Live casino dealers help to bridge the gap between land-based and online casinos. They offer the human touch when hosting live casino table games such as blackjack, roulette, or poker. In card games like blackjack and poker, a live dealer has a significant role. Dealers must know the rules, distribute cards carefully, and make sure everyone follows the instructions.
General requirements
Live casino dealers must be over 21 years of age and have no criminal record. They must have communication skills to explain the rules of the game. Social skills are also important as they have to interact with players. Being tech-savvy with a natural flair for hosting games and engaging players is a real asset in this job. Live dealers must have the ability to work in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
A live blackjack game is different from online blackjack as the players can see the dealer dealing with the cards in real time. This helps to enhance their trust. Playing blackjack with the live dealer is as close as players can get to playing in a land-based casino.
Professional training
Higher education qualifications aren’t a requirement, but casinos usually hire dealers with prior experience. Some casinos may offer professional training programs for live dealers. These programs vary in length and teach dealers everything from how to use the technology to the skills they need to help them detect fraud. Live dealers must know all the rules of the games and also learn how to be comfortable and presentable in front of cameras.
Live dealer studios
Online casinos partner with specialized studios that use advanced technology to facilitate live dealer games. The dealer sits at a table fitted with high-definition cameras. They capture the dealing of cards or the spinning of the roulette wheel. The player receives a live stream of the action and can see every move the dealer makes. It’s an immersive and authentic experience. It can also help to improve the trust of players who may be skeptical about the fairness of online casinos.
Interaction
A distinctive feature of live dealer games is the interaction between the dealers and players. Players can communicate in real-time via live chat. They can ask the dealer questions about the game rules or chat with other players. Adding this social element to games can help with stress management and make playing more enjoyable and memorable. Once the players place their bets, the dealer can proceed with the game which usually has the same rules and procedures as in a land-based casino.
Responsibilities
Live dealers have the same obligations as traditional casino dealers except that they interact remotely. They have to create an interactive experience for players and ensure the integrity of games. Live dealers have to introduce players as they join a game, handle equipment, calculate payouts, and converse with players. They have to announce the game rules, keep an eye on the game’s progress, and announce the winners.
Work hours
As most online casinos are open 24/7, they usually have morning, afternoon, and night shifts. Live casino dealers will usually work eight-hour shifts. An eight-hour shift in front of cameras can be very demanding and requires great concentration. If you’re a live casino dealer who works shifts, you must plan your day well and make sure you get enough sleep in your downtime. Unlike traditional dealers, live dealers don’t have to stand for a whole shift. Their legs and feet don’t take as much physical strain.
Pay
Live dealers in the U.S. can make as much as $23,000 on average annual gross salary or even up to $40,000 or more. How much they make depends on various factors, such as the casino they work for. The types of games they host can also have an impact on their income.
When any casino dealers first start, they will usually earn a minimum salary and receive some benefits. They have to build up experience over time, and when they do, they can more than double their income. Live dealers can also generate additional income with the tips they earn. They tend to earn a larger base salary than on-site dealers but usually receive fewer tips.
