospects are.
Job description – What is a croupier?
From the preparation of the tables to the payment of winnings, the croupier is responsible for the entire process of casino games of chance such as poker, roulette, blackjack or baccarat. He or she confidently guides the guests and organises the course of the game while projecting the glamorous image of the casino.
Difference between croupier and poker dealer
Both a croupier and a poker dealer act as organisers of games of chance in a casino. The biggest difference is that a banker is directly involved in the game, while the dealer directs, observes and coordinates from the outside.
The dealer specialises in poker, the croupier also takes over the game management of other games. Anyone who wants to become a poker dealer must first complete the banker training.
Tasks and everyday work – What does a banker do?
The croupier or croupière organises the course of games in a casino. At the beginning, this includes preparing the tables, for example by laying out the chips or shuffling the cards. He or she welcomes the guests and explains the rules of the game.
During the game, the croupier is responsible for organising a proper course of play and, for example, places the chips with the rateau in response to the guests’ announcements and is responsible for the roulette wheel. The banker memorises the number combinations of the guests, calculates payout odds and pays out winnings at the end.
As the game master, he also takes on a supervisory function so that a flawless and smooth game can take place. The croupier assists the guests with words and deeds, but must also maintain a professional strictness, because inappropriate behaviour or cheating is of course not tolerated in a reputable casino.
Where can a croupier work?
The place of work is usually a land-based casino. In the meantime, however, live casinos are also commonplace online, where professional banker work and instruct games via video transmission. Another possibility are mobile casinos, which are rented for private casino parties, for example, and the profession works at different locations.
Those who work as freelance croupiers can also be hired for tournaments, for example, and thus possibly also be deployed throughout Europe for the corresponding period.
What does a casino dealer earn?
Profession Salary – What Since it is not a state-recognised training, there are no uniform guidelines for the profession of croupier in Malaysia, such as through a trade union tariff. The training itself is usually not remunerated, especially if it is a course at a school.
The income as an employee therefore depends heavily on the employer and the place of residence. The starting salary can be around € 2,200 gross per month. Advancements in the position can allow for significantly more and as a freelance croupier, an income around €5,000 per month is quite possible.
An additional, lucrative source of income for banker and poker dealers is tips. Employees are paid a share of the tronc, the tip fund into which generous casino guests pay, according to a points system.
Training – How does one become a banker?
Training to become a croupier is not recognised by the state in Malaysia. Therefore, there are no uniform basics, but rather different courses, which vary greatly in terms of time. The training can last between three and nine months and usually ends with an examination.
The training is offered at private vocational schools or in the casino itself, which can usually also be the future employer. However, neither the school training nor the apprenticeship in the casino is remunerated as long as the apprentice does not work as a trained banker.
During the training, there are theoretical and practical parts and of course you will learn the rules of the games such as blackjack, roulette, poker and baccarat as well as the tasks of a croupier at the gaming table. Seminars on gambling addiction and how to deal with affected persons are also part of the usual teaching programme.
Requirements for training as a croupier:
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Clean police record and no debts
- Interest in gambling
- Good mathematical understanding
- Command of English and possibly other foreign languages
- Willingness to work shifts and nights
- Friendly appearance and ability to work in a team
These are the skills you need to become a good banker
The croupier has a great influence on the course of the game and also on the image of the casino in which he works. Therefore, professionalism, seriousness and an appropriate demeanour are required at all times. Upscale clothing that reflects the style of the casino is the usual work uniform.
In addition to a naturally pronounced interest in games of chance, a good feeling for numbers is crucial for the job of a croupier, because as a game master he must always keep an eye on the developments of the game, remember the combinations of the players and calculate the payout odds in his head.
With the great responsibility that a croupier bears, skilful interaction with people is also very important. With a confident demeanour, one should guide, correct and maintain a good mood. A banker is also trained to recognise and deal with problem gambling behaviour that shows signs of gambling addiction.