Revealed: How Much Las Vegas Poker Dealers Actually Get Paid
Here at Gambling.com, we specialize in finding you great deals when it comes to signing up to the best online poker sites. But, have you ever wondered how much money a real poker dealer earns in Las Vegas?
To answer that question, we sat down with one of the best in the business to discuss the earning potential for croupiers looking to switch table games or those hoping to break into the card-room industry.
Chris Tidmarsh is the owner and head instructor of Vegas-based West Coast Dealing School which specializes in all aspects of poker dealing.
Originally from Leicester in England, Chris has dealt at some of the most prestigious poker rooms in the city, such as Planet Hollywood, the Golden Nugget and the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.
He is also part of the World Series of Poker staff, so he knows what it takes to handle pressure-cooker environments.
We started off by asking Chris why croupiers are deciding to deviate slightly from their career paths by becoming poker dealers.
Why Croupiers Are Making The Switch To Poker Dealing
He said: "We have a lot of folks come here who are switching from table games, which is where the croupiers are.
"There are various reasons, especially in Vegas, where smoking obviously is a big deal. Casino floors are almost all smoking.
"Those guys are in smoking environments all day. They are standing all day, and often there is no game either.
"So, you're basically hanging out and doing nothing. So the days are long and they don't make as much money as poker dealers generally. So a lot of those guys switch to this.
"When they come, they think they can deal cards. They think they can pitch the cards and they think it's the same as what they've been doing - of course, it's nothing like [that].
"The only thing that's similar is the fact that there are suits and numbers on cards. Even our cards are different size. So, if you're familiar with managing a table with cards and chips, etc, it's not going to be the same when you come and do poker."
There's No Quick Fix To Becoming A Top Poker Dealer
A comprehensive poker dealer program guarantees students 100 hours of teaching and costs $1,495, so what can graduates expect in return?
Chris said: "We have been here 10 years doing this and many other schools are new. They're green a little bit, so they don't fully appreciate what they need to teach people in order to do this job.
"And there's a lot to it. And I think the biggest shock for most people is the fact that it's not a five-minute fix.
"People see this either on TV, online and think ‘oh, that looks easy. I can do that’. Our course here is at least four to six weeks full-time study. And even then, most students find they need to come back and continue in order to get to the standard that they wish to get to.
"Ultimately, once you have graduated and are therefore hireable, then it's a great way of making a living. I mean, guys in Vegas easily are making $60,000-70,000 a year plus.
"Mostly if you're doing it full time, you can be around the $100,000 mark."
Does that include or exclude tips?
"Well, that's what you're expected to receive," Chris replied. "Much of the casino industry is a service business and minimum wage is what they offer. And then it's plus your tips.
"So when you combine all that together, that's kind of where we get that number. So we often say $35-50 an hour average."
Think you have what it takes to be a poker dealer? Tell us if you're planning on a similar career move in the comment box below!
