Advice for a new craps dealer

Hello Frank!

I have recently become a follower of yours and have been reading your articles online. I have been training to be a dice dealer in WV over the last several months, and I am on the cusp going live as a break-in dealer. (I am really excited for the opportunity.)

As a longtime player and master of the craps table, would you be willing to share your thoughts with those of us that are about to step up to the table? Any nuggets of wisdom you can offer?

Best wishes!

- T.M.

Dear TM:

Congratulations on your new career. I've never been a dealer but I can tell you that I have worked with the public most of my life. There is only one key word you need to know -- ACTING. You have to pretend you like all the players at the table; you have to pretend that you are in a good mood, even if you aren't.

Teachers pretend they like all the kids they teach; doctors pretend they like all their patients and so should a dealer act as well.

You may be feeling miserable on a given day; you may have players who are truly annoying or obnoxious or a boss who should be put asunder. But you must always show a pleasant, professional demeanor, even if internally you are fuming, steaming, worried or tired.

Actors on stage have to do the performance no matter what their internal state is at the time and so should dealers. Play the part.

I have seen dealers who are just as grumpy, obnoxious and ill-mannered as the worst of players. These dealers ruin the game for players, most of whom are nice people, and they also cost themselves and their fellow dealers tips.

Avoid cross-talk with other dealers. You must focus only on the game and the players. The players don't want to hear you discussing with the other dealers the barbecue you went to last weekend, unless the players are themselves involved in such a discussion with you.

Do not criticize players for their methods of betting.

Root for the players, or pretend to do so; even root for the rotten players. The good players will appreciate that.

If a player is having a bad time let him know you feel for him. "The dice are not treating you well today." Most losing gamblers want sympathy. If a player is having a great session, congratulate him.

Acting... it is all about acting.

I am giving you a free 30-day subscription to my private website at www.goldentouchcraps.com. We have over 5,000 members and the various message boards are loaded with interesting and fun information. Enjoy!

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete