TPT Archive: Exploring The Life of a Poker Dealer

Exploring The Life of a Poker Dealer
(previously posted at Texas Poker Trails in April, 2007)

A few weeks ago I observed a dealer audition in the poker room, and I must admit it was entertaining. A group of dealer-wannabes were gathered at Table 2 to demonstrate their skill at running a poker table. Two casino employees and a group of applicants were at the table with chips. The applicants took turns dealing the hands, attempting to shuffle, pitch, count chips, and run a game while the bosses took notes. A nice crowd of onlookers gathered around to make the would-be dealers as nervous as possible.

The applicants included a man in his 40s, a college kid, a couple of 20-somethings, and at least one middle-aged woman. They all looked nervous and eager to please. Dealing cards can't be that hard, can it? And based on the tips I've thrown their way, they probably make pretty good money. So I can understand the allure of dealing cards for money.

The life of a dealer is fascinating to me as a writer. It's another part of the game I want to explore. While watching the live broadcast of the EPT this month, one of the players spoke of the dealer and said, "She's one of the best dealers in the world. I've seen her at most of the major tournaments."

That sounds like a nice gig if you can get it--travel the world dealing cards. And of course this years winner of the EPT, Gavin Griffin, is a former dealer. In fact, many young professional players have "Card Dealer" on their resume. I met a fellow player a few weeks ago, a high school football coach, and he said his wife was a poker dealer for private high stakes games in the Dallas area. "She makes great tips," he said.