What Casino Dealers Notice That Players Never Do

Casinos are busy entertainment centers. Various people with diverse motives and desires visit. But, amidst the multiple things happening at once, casino dealers pay attention to every detail, many of which players do not even realize. A good casino dealer isn't just good at dealing games but also highly observant.

In this article, we will highlight six occurrences in casinos that dealers notice, but players do not.

Casino Intelligence: 6 Things Dealers Notice That Players Don't

When a player stops having fun and starts chasing

Casino dealers know the exact moment a player stops having fun and starts chasing losses. Some players find it difficult to admit that they are playing aggressively, not as a strategy but to recover losses, which often ends badly.

Here is a story from a Reddit thread titled "Stories from 12 years of Casino Industry."

At this property, we open 24 hours for table games. It's currently 5 AM, and I'm dealing $25 Blackjack to this player. He's probably in his early thirties and a heavyset guy. He's sober as can be, but right away I can tell he's been losing. We know how much you've bought in for, how much you're up or down, and I could see he was down $ 2,000+. After about twenty minutes of pure losing, his temper starts to flare. At this point, I now have two other guests at my table. Drinking coffee, not saying a word, just losing their money. After losing hand, after hand, this guy looks me straight in the eye, seized up, starts shaking, he can't move. He tries to punch towards me and smashes his stack of chips all over the place and falls backwards to the floor. I called security; we cannot touch him due to liability concerns. I can't move from my table because, well, liability/casino cash property; all I can do is try to talk to him.

This is a compelling story. However, note one of the dealer's statements: "But right away I can tell he's been losing." While many may think of this as "intuition," it isn't! It is often a result of training and keen observation that players would miss.

Casino dealers recognize a player whose gameplay goal has shifted from playing for a win to a desperate need for one. The heavyset player's desperation to recoup his losses triggered his emotions, and he became irate. Despite the tantrums, the dealer remained professional and maintained focus.

How often players apologize to the table

Casino dealers take note of how often players apologize to the table. New players, particularly those new to table games, usually make mistakes or inadvertently violate unwritten etiquette. They apologize, saying "sorry" to others at the table. However, interrupting games can be considered disrespectful. It can change the game's flow, which dealers do not appreciate.

Also, frustrated players sometimes apologize excessively to mask their true feelings. Dealers monitor such occasions, as they often result from losing streaks. Therefore, dealers try to understand why a player frequently apologizes and how to address the situation.

When a "lucky ritual" quietly replaces basic strategy

For a long time, "lucky rituals" such as rubbing a rabbit's foot, holding a four-leaf clover in the left hand, and sitting at a specific spot have been a part of gambling culture. While not condemned, the purpose of these practices, whether to boost confidence or cause a supernatural moment of winning, is often questioned.

No doubt, there are moments of coincidence. However, in table games such as poker and blackjack, which require strategy, lucky rituals are largely irrelevant. An account on Reddit with the username "Showerthoughts" posted 8 years ago, saying, "The best evidence that lucky charms don't work is that casinos let you walk in the door with them."

Casino dealers know when a player quietly replaces basic strategy with a "lucky ritual" quietly. These players rely on whatever charm they bring, ignoring the use of a strategy chart. Of course, players' beliefs are respected, but in casinos, lucky rituals don't work. The dealer is aware but will remain silent.

When the player doesn't see the odds listed on the table layout

Table games often have various wagers, each with varying payout odds. Dealers can spot when a player does not see the odds listed on the table layout by their wagering pattern. Or when the player asks how much something pays, and the answer is right in front of them, on the casino laout. However, they hope the player will ask questions about the game's rules and payouts. Dealers are trained to explain these details to players.

Where the cocktail waitress is in her rotation, and how soon she will get to the table

Dealers multitask during gaming sessions. As they ensure the game table is set up correctly and gameplay is error-free, they track the cocktail waitress's location and can estimate how soon she will arrive at the table.

One way casinos keep players comfortable and engaged is by offering drinks. Dealers know how far the cocktail server is from the table with empty glasses. They signal to the waitress to ensure players are served.

Which players will tip, and those who will not

Casino dealers are experts at identifying which players will tip them and which will not. It's only a kind gesture to tip a dealer who has done a good job. Yes, they are employed; tipping them is a form of appreciation.

By observing players' wagering patterns, responses to wins and losses, and overall attitudes at the game tables, dealers can identify those who will offer tips. Also, contrary to popular belief, dealers prefer players to win. A cheerful and friendly player who wins will tip more.

Final Thoughts

Casino dealers are competent and well-trained. They monitor everything happening at their table and in the surrounding area. While you may think they are clueless, they know what is happening and will do their work professionally.