Page 6

Welsh Recruitment

Welsh Recruitment meets… a Croupier

Janet Miller worked as a professional croupier and is the founder of Professional Croupier Training (PCT), the UK’s first accredited training company in its field.

What inspired you to become a croupier?

To be totally honest, becoming a croupier had never crossed my mind until I walked down the stairs of Kings Casino in Cardiff. Having never been in a casino before, I had no idea what to expect. I pushed open the door to instant fascination! Completely stunned by the excitement that permeated around the gaming floor, the atmosphere of the casino was something that I could never have imagined. The constant click, click, clicking of chips, the whirring sound of the ball spinning around the wheel, and the skills of the dealers had me totally mesmerised. I had never seen anything like it! And I knew without a single doubt right there and then that this is what I wanted - to be a croupier.

What skills, qualifications or experience do you need to work as a croupier?

I think that personality, customer care and people skills are extremely important. Being comfortable and able to converse with people from all walks of life is the key factor to making a good croupier. You also have to have a good head for figures. Be self motivated with an adaptable attitude and take pride in your appearance.
You must not be colour blind or have any criminal convictions.

What is the best thing about being a croupier?

As there are so many good things I can say, I will start with the absolute best thing: the opportunity to travel the world! Being a croupier enables you to fly worldwide, from the Emerald Caribbean to the colourful Indian Ocean, from magnificent Cruise Liners to the glamour and glitz of Vegas. Four out of five shifts will be nights so the day is your own. The working environment is exciting, friendly, and you can converse with the people at your table – although you must keep your conversations to a minimum. It’s definitely not about standing at the table looking aloof or being indifferent. As the job can also be mentally challenging, you do have breaks every hour so you can wind down and relax with your fellow croupiers. You get a real buzz when dealing large games and the excitement that the customers feel, you experience too! You learn other games: you’re moved around the Pit dealing Roulette one minute, Blackjack the next. There’s always something going on that makes you smile or even has you in fits of laughter.

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of being a croupier?

When the casino is under-staffed or short-staffed, you may be asked to work a double shift (16 hours – though not compulsory).
Maintaining a happy disposition and keeping your eyes open during