Gaming Guru

A Craps Dealer Writes

Dear Frank:

Hello,

I just read your article about the "Best and Worst Crap Dealers in Vegas" and I have to say thank you for writing it. I'm a baby craps dealer (nine months). I recently got hired at a Strip property for BJ, Roulette, etc. I was never auditioned for craps, but I have been on the game now for three months straight. I'm fully aware of my "Lack of Knowledge" of the Game and although I try my best and I'm improving as a dealer, the attitudes of the full-time dealers suck. I worked at another casino to "Break In" and the craps dealers there had 10-20 years experience and loved to share their knowledge and had a great ability to work as a team. Whereas the dealers I'm working with now on the "Strip" have 3-10 years of dealing experience and they all think that they are "Super Stars."

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you're exactly right about the mood or attitude of the dealers. You think being a player and dealing with a [bad] dealer is hard, try being a dealer and having to share the tokes you get with them. Not to mention listening to their BS for 8 hours. I hope more dealers read your article. You made me realize that my attempt to keep the game fun for the customers is worth it and there are people who appreciate having fun while playing craps or any table game for that matter. I'm looking forward to reading your news letter.

T. M.

Dear T.M.:

The dealers can make a game fun by being professional and friendly or they can make a game not quite so much fun by being arrogant, nasty or dismissive. I've seen both types and everything in between. I have respect for dealers having to put up with some of the idiots who gamble in casinos. Some players are not so nice and it takes real patience and character not to get upset. With that said, the job of the dealer is to act as if he is interested in the game and act as if he really wants the players to win and have fun. I use the word "act" for a reason. A dealer can hate the players but he must pretend he loves them. That's the job. Teachers have to pretend they like even their stupidest, most arrogant students; doctors must pretend they like their patients, even the ones who try their patience, and dealers need to get that nice face on.

Thanks for your letter and I hope to play at your table some day.

Frank Scoblete