What Queers Can Expect from a Career as a Croupier in BC
Here is a closer look at what someone who considers themselves a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in BC can expect from a career as a licensed croupier at a land-based or online casino.
The iGaming industry is more inclusive than ever, and there are now more job opportunities as industry leaders continue strengthening their efforts for better representation of the LGBTQIA+ community.
What you need to become a croupier
You must be at least the minimum legal age in your country to become a croupier, which could be 18, 19, or 21, depending on where you live. It would also help if you decide whether you want to be a croupier (aka dealer) at a land-based casino or a live casino dealer at an online casino.
A croupier must have the relevant high school qualifications/diplomas, for example, GED (General Educational Development) and may even need to go to college and take the necessary courses to become a qualified dealer.
You may also need to obtain a valid gaming license (a dealer’s license, which is different to an operator’s license). The exact requirements vary from one country to the next.
Someone in British Columbia (BC), for example, would need a valid gaming license if they intend to work in the gaming industry, such as in a role of a dealer at a casino. In BC, the regulation of gaming is managed by the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (GPEB). You can find a lot of information on their website.
Dealer's License: For roles such as a card dealer or other similar positions within a casino or gaming establishment, a dealer's license is typically required.
Application Process: The process for obtaining a license usually involves submitting an application to the GPEB, undergoing a background check, and possibly providing proof of relevant training or experience.
Training Requirements: There may be specific training programs or courses that an individual needs to complete before they can be eligible for a dealer's license.
Legal Compliance: It is essential to adhere to the regulations set by the GPEB to legally work in the gaming industry in BC.
Renewal and Maintenance: Licenses may need to be renewed periodically, and holders may need to comply with ongoing requirements to maintain their license.
Different from Operator’s License: A dealer’s license is distinct from an operator’s license, which is required for those who run a gambling establishment or organize gaming events.
A successful applicant must pass the relevant background checks and will not have a criminal record, or even, in some cases, just a misdemeanour could ruin your chances of becoming a croupier. You must also be flexible in the hours you are willing to work and expect to receive a relatively low income at the start of your career.
How much can a croupier earn?
The salary of a croupier (or casino dealer) in British Columbia, Canada, can vary based on several factors such as the specific casino, the croupier's level of experience, and whether they work in a traditional or online casino setting. However, I can provide a general idea of the earnings for this role based on the information available as of my last update in April 2023.
Base Salary: The base salary for a croupier in BC typically ranges from around CAD $20,000 to CAD $35,000 per year for entry-level positions. Experienced croupiers can earn higher salaries.
Tips: A significant portion of a croupier's income can come from tips. The amount of tips received can vary greatly depending on the casino's location, the clientele, and the croupier's customer service skills. In some cases, tips can significantly increase the total earnings.
Part-time vs. Full-time: The earnings can also depend on whether the croupier is working full-time or part-time. Part-time croupiers would earn less on an annual basis but may have more flexible hours.
Benefits and Bonuses: Some casinos may offer additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or performance bonuses, which can add value to the total compensation package.
Online Casinos: If a croupier works in an online setting (such as dealing in live dealer games), the pay structure might be different. Online casinos may have different pay scales and tipping policies.
Regional Variations: Wages can also vary within BC, with croupiers in larger cities or more popular casinos potentially earning more.
Whether you are straight or part of the LGBTQIA+ community, there has never been a better time than now to start a career as a croupier.
Where can I find jobs listed?
iGaming operators and many other companies involved in the industry are looking to be more inclusive by employing more people who feel they are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are some suggestions for your job search:
Casino Websites
Many casinos in BC list job openings on their websites. Check out the careers section of websites for major casinos in the province. Examples include River Rock Casino Resort, Parq Vancouver, Grand Villa Casino, and Hard Rock Casino Vancouver.
Online Job Portals
Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and WorkBC often list job openings for croupiers or casino dealers. These platforms allow you to filter your search by location and job title.
Where can I get training?
There are a variety of training programs and schools in BC that specialize in training individuals to become casino dealers or croupiers. These programs typically cover a range of skills necessary for working in a casino, such as handling cards, managing games, understanding casino operations, and providing excellent customer service. Some of these schools or programs may also offer assistance with job placement after completion.
Private Casino Training Schools:
These are specialized schools that offer courses in various casino games and dealer techniques. Programs might vary in length and can be specific to certain casino games like poker, blackjack, or roulette.
Community Colleges and Vocational Schools:
Some community colleges or vocational training institutions in BC may offer programs in casino operations or hospitality, which can include dealer training.
Online Training Programs:
There are also online courses and training programs that can provide the foundational skills needed to become a casino dealer. While these might not be specific to BC, they can be a convenient option.
In-House Training at Casinos:
Some casinos in BC may offer their own training programs for new hires. These programs are typically aimed at individuals who have been offered a position contingent on successful completion of training.
The career of a croupier can be fun, exciting, and extremely rewarding, but it takes a special type of person who is determined to succeed.
What’s the difference between a live dealer casino croupier and a croupier who works at a land-based casino?
Although a live dealer casino croupier and a croupier who works at a land-based casino have almost identical roles, the two jobs are quite different. At a land-based casino, for example, croupiers are face-to-face with the customers/players, but live dealers at online casinos never see or hear the players.
Live dealers can only communicate with players by talking to them down a camera in real-time, which is then broadcast to an online casino that can only be accessed across the internet using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Also, live dealer casinos today tend to have many TV game show-themed live dealer games, which takes an even more zany, quirky, and extroverted/bubbly type of personality, which isn’t to everyone’s taste.
If you are seriously considering starting a career as a croupier after hearing all of the above, remember to be patient, never give up, and always try to be the best at what you do.
You will need to be able to take criticism, have thick skin, be tough mentally, and always be willing to learn new things that will help you become a better croupier.