Dealer

Detailed Explanation

A dealer is the casino staff member responsible for running a table game. Depending on the game, the dealer shuffles and distributes cards (blackjack, baccarat, poker), spins the roulette wheel and releases the ball, or manages the dice in craps. Dealers are trained to execute game procedures precisely and impartially, and to explain rules to unfamiliar players.

In blackjack, the dealer plays their own hand according to fixed rules: they must hit on 16 or below and stand on 17 or above (though some casinos require dealers to hit soft 17). The dealer's upcard — the one face-up card visible to players — is central to every strategy decision a player makes. Knowing the dealer's upcard is the foundation of blackjack basic strategy.

Dealers are typically supervised by a pit boss who monitors game integrity and handles disputes. In casinos where tipping is culturally accepted (particularly in the United States and Australia), players often tip dealers when winning, either placing a bet on the dealer's behalf or handing over a chip.