How to become a dealer in live casino?
Live casino games are all the rage in the iGaming scene, offering an immersive and realistic gaming experience. But for these games to shine, live dealers play a crucial role. They're the friendly faces that welcome players and make them feel right at home.
However, this article isn't just about singing the praises of live casino dealers (though they definitely deserve it!). Instead, we're focusing on those who dream of becoming a live casino croupier. And don't worry, the pay is pretty decent!
Who Exactly is a Live Casino Dealer?
When you log in to a live casino game, you'll be greeted by a friendly professional, ready to get you settled in quickly. These are real human dealers or game hosts, not AI! So, a live casino dealer is the casino employee who manages and keeps the live casino room running smoothly. They're responsible for dealing cards, spinning the wheels, announcing outcomes, and interacting with players.
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Live Dealer?
You might think a live dealer job is just for anyone, but most live dealers at top live casinos are more than qualified. Becoming a live dealer in South Africa's online casinos requires a specific set of skills and traits that not everyone possesses.
Firstly, you need to be of legal age and of sound mind. Casino studios operate internationally, so age requirements can vary. Generally, you'll need to be 18 or 21 years old, with most studio operators preferring candidates aged 21 and above.
Next, online casinos in South Africa will assess your communication skills. Fluency in English is essential. Having additional language skills, like Afrikaans or others, can give you a real advantage, especially if you land a role hosting games for local players.
Furthermore, a bubbly and social personality is key; you need to be engaging. You should also be able to handle pressure well, as live casino games can be demanding. Believe it or not, you'll encounter all sorts of players, some of whom might be frustrated. And most importantly, having a good understanding of live casino games or previous experience in the industry is a massive plus on your CV.
Skills That Give You the Edge:
- Solid teamwork capabilities
- Experience in customer service (especially in hospitality)
- Basic mathematical skills for quick calculations
- Fast problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Tact and diplomacy when dealing with players
- Reliability and integrity
- Professional and well-maintained appearance
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Attending live casino dealer school
Even if you tick most of the requirements above, you’re not out of the woods yet. Unless you show proof of holding the same position initially at a land-based or live casino, the operator will assume you don’t meet the standards. So, is it over for you?
No, you don’t necessarily need prior experience as a live dealer to land the job. That’s because some operators will train you to ensure you’re ready for the occasion. Evolution Academy is a good example where newly hired croupiers spend up to 2 weeks learning the ropes.
But if you have time to spare, you can earn legit credentials from a legit live casino school. Most of these schools offer full-time courses for 4 to 12 weeks. They will teach you how to behave on the tables, open/close bets, communicate with players, and anything you need to know.
Responsibilities of a live dealer
The live casino operator will furnish you with all the details about your role as a live dealer. Below are some of the responsibilities according to Evolution’s recent job description:
- Enthusiastically introduce gamers to the game and explain everything.
- Spin the wheel, deal the cards, and announce results.
- Research appropriate topics to discuss with players.
- Engage gamers in friendly, game-oriented conversations without giving an opinion.
- End the game with a positive parting remark.
- Ensure there are no cheaters in the game.
- Address issues raised by players in a timely and friendly manner.
Benefits of working as a live casino dealer
Working as a live dealer in a casino can be an excellent career opportunity, with a variety of benefits. If you're passionate about table games like baccarat, craps, poker, blackjack, and roulette, this could be the perfect job for you.
Live studio operators understand that salary is an important consideration, and they offer a good pay rate along with other attractive perks. For example, an Evolution dealer in Canada can earn between $18 and $22.60 per hour, and the operator provides monthly performance bonuses and four paid days off.
You might be wondering whether live casino dealers receive tips, just like their counterparts in land-based casinos. The answer is yes - players can tip live casino dealers, just as they would in a land-based casino.
Pros and cons of becoming a live dealer
Working Conditions for Casino Dealers
Working Conditions for Casino Dealers Working in a casino, whether it's a traditional land-based establishment or an online platform, requires a flexible approach to work hours due to the 24-hour nature of the business. This often means adapting to varying schedules, especially in the early stages of your career. However, this flexibility can be advantageous, allowing for the possibility to balance other jobs or personal commitments alongside your role as a dealer.
A day in the life of a casino dealer typically involves a range of duties, including:
- Distributing payouts or collecting bets based on the outcomes and specific rules of each game.
- Managing the game table, ensuring accurate and error-free card distribution to players.
- In games like blackjack, comparing the house’s hand with players' to identify winners.
- Operating a variety of gambling games such as craps, roulette, poker, or keno, while adhering strictly to rules and regulations.
- Converting cash into gaming chips or tokens for players.
