Ever wondered who that person is behind the casino table, handling cards with skill or spinning the roulette wheel? Maybe you’ve seen them in films or TV shows and been curious about their role.
If you’re new to casinos, the term “croupier” might sound unfamiliar, but it’s a key part of almost every table game, both in person and in live online streams.
This article explains what a croupier does, why their role matters, and how standards are maintained so your experience is fair whether you’re in a venue or playing online. Read on to learn more.
What Does a Croupier Do in a Casino?
A croupier is the person who runs table games. You’ll see them dealing cards in blackjack, spinning the wheel in roulette, or handling chips in games like baccarat and poker.
Their role is to explain the rules, manage bets, and keep each round moving at a sensible pace. At the table, they hand out chips, collect losing bets, and pay out winning ones, making sure all bets are placed before the cards are dealt or the wheel is spun. In live online games, real croupiers host via video stream, with similar procedures shown clearly on camera.
If you do decide to try your hand at casino games, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Core Duties of Casino Croupiers
A good croupier keeps the table organised, the action clear, and the outcome of each round easy for everyone to follow. That comes down to two main areas of responsibility.
Card and Chip Handling
One of the main parts of the job is handling cards and chips accurately and in full view of the table. In blackjack or baccarat, cards are dealt in a standardised way so each player receives the correct number, and any burn cards or shuffles are done openly. In chip-based games such as roulette or poker, the croupier exchanges, stacks, and counts chips at the table so players can see what is happening.
You might notice techniques like cutting the deck, using a shoe, or placing chips in neat, visible stacks. In live online studios, the same actions are shown on camera, sometimes with shuffling machines or automatic shoes that have been checked and maintained.
Table Management and Payouts
Croupiers manage the rhythm of each round. They open and close betting at clear points, announce results, and keep track of the order of play. Once a result is known, they calculate and settle payouts based on the game’s rules. In roulette, that means marking the winning number before any chips are moved and then paying the correct amounts; in blackjack, hands are settled in turn so outcomes are easy to follow.
Payout structures can differ by game type, so most tables display the key information or include it in a help section online. Clear communication and consistent procedure make this process straightforward for everyone watching.
How Do Croupiers Keep Games Fair?
Croupiers support fair play by following set procedures that are visible to players. In a bricks-and-mortar casino, actions are performed in view of the table and often recorded on CCTV. In roulette, for instance, a marker is placed on the winning number before any chips are touched. With cards, shuffles and deals follow defined methods, whether by hand or with approved equipment.
In the UK, casinos operate under standards set by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Staff are trained to spot unusual behaviour, follow anti-cheating protocols, and apply the rules consistently. For live online games, the dealing is hosted on camera and specialist software is used to manage results and protect the integrity of each round. If you want to check the details, the game rules and payout information are usually available on the game screen or in a help menu.
Skills Needed to Work as a Croupier
Being a croupier is about accuracy, pace, and clear communication. Strong mental maths helps with quick calculations for bets and payouts, so rounds move without delays. Good hand control matters too, from neat chip handling to clean, consistent shuffling that everyone can see.
Talking with a wide range of players is part of the job. Croupiers explain rules, answer questions, and keep the table focused without influencing decisions. The tone stays professional and neutral so the game remains clear and fair for all players.
Attention to detail underpins everything. Croupiers watch for errors, monitor betting areas, and follow house procedures to the letter. In the UK, training covers both game mechanics and recognising suspicious activity. In live online studios, the same skills apply, with digital interfaces helping to track bets and display results clearly on screen. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.