Shuffle Up and Deal!
There are about 50,172 dealers currently employed in the United States. Men hold 66.7% of the jobs, Women 33.3%. The average poker dealer age is 44.
The highest paid professional Dealers work in Alaska! But if Eskimo weather is not your thing consider the average salaries in these states: Massachusetts $32,210, Washington $30,993, Nevada $30,893, and California $26,677. Keep in mind some casinos pool tips between dealers.
Skills
When you apply for a job you’ll need to audition your skills and knowledge. You'll need to show you can neatly spread a deck, know the proper shuffle, break down a stack of chips correctly, pitch the cards accurately, know how to run a hand, be astutely aware of the rules, set up side pots correctly, and take the correct rake. Additionally, there are about 30 different poker games you must learn!
The Dealer must keep track of the money in the pot and remove the appropriate amount for the house. All shortages are the responsibility of the Dealer and must be paid back.
Player Management
Though most players are there for a good time, some are just plain rude. Players have been known to berate dealers for their own bad luck and poor play, and it only gets worse if you do make the occasional mistake. In addition, get ready to introduce yourself to the drunk player and the player that carries a copy of the rulebook watching every move you make.
Dealers have been known to have had cards thrown at them, drinks spilled on them, cursed, belittled, threatened and scared into nightmares. There are stories about Dealers being threatened to be set on fire.
Keep in mind that while a card room or casino will likely not tolerate this type of player behavior. However, when the floor person does arrive don’t forget the old adage that the “Customer is always right!
Poker Origins