Learn how to be the best blackjack dealer

When you’ve sat at a table and enjoyed a hand or two of blackjack, have you ever given the dealer any thought? Sure, they’re in control of the game, but did you ever stop and think about their job and what it might be like? How are the pay, the hours, and the general conditions? It certainly looks like a glamorous job, but is it really?

The thing is, if you want the glamour, you’re going to need to work hard for it. A blackjack dealer works in the service industry. When it comes to the US, in terms of pay this is nothing but bad news. If you want to be taking a decent wage and living the dream lifestyle, you need to be dealing at the top establishments, but what do you do to get there? That’s just what we’re going to look at now. 

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The best blackjack dealer

So, you want to be the best blackjack dealer

Before you go rushing into a career change, all intent on being the best dealer going, there are some things worth considering. Now firstly, the reality is that a blackjack dealer is never in an easy position. If you make it and take that place behind the table, you’ll find that you’ll be loved and despised in equal measure. It’s not always a pretty experience.

If you’re serious about starting your journey to becoming a blackjack dealer, it’s important that you know the pros and the cons. You need to understand exactly what you’re getting into. That’s why we’ve put this article together. It’s here to show you the realities and, if you still want to go ahead, it will help you to be at the top of your game.

Mastering the basics and becoming the best blackjack dealer

If you want to be a blackjack dealer, you first need to master the basics. Fortunately, they’re relatively simple and you’ll soon get to grips with them. Now the first thing to understand is that players aren’t playing against players as they try and get as close to 21 as possible. Nope, in this game, it’s everyone trying their luck to beat you. That means, as the most basic starting points, you’re going to need to know what each of the cards in the deck is worth.

Card 2 -10 are simple as they’re worth exactly what you’d expect them to be. Likewise, jacks, queens, and kings are worth what they are in plenty of other card games – 10. The ace is the interesting card. It can be worth either 1 or 11 depending upon what would give the strongest hand.

Knowing your casino rules

Obviously, as the dealer, you won’t be able to split, double down, take out insurance, or surrender. Why? Well as the dealer, you’re the one paying out the bets. Aside from this, you’ll also need to check at any casino where you may be working to be clear on its blackjack rules.

You’ll find that casinos differ in terms of payouts as well as when you, as the dealer, have to stand or hit. 

Get yourself fit

You may be surprised, but if you want to be the best blackjack dealer, you need your body on your side. You’ll find yourself working 10-12 hour shifts. For the majority of that time, you’ll be on your feet and, trust us, they’re going to ache.

To keep yourself at the top of your game, take care of yourself and look after your body. You won’t regret it.

Develop thick skin

If you want to be the best blackjack dealer, you need to know that there are plenty of times when you’re going to come in for some abuse. Of course, winners will more often than not be a delight, but you’ll often find losers who aren’t. These people will blame you for their bad hands and losing streaks. It’ll be your fault that they’ve blown their bankroll in record time.

You need to allow words to wash over you without causing an issue. Once you allow these people to get to you, your job becomes a misery. Just remember though, if things go too far your casino will have you back and they’ll be ample security to hand.

How can I become the best blackjack dealer?

You may be lucky and you may find a casino that’s willing to take you under its wing and train you. However, if you want a shot at a good position at a great casino, you’ll need to consider heading off to a dealer school.

A dealer school will teach you all that you need to know about the game. You’ll master basic blackjack strategy, you’ll know every rule, and you’ll spot card counters a mile off. Of course, there’s a cost to this training but, if you’re serious about being the best, investment in yourself is certainly worthwhile.

Something that will open more doors in your career is to master more than one game. The more casino games that you’re able to lead, the more desirable you become to a casino. Instead of focusing only on blackjack, you would do good by also learning and mastering the rules of baccarat and roulette

Is it worth it?

Being a blackjack dealer involves long hours and hard work, so is it even worth it? Well, you may be disappointed by the wages. Being in the service industry, you’ll be getting paid minimum wage. So, why would you go through all of the learning and developing for minimum wage? well, there’s a little more that goes on top.

Dealers make their real money through tips. Some casinos will allow you to keep your tips while others will expect everyone to put them into a pot and share them. Either way, by being a great dealer, your earning potential increases. You’ll find that, in total, a blackjack dealer takes home around $75,000 per year. Those working at some of the best casinos are closer to earning $100,000 a year. While they’re pretty good salaries, you’ll certainly have to work for them and only you can decide if the long hours are really worth it. 

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