NICCI Robinson has been working in the casino industry for over a decade.
She has worked in most of the top-notch casinos in South Africa, on renowned cruise liners, and in countries as far away as China.
"Many young people are drawn to this job, because of the opportunities to travel the world," explains Robinson.
"I started my career as a croupier (also known as a table games dealer) by responding to an advertisement in a newspaper. I went for an interview, passed a table test, and completed three months' training at the casino.
"Most casinos offer in-house training to matriculants.
"Trainees are also required to undergo strict background checks to rule out past criminal offences or bad credit history.
"Casino croupiers are expected to work very long shifts, so if you're looking for a nine to five job, don't even think about working at a casino! At the start of each shift, the croupiers get allocated a playing table. Throughout the shift, the croupiers rotate tables. This allows croupiers to deal different games at different tables and allows each croupier a few minutes off for a coffee break.
"As a dealer at a casino, you're not only responsible for dealing cards or entertaining guests, you also have to be vigilant and constantly on the lookout for thieves and cheats. Croupiers must have good people skills and know how to read people. We often have to deal with drunken players, who get aggressive when they lose money. It's important to have the ability to take control of a situation.
"Other than travelling and meeting lots of people, you can also study part-time while you're making money. I've worked my way up to a management position at a casino while studying events management. My dream is to have my own events company one day.
"If you ever have the opportunity to enter the casino world, then go for it! It is an easy way to make good money, it's exciting, every day is different. And if you do try this job, and really enjoy it, but feel a bit inadequate or clumsy at first, remember that the art of dealing any casino game is: 'Technique first, speed later'."
People skills are important
NICCI Robinson has been working in the casino industry for over a decade.
She has worked in most of the top-notch casinos in South Africa, on renowned cruise liners, and in countries as far away as China.
"Many young people are drawn to this job, because of the opportunities to travel the world," explains Robinson.
"I started my career as a croupier (also known as a table games dealer) by responding to an advertisement in a newspaper. I went for an interview, passed a table test, and completed three months' training at the casino.
"Most casinos offer in-house training to matriculants.
"Trainees are also required to undergo strict background checks to rule out past criminal offences or bad credit history.
"Casino croupiers are expected to work very long shifts, so if you're looking for a nine to five job, don't even think about working at a casino! At the start of each shift, the croupiers get allocated a playing table. Throughout the shift, the croupiers rotate tables. This allows croupiers to deal different games at different tables and allows each croupier a few minutes off for a coffee break.
"As a dealer at a casino, you're not only responsible for dealing cards or entertaining guests, you also have to be vigilant and constantly on the lookout for thieves and cheats. Croupiers must have good people skills and know how to read people. We often have to deal with drunken players, who get aggressive when they lose money. It's important to have the ability to take control of a situation.
"Other than travelling and meeting lots of people, you can also study part-time while you're making money. I've worked my way up to a management position at a casino while studying events management. My dream is to have my own events company one day.
"If you ever have the opportunity to enter the casino world, then go for it! It is an easy way to make good money, it's exciting, every day is different. And if you do try this job, and really enjoy it, but feel a bit inadequate or clumsy at first, remember that the art of dealing any casino game is: 'Technique first, speed later'."
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