Dealers can be strange creatures sometimes, just like any of us on this side of the table (ask any dealer!) - but this isn't about players at the moment.
I have to wonder why casino bosses often allow dealers to wear their hearts on their sleeves, making it clear to players that they would rather be almost anywhere else - because they are overworked, under-tipped, under-utilized, have problems at home, or something else.
In my line of work as a TV & radio host, I was always strongly encouraged to be positive on the air no matter what was going on in my private life. Suffice it to say I was no Howard Stern. Not that there's anything wrong with being Howard. Wait, yes, there is. But never mind for now. Let's just leave it at "no regrets" in that department - for any amount of money - and move on.
In many areas of life, if you can fake at least a little charm, things will usually go much more smoothly for all concerned. Being a casino dealer is one of those areas. I don't mean to imply that you have to behave like Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm all the time, but for God's sake, do you have to be morose? Some of you are that bad.
I'm thinking of one dealer in particular at a favorite "locals" hangout in Vegas. He's a stone-faced downer. Not sometimes. Always. Even when tipped - which only happens when he's dealing winning hands. There's something to be said for consistency, but in this case, nothing good.
I tested him - noting his demeanor when I tipped him and when I did not. No change. If I tip often enough, I may get the occasional wan smile, but it's nothing worth mentioning in a player's blog. I'm already being too generous.
Naturally, most people would rather be someplace other than work. No matter what they do for a living. I get that. I know successful people who earn good money - in & out of show biz - some of them are downright bitchy when they're not role playing at work. But at work, they're charming. That's as it should be. Role play, baby! Fake it even after you make it!
Have I no sympathy for underpaid workers who may find it more challenging to be joyful or at least fake it? Absolutely. I've been one of those people, more times than I care to remember. In fact, I landed several jobs because I agreed to work for less than someone else. MUCH less. I needed the work and options were few. People have also taken MY job because they agreed to work for less. That's life.
Is it so challenging to deal cards for 40 minutes that you can't muster the energy to smile or say "hello" to players who help pay your basic wage and might be inclined to toss a toke or two your way if you're at least somewhat friendly? Apparently, for some, yes.
When a dealer makes an effort to treat me like a human being, by being at least minimally engaging, I look for excuses to tip them even when no winning hands are coming my way. Nothing huge, but at least it's something.
If you're a sourpuss dealer who obviously hates being there or if you seem like you may be holding a grudge against players you are convinced will never tip - before you even gave them a chance - it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Ya got nuttin'? Enjoy it. You earned it.
In an upcoming blog the subject will be “Dealers on Drugs”. Rarely a good thing.
Send comments or questions to jeff@NevadaPlayersClub.com.