When you think of classic films like “The Hustler,” “Croupier,” or modern films like “Uncut Gems” and “The Card Counter,” you immediately picture the croupier — the debonair casino staff who manage tables with easy charm.
Croupiers run casino table games and deliver an entertaining casino experience. Being a croupier requires intelligence, effective communication and attentiveness. If skilled and professional croupiers at casinos or on the big screen inspire you and you want to join the ranks of the most talented casino croupiers, this article will help you get there.
What is a Croupier?
A croupier (the French word for “dealer”) is a casino staff member who assists players in casino games like blackjack, roulette, keno and craps. Side note: people sometimes ask what is the difference between a croupier and a dealer. There is not much of a difference except that croupiers handle games like roulette, blackjack, etc., while dealers are in charge of poker.
Croupiers are not just limited to brick-and-mortar casinos. There are also croupiers who handle live casino games broadcasted from state-of-the-art studios.
Out of the many career paths available ink the casino, the croupier is the one who still interfaces with players the most, thus making them the face of the casino. Arguably, whatever impression players go with, a good bit of it will be influenced by how well their croupier treated them.
Croupiers are genius multitaskers. They are responsible for calculating odds and payouts, interacting with and assisting players, explaining casino card game rules and ensuring bets are placed. They also monitor players to ensure casino rules are enforced — all while being friendly and composed.
The Journey to Becoming a Casino Croupier
So, after reading the demands of a croupier job, you’re convinced that this role was made for you. But how do you get there? No doubt you want to know how to become a croupier.
There is no clear-cut way to become a casino croupier. However, before moving ahead, you’ll have to make a vital decision: do you want to pursue tertiary education as a casino dealer or not?
Whatever you decide, look at the following career roadmap for guidance.
Getting a Degree
It is estimated that 55.2% of croupiers have a bachelor’s degree. A degree can make your application stand out. Some world-class casinos prefer hiring trainees with degrees in hospitality, customer service and similar casino-related fields.
If a full degree seems like a big commitment, consider a two-year degree or a technical school certificate to improve your resume. You can enroll in specialized training institutes like the Online Live Casino Academy, London Croupier Gaming and even with reputable casinos with a training program for their casino staff to take some courses to help you achieve your dream.
Skipping the Degree
You can still become a successful croupier with a high school diploma or a GED. The first step is to get hired to work in a casino. Because croupier roles require experience, you will have to start in a lesser position within the casino. But this won’t be a waste of time. This is when you will learn the trade, see how games operate and observe croupiers at work.
If you’re struggling to find work at a casino, look for valuable work experience while you apply. Roles, where you deal with clients and work with numbers, like those of cashiers and bartenders, can supplement your resume with math and customer service skills. Of course, you’ll need to make sure you leave with a glowing recommendation.
Work Experience and Training
You’re in — you’ve been hired by a casino. Now what? Working at a casino allows you to take advantage of in-house training. When you train and work at a casino, you get an in-depth and practical learning experience.
Once you’ve studied the relevant laws and rules, you can start working under supervision at low-stakes tables. This will demonstrate to your employers that you have the customer service skills and game knowledge to go further. You may also get a croupier license or certificate if it is required. With a license and the right experience, you’ll be ready to work at higher-stakes tables independently.
Skills and Attributes Needed for Casino Croupiers
These are the top skills casinos are looking for when they hire croupiers or dealers.
Math Skills
Before hiring you as a trainee, a casino will first test your math abilities. Croupiers will need to do constant and quick mental calculations to work out bets and winnings at the table.
Customer Service
Customer service is a crucial part of croupier training. Croupiers are essentially the face of the casino to customers playing live dealer casino games at home or in casinos.
As customer service experts, croupiers deal with clients professionally and cordially. Moreover, they should be able to anticipate a client’s needs. An experienced croupier understands the differences between a blackjack player and a poker player and their unique needs.
Fast Learner
Croupier training involves absorbing a lot of information. You’ll have to memorize the rules for a long list of casino games. You’ll need to learn casino rules and different regulations in the gaming industry. A skilled croupier develops a deep understanding of the dynamics of all the various casino games they lead.
Honesty
As a casino dealer, you’ll have to be trustworthy beyond any doubt. Not only do dealers handle large sums of money, but they’re responsible for monitoring and reporting any suspicious behavior or cheating. If you have a criminal record of any kind, casinos won’t be likely to hire you to handle their clients’ money.
Focus and Attention to Detail
Working at a casino means maintaining the same level of focus at the end of your shift as you did at the beginning. If you lose focus, you may make miscalculations or allow players to cheat the casino.
Sharp Memory
A sharp memory will help croupiers at busy gambling tables track which players placed a bet and for how much.
A People Person
The finest dealers are personable people who enjoy interacting with clients. Learn how to converse professionally with clients in a light-hearted manner. This is how you create an unrivaled betting experience for everyone at your table. Friendly croupiers are part of what makes live games the most engaging casino games to play online.
Bonus Skills To Set You Apart
So now you know how to become a decent croupier — but how do you become an excellent croupier? Here are some bonus skills to build that will help you stand out and get the job.
Calmness
The most successful croupiers can handle any type of client with the same level-headed professionalism. The goal is to master calmness in challenging situations. If you succeed, you’ll be that much more likely to shine when casinos test how you deal with unhappy or difficult clients during your dealer auditions.
Multilingualism
Some casinos have many foreign visitors. Learning a foreign language or two is an excellent way to stand out as a croupier. You may even get hired by exclusive casinos to work with high-profile clients. If you’re interested in working at a live casino online, this could be your foot in the door. Online games like live blackjack offer games in different languages.
Fitness
As a croupier, you will have to stand for hours. A healthy body means this won’t put too much strain on your back and posture. Also, aesthetics are highly regarded in casinos. A fit physique will always work in your favor.
Game Specialization
Successful dealers match their professionalism and precision with passion. Being a jack of all trades is necessary for the industry. But why not take it a step further and master a game you truly enjoy?
Get Inspired by Expert Dealers at the BetMGM Online Casino
Some people might believe robots will replace croupiers, but a robot can’t replicate the same kind of passion and commitment a human being can offer. Even virtual casinos need real personalities behind them to ensure engagement. Whatever the changing landscape may bring, there’ll always be a place for a top croupier.
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