are in charge of only a couple of tables in the pit and report directly to the pit boss. They dress and act like the pit boss, and you typically can’t distinguish between the two without asking. Both of them make sure that proper casino procedure is followed. These procedures include refilling dealer chip racks, monitoring markers, and handing out comps, all while remaining cool and calm.
Dealers
For most people, gambling is a social sport. Because automated games are a more solitary venture, many players prefer the camaraderie of table gaming. Dealers are at the center of this emotional wheel of fun. Excellent customer-service skills are a requirement; after all, dealers stand on the front line when it comes to irate, belligerent, or inebriated gamblers. Even during high-pressure situations, dealers must promote a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
Dealers have their fingers on the pulse of the casino — figuratively and literally. Their hands, after all, deal the blackjacks and the full houses and take the money you lose or pay off your winners. Theirs is a high-pressure job with a demanding audience. Overseeing several players at a table, dealers must be confident in their gambling knowledge. They must know who wins, who loses, and how much to pay out on each hand. Many gamers mistakenly believe that dealers simply shuffle and deal cards, but dealers must also handle dice, chips, and money — accurately and quickly.
Slot employees: The reel dealers
The average American casino makes nearly two-thirds of its profits from its various slot machines. Much is at stake along the rows and rows of jabbering slots and other digital games. Therefore, casinos are diligent when it comes to maintaining and stocking them for long-term play. Just like the pit bosses and dealers who watch over the table games (see the previous section), the staff members assigned to the slot machines — the slot attendants and the slot supervisors — keep a careful eye on their vast realm.
Slot attendants
The person you’re most likely to deal with if you have a problem or question about your machine is a slot attendant. Slot attendants are on constant vigil, ever watchful for the next jackpot or flashing light requesting service. The attendants are the perfect people to ask if you’re not sure how to play a particular machine; they know every bell, cherry, and bar like the back of their hands.
Slot supervisors
The slot supervisor rules the realm of the slot machines, managing employees and overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the machines. The slot supervisor generally has several slot attendants as direct reports. For casual gamblers, slot supervisors normally play a part in your life only if you hit a jackpot that can’t be paid out in coins.
HITTING THE JACKPOT, BABY!
For those rare but exciting payoffs when you defy the gods of gambling and win more than the machine can pay out, a slot attendant — and, in some cases, the supervisor — responds to your flashing machine. The slot attendant arrives with a big wad of cash to ceremoniously peel off the bills, one Franklin at a time, to you, the happy winner. And if the payout is $1,200 or more, you also receive an IRS form (called a W2-G) reporting your win to your favorite uncle — Uncle Sam. (Check out Chapter 4 for more tax-reporting issues.)
Management: Running the tables
In addition to the employees who ensure the smooth-running operations on the floor, a host of other casino personnel contribute to the success of the house. As a beginning casino player, you may not come into contact with any of these people. However, if you do, management employees such as the casino host may become familiar (and friendly) faces.
Casino hosts
Modern casino hosts best resemble a successful hotel concierge: They’re both at your service. Whether dealing with new guests, loyal customers, or high-rollers, the casino host focuses on service, service, and more service.
A typical casino host is an affable and professional employee whose mission is to serve your every need. Hosts are hands-on people who greet VIP guests at the door and pamper them throughout their stay. Depending on the size and popularity of the casino and the thickness of your wallet, a casino host may
Comp your rooms
Arrange for greens fees at the golf course
Get tickets to sold-out shows
Give away free meals
Join the club: The casino host expects you to be a casino loyalty club member before you’re offered many comps. And don’t forget to use your players’ club card whenever you play so the casino can track how much you’re gambling. (See Chapter 20 for more on players’ club cards.)
Express yourself: Don’t wait for the host to find you in the penny slots area; go introduce yourself to the host.
Be loyal: Find your favorite gambling locale and stick to it. Even small-scale visits can make you a valuable customer if they’re repeated regularly.
Just ask: The players who get comps are the ones who ask the casino host. Don’t be rude or demanding; just ask politely and see what benefits you qualify for.
