10 Surprising Insights from a Las Vegas Blackjack Dealer on Reddit
When a Las Vegas blackjack dealer using the handle Mssuekim1983 recently opened the floor to Reddit users’ questions, the online conversation quickly revealed some lesser-known truths about life behind the felt. From debunking casino myths to offering career advice, here are 10 revealing takeaways from a professional Vegas dealer’s AMA.
The Myths of Fixed Cards: Why Blackjack Isn’t Rigged
One of the most common misconceptions among players is that the deck or the deal is somehow manipulated against them. According to Mssuekim1983, suspicions like “the dealer always gets 20” or “I always bust after hitting 12” stem from players’ tendencies to remember tough losses more than lucky wins. While casinos do employ certain practices to maintain a house edge, outright card rigging isn’t one of them. Players are encouraged to see the bigger picture rather than focus on unlucky streaks.
Dealers Often Root for the Players
Contrary to popular belief, casino dealers don’t celebrate players’ losses. In reality, most dealers – including Mssuekim1983 – genuinely enjoy witnessing big wins, noting that a player once turned a $1 bet into a $40,000 jackpot at their table. Dealers don’t have a financial stake in the outcome, and many will advise or encourage players who ask for help during games.
Tipping Dealers: An Ongoing Debate
An interesting discussion arose when Redditors asked if the dealer was tipped after the $40,000 jackpot win. Mssuekim1983 confirmed receiving a generous $3,000 tip—sparking debate about whether tipping is deserved. Some commenters argue that dealers provide a service and should be tipped, while others believe dealing is just part of the job. There’s no universal agreement, and for now, the etiquette remains a contentious topic both online and in casinos.
Most Vegas Casinos Share Dealer Tips
Another tip-related insight: in Las Vegas, the majority of casinos pool all dealer tips, meaning your tip is shared among everyone working on the floor. Only a few local casinos allow individual dealers to keep what they personally receive. So while tipping is appreciated, understand that it supports the whole team, not just the one directly dealing your cards.
Dealers’ Income: The Potential for High Earnings
Players often wonder how much dealers really make in tips. According to the Vegas dealer, daily tips on the Strip can average between $200 and $250, though standout nights can yield much more. For example, Mssuekim1983 once received a $1,000 tip from a single player. The extra earnings make dealing a potentially lucrative career for those who excel at the craft.
Working Your Way Up the Casino Ladder
Landing a job as a blackjack dealer in Las Vegas is more accessible than many assume, but breaking into the high-energy Strip casinos usually requires experience first. Most new dealers start at local or off-Strip venues before advancing to more prominent properties. The more games a dealer can manage, the more attractive they become to employers—and mastering different games is highly encouraged for building a strong resume.
Transitioning from Part-Time to Full-Time Roles
According to Mssuekim1983, full-time dealer positions are relatively rare for beginners. Casinos often employ new dealers on a part-time basis, giving both the house and the employee a chance to test each other out. This period serves as a probation phase focused on performance and trustworthiness before more stable employment is offered.
Cheating at the Table: Vigilance and Casino Security
Cheaters occasionally try their luck at the blackjack tables, but they rarely succeed. While Mssuekim1983 once missed a skilled cheater in action, casino surveillance (“the eye in the sky”) detected the scheme and swiftly intervened. This highlights the effectiveness of casino security and emphasizes that dishonest play is a losing strategy.
The Physical Toll: Dealing Can Cause Repetitive Stress Injuries
Like many repetitive jobs, dealing cards brings physical risks. Mssuekim1983 revealed that repetitive stress injuries (RSI) are common, citing issues like back, shoulder, and wrist pain. Hours of consistent dealing across multiple shifts take their toll, reminding us that even glamorous casino work has a downside.
Dealers Make Mistakes—And Players Should Stay Calm
Though the routines at the tables can appear robotic, every dealer is still just a person—and mistakes do occur. Mssuekim1983 encourages players to alert the floor manager if a dealer tries to correct an error without reporting it. Most importantly, patience is key: respectful communication keeps the game moving, while aggressive reactions can get players escorted from the casino.
Final Reflection: Life on the Other Side of the Blackjack Table
The candid responses shared by this Las Vegas dealer shine a spotlight on the realities of working in a busy casino—debunking myths, revealing behind-the-scenes routines, and reminding us that every hand, win or lose, involves real people on both sides of the table.
