Because of its relatively simple rules, blackjack is almost the most popular and attractive game in casinos. However, it’s impossible to imagine what this game would be without a dealer. A lot of people don’t notice the contribution of dealers in casinos, but they do the most simple yet very important things: they manage games, award winnings, place bets, and deal cards to players. Often, good dealers are simply efficient and well-versed in the rules, not brilliant players themselves. So surely every blackjack enthusiast at least once worried about how much does a blackjack dealer make in Vegas.
Average Blackjack Dealer Salary in Vegas
Because Las Vegas is one of the rare places in the United States with very few gambling restrictions and thus supports a thriving gaming industry, blackjack dealers in the city are among the best in the country. Even then, their base salary isn’t very high. Generally, blackjack dealers in Vegas earn between $25,000 and $65,000 per year. Tips, hourly pay, and full employment impact a dealer’s total annual income.
Lots of people think blackjack dealers are paid fabulous hourly wages. But that’s not true – the minimum hourly pay for these employees is $12. Some casinos suggest about $17, which is the maximum hourly rate limit. $12 an hour isn’t enough for an employee to make a reasonable salary. That’s why casino dealers don’t rely on just a base wage. Tips are the main income of any dealer. The average annual salary for most blackjack dealers is $40,000. This amount may seem impressive in less expensive cities, but not in Las Vegas.
Casino owners are well aware that a dealer’s naked salary isn’t enough. Therefore, they rely on customers to give the blackjack dealer a generous tip. The tip system in casinos is widespread. On holidays or weekends, the dealer can earn great money.
The role of tips
Before you finally draw conclusions about how much does a blackjack dealer make in Vegas, you should understand the role of tips in his salary.
Tipping is almost the main source of income for any dealer. If it weren’t for them, dealers would probably not be able to live so luxuriously in Vegas. On tips alone, dealers can make more than $130 in a single day. And a year on average can be earned on tips about $35,000 a year. Even $55,000 or more isn’t unusual. It all depends on the occasion and how professional you are.
What is the hourly rate based on?
There are three points that can make a dealer ask for a salary increase: prior experience as a blackjack dealer, years of experience in the current casino, and positive client reviews. Gambling establishment owners want their customers to stay there as long as possible. After all, if they stay in the casino for a long time, it is likely that they will spend more money there. A nice dealer will attract customers, razzle-dazzle them, and extend their playing time. Therefore, it is in the owner’s best interest to increase the dealer’s salary to motivate them to work.