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Casino Terms Glossary
Dealer — is the casino staff member who operates table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and some poker variants. They take and place bets, deal cards, spin wheels, announce results, pay winners, and enforce rules. In gambling, the Dealer maintains pace and fairness while representing the house in both land‑based and live‑dealer games.

Understanding Dealer
In gambling, Dealer meaning refers to the trained employee who runs a table, applies procedures, and pays or collects bets according to each casino game’s rules. The formal Dealer definition also covers protecting game integrity, tracking action, and communicating house policies and limits. This term matters because a skilled Dealer shapes game speed, clarity of payouts, error prevention, and your player experience. At 101RTP you’ll find trusted casino and slot reviews, guides, our Slot Simulator to test bankroll pace, and a Bonus Value Score calculator to compare wagering value.
Examples of Dealer
Here are common situations that show what a Dealer does at the table:
- Blackjack Dealer: checks for blackjack, offers insurance when allowed, deals hits/stands, and pays or collects per posted rules.
- Roulette croupier (Dealer): spins the wheel, calls “no more bets,” marks the winner, and pays the layout by standard odds.
- Baccarat Dealer: follows the drawing tableau, announces Player/Banker/Tie, applies 5% commission on Banker wins, and handles payouts.
- Poker room Dealer: shuffles, deals, runs betting rounds, manages pots, and calls the floor for rulings in disputes.
- Live casino Dealer: works on camera, interacts via chat, and mirrors land‑based procedures for transparency in real time.
FAQs
What is a Dealer in a casino?
A Dealer is the trained staff member who operates table games, enforces rules, manages chips, and pays or collects bets. While the game math stays constant, the Dealer definition includes protecting integrity and pace so every player sees clear, timely outcomes. This term helps explain how casino tables actually run.
How does the Dealer affect my odds or losses?
The Dealer doesn’t change house edge, but they control speed. Faster dealing means more hands per hour, which can increase expected loss for a player over time. Good procedures reduce mispays and disputes, aiding fair gambling. You can slow down politely by asking questions or taking time with decisions.
Can the Dealer make mistakes, and what should I do if one happens?
Yes, human errors occur. If you spot an issue—wrong payout, missed hit, or misread hand—speak up immediately before the next decision. Keep your hands visible, stay polite, and request a floor supervisor. Surveillance and table logs help fix outcomes according to posted rules and casino policy.
Is a live Dealer different from RNG table games or slots?
Yes. A live Dealer is a person on the casino floor or in a studio; RNG games use software to determine results. Live tables add social interaction, hand signals, and visible procedures, while RNG games prioritize speed and convenience. Dealer meaning emphasizes human oversight and standardized procedures.
Do Dealers influence bonuses, comps, or player tracking?
Dealers record average bet and pace for table ratings, which casinos use to calculate comps; they don’t set bonus terms. Your theoretical loss (avg bet × hands/hour × house edge) drives offers. At 101RTP, we review casinos’ rating practices and explain how to get fair credit without overspending.
Why do rules like “Dealer must stand on 17” matter in blackjack?
Such rules define how the house plays its hand, changing house edge and strategy. Stand on all 17s is generally better for the player than hitting soft 17. Combined with decks, doubling, and surrender rules, they shape expected value. Always check the placard before you wager.
How should a new player interact with a Dealer properly?
Buy in with cash on the felt, keep chips in the betting box, use clear hand signals, and wait for the Dealer to settle prior hands. Tip if you wish. For deeper guidance, 101RTP offers beginner-friendly casino etiquette and live-dealer reviews so you can play with confidence.