A croupier runs the games in a casino including spinning the roulette wheel and dealing cards. They may also be called dealers.

The Work

You could be:

• welcoming players to the table
• explaining game rules to new customers, if asked to do so
• giving out plastic chips in exchange for cash
• making sure that all bets are in place before play starts
• dealing the cards, throwing the dice or spinning the roulette wheel, depending on the game
• making sure that players obey the rules
• mentally calculating the payouts due to winners and giving out winnings in plastic chips
• learning how to deal up to four main games, such as American roulette, baccarat or blackjack
• supervising the slot machines and electronic gaming areas.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Starting salaries for croupiers (outside London) could be around £15,000 a year, rising to between £20,000 and £25,000 a year. The law has changed and now croupiers can accept tips in UK casinos.

Conditions

• You would probably have a good working environment, perhaps stylish and luxurious, but it might be hot and crowded.
• You must be flexible with your working hours as casinos may now open 24 hours a day every day, except Christmas Day.
• You would probably work 8-hour shifts, including weekends and nights. Overtime is common.
• You might be able to work part time.
• You might have to travel to run gaming tables in other centres, perhaps to help run corporate entertainment events.
• You wear a uniform or dress code, possibly evening dress, which the casino provides.

Getting In

• Many croupiers get jobs through personal contacts.
• You do not need formal qualifications but a good general education is useful. Personality is more important than qualifications.
• You may have to pass a test in manual dexterity and in maths.
• You must be over 18.
• Croupiers must be licensed by the Gambling Commission.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.
• You should be able to communicate clearly.

Certificated gaming staff work in casinos in cities and large towns. There are also jobs on cruise ships.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2019

6153

0.2 %

RISE

2024

6164

  United Kingdom

2019

63857

2.2 %

RISE

2024

65236

LMI data powered by EMSI UK

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• well presented, with a smart appearance
• good with your hands – for dealing cards and moving chips quickly
• confident in your knowledge of current gambling laws and decisive in applying them
• diplomatic and tactful to deal with difficult situations
• friendly and courteous – regardless of clients’ attitudes
• able to concentrate for long periods
• able to work calmly under pressure
• able to think quickly and be good at mental arithmetic
• trustworthy and honest.

Training

• Training is on the job and can last between 6 to 10 weeks. On successful completion of this initial training you then gain the necessary Personal Functional Licence (PFL) which allows you to work in the gambling industry. You need to reapply for this every five years.
• You might practise on one game, usually roulette or blackjack, for six to nine months before learning a second game.
• As a fully trained croupier you would know at least four games and understand the gambling laws as they apply to casinos.

Getting On

• This is a high pressure job and there is high staff turnover, but if you stay the course you can progress.
• There is a clear promotion route from croupier (or dealer) to senior croupier in charge of large scale games such as network poker, to inspector and then to team leader.
• You might then be able to become a manager.
• You might be able to work on cruise ships or abroad. However, you would need a great deal of experience, and possibly a work visa.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.