Croupier

Croupiers work at licensed casinos. They are usually trained in a number of games, such as roulette, blackjack and poker. The work involves taking bets and paying winners.

Also known as

• Casino croupier
• Casino dealer

Work activities

Croupiers, or dealers as they are also known, work at tables in licensed casinos or gaming clubs. They run games like roulette, blackjack and poker. Casinos usually employ croupiers who are capable of running more than one game. A small casino might have around six gaming tables; a large one might have more than 30. In casinos, cash is exchanged for plastic chips which are then used for playing. The croupier spins the roulette wheel or deals the cards after all bets have been made. They collect chips from losing bets and pay out on those that win. Croupiers need to recognise winning bets and quickly and accurately work out winnings. Croupiers spend a set period of time, usually up to two hours, overseeing a game, such as poker. They then have a short break and move to a different table, where they will usually oversee a different game, such as roulette.

Casinos assume that players understand the rules of the game they are playing. However, if asked, the croupier will explain playing and gaming rules. Sometimes croupiers will offer training in a particular game to a group of customers, away from the main gaming area. Experienced croupiers sometimes work as an inspector, overseeing and being responsible for a group of gaming tables.

Personal qualities and skills

As a croupier, you must be:

• Quick at doing calculations in your head and have a high standard of numeracy.
• Capable of high levels of concentration.
• Confident, outgoing and friendly.
• Able to work well under pressure.
• Capable of learning the various games.
• Smartly dressed.
• Honest and reliable.

Croupiers also need good hand/eye coordination skills and normal colour vision.

Pay and opportunities

According to job site Indeed, croupiers in the UK earn an average of £24,000 per year (based on 109 salaries, January 2024). Some croupiers also receive tips.

Casinos tend to open around midday, remaining open till early next morning. Some open 24 hours a day.  Opportunities for croupiers occur in towns and cities throughout the UK. Employers are casino operators, hotel organisations and cruise ships. Opportunities occur for croupiers to work in other countries and on cruise ship voyages.

Shift working is normal and staff are usually required to work weekends. Many croupiers work part-time.

What’s happening in this work area?

The gambling industry has grown and become more varied. Online gambling dominates the sector. This growth is expected to continue over the next few years. There are about 150 casinos in towns and cities throughout the country. Employment levels are expected to increase slightly over the coming decade as a result of this growth.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised:

• In local/national newspapers and on their websites.
• On job boards.
• On employers’ websites.
• On the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

Trainee vacancies are usually advertised online and in the local press. Croupiers must be over 18 years (by law, only those over 18 can enter casinos). Alternatively, it is possible to complete a training course first and then apply for a job. You must have a Personal Functional Licence (PFL) to work as a croupier. Getting a PFL involves a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check regarding your criminal record.

Training is carried out by the casino or by a college or private training centre. Training focuses on dress and grooming, how to act in an appropriate manner with customers, gaming rules, the calculation of bets and security. Training usually lasts between six and 12 weeks. As a trainee you can then go on to the gaming floor to practise your skills under close supervision. You start with one or two games, and progress with experience.

Experienced croupiers can progress to the positions of inspector, pit boss and ultimately casino management.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Working in this career can be an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.

Qualifications

There are no set entry requirements for this job. However, some employers prefer candidates with GCSEs (grades 9-4). Maths is often useful.

Adult opportunities

Age limits apply to this occupation. You must be aged at least 18 to enter a casino.

Employers, including Gala Casinos and Grosvenor Casinos, offer paid, full-time training courses to new employees.

Related careers

• Accounts assistant
• Betting shop cashier
• Betting shop manager
• Customer service adviser (banking)