Life of a Croupier: Casino Myths or Truths?
The scene setters have truly understood the casino environment to the last details. Do you remember casino clubs before the flourishing of online gambling? Bustling movements, smoky air and gamblers in official dress code eager to make their bets are examples that come to mind. The main character, Jack reflects on his life choices – to be a gambler or a croupier? Apparently, the gambler position was of a low class. Also, the movie represents croupiers as the leaders of the stack and completely indifferent for punters. Thus, it was his initial hypothesis in testing his odds against life. Eventually, after having been called by the police to identify the lifeless body of his fiancée, his thoughts lead to a single conclusion: Lion-hearts are often crushed by life. In our experiment, we took out a few provoking statements about the casino life and the job of a croupier to reveal truths and myths observed in the movie.
Code of Conduct in a Land-Based Casino
Croupiers often take night shifts and work endless hours. Furthermore, the conditions can get anyone feeling anxious. Some casinos may forbid relationships between colleagues as it can lead to a conflict of interests. Despite that, we have seen big corporations like Facebook and Google taking dating seriously. Facebook employees have clear rules of the courting game. Once you have been rejected with the excuse – ‘I can’t that night’ – you would be getting a second chance to ask her out. Besides, socializing with gamblers is a sensitive topic. Croupiers are often not allowed to make gamblers friends. Although, there are often cases of croupiers and gamblers collaborating in cheating the casino. But hey, who can resist the enthralling smile of Alex Kingston? We don’t blame Jack Manfred (Clive Owen) for taking a drink with her! On the other hand, online casinos also allow for chit-chat with croupiers, yet, conversations are mostly being monitored.
Croupier’s Training, Salary and Grooming
The training in catching cheats is a very serious undertaking. Right now, some of the burdens of the job are assigned to cameras as their silvery eyes never blink. Still, croupiers must be able to distinguish card counters and past-posters – people making bets after the Roulette ball has already selected the winning number. Over and above, a security expert claims that cheats are often involved in criminal organizations. At first sight, that seems to be the case in the movie. However, it turns out that Jack’s father, although miles away from London, played a terrible joke on him. Though, we definitely admire him for his ‘I know a cheat when I see one’, and it proves to be the case throughout his entire occupation.
Apart from that, we have found out that Jack’s salary is unlikely to match the one his counterparts in the real industry got during the ’90s. He also had to wait for 6 weeks before he got his first weekly wage of £450. The casino was not really one of the most prestigious out there, but his paycheck is equal to the amount of cash a croupier in a reputable casino would be currently offered considering inflation levels. In fact, the medium pay currently averages approximately to £340 a week. Being a croupier is not a lucrative job according to data.
Well, it is not necessary, but yes, some male dealers take care of their physical appearance. Grooming needs to be an essential part of the dealer’s kit. No one likes nails full of fungi collaborating with other bacteria down there. So, Jack absolutely gets points for visiting the beauty salon and getting his manicure done regularly.
“Speed is Volume; Volume is Profit”
This quote must be the slogan of each casino in a hypocrisy-free world. It also relates to various video roulette online titles and other promising speed casino games. And it seems that gamblers know that as well and often tempt croupiers in conversations. According to a report of the Gambling Commission, the speed of roulette table must be no shorter than 80 seconds per spin. Terrifying as it sounds, land-based casinos have installed electronic machines where you can play virtual roulette and palce high stakes for a spinning round only lasting 20 seconds.
A Good Customer is A Persistent Loser
Are you a good customer at your local casino? According to the casino standards, a good customer is a reliable failure! It is the very brutal side of the casino business. Perhaps, misunderstood a little as well. It is true that casinos are the ones paying close attention to their profits better than anyone else. However, it takes great efforts in turning customers loyal these days. And, frequent visits to your favourite casino club can earn you the title of a good customer, just be mindful of your spending.
Quit When You Are Ahead
As shown in the movie, gambling is not a risk-free entertainment. It is often that gamblers fall victim of addiction and mental disorders influencing their relationships and financial resources. Gambling addictions can also lead to suicides and women take about 25% of endangered gamblers’ pie. But do you know what’s a myth you shouldn’t worry about? The oxygen in casinos myth.
Casinos Operate on Dirty Money
Perhaps, some casinos have dark history of money laundering. Although, it does not mean that casinos are irresectable of the laws. However, it is most probable that gamblers target a casino and exchange the cash for chips. Or else, it’s what we read in the news. Thus, money is washed and delivered through an offshore account.
Dealer’s Power Is to Make You Lose
When it comes down to the dealer’s occupation, it has both its hardships and positive aspects. The workplace can be potentially harmful and very likely stressful. Additionally, croupiers must be always mentally present as some players are being very attentive and even plotting distractions. If you consider this profession, read more about over here and our interview with a real dealer. Although croupiers lead the game and keep an eye on meeting casino policies, they are also human-beings who feel empathy for great damages. An UK Croupier claims that despite the losses, he can do nothing about it. He only makes sure that he provides the highest quality of service and standards.
Seemingly, the film introduces a light-hearted attitude towards thoughtful topics. Perhaps, crime rates were amusingly low during the last century and casinos not so vicious in their ways of attracting customers. Protecting yourself from gambling rushes is not a difficult task. Some advices are to keep separate banking accounts and refuse any overdraft tools. Otherwise, you can invest in bonds and other valuable papers that cannot be normally gambled.
Thank you for taking interest in this article.
Stay safe, Ben
