Author Topic: Treatment of Dealers  (Read 6476 times)

K-Lo

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Treatment of Dealers
« on: December 07, 2011, 11:25:38 PM »
When I was attending a major poker event a few years back, I remember seeing a few occasions where I observed some of the floorpeople taking a tone with dealers at the table that I though was quite rude, and frankly, unprofessional.  Perhaps they were isolated incidents, or perhaps there was some history there.  Or maybe this is more commonplace in events where the Dealers and TDs have not had much of a chance to work together and bond, for example.  Whatever the reason, I found it a bit disturbing. 

I also find disturbing the amount of dealer-bashing from players that I see, which many get away with.  I suppose this has always been there, and largely tolerated, but I do not like where it is going. I personally find this behaviour disgusting.

I treat the job as a TD akin to being a manager of employees.  Good managers make good employees, and employees work best when they feel that they are part of a supportive team.  There will of course be underperformers, but even those can be dealt with in a professional way.  Am I wrong in thinking that we are moving away from this standard?  Is my perception that dealer's are being subject to increasing amounts of unnecessary 'abuse', especially from players, but also from TDs? 

I'd like to think that I'm wrong here and perhaps this is all touchy-feel HR stuff.  I guess I'm curious to know how other TDs get along (or don't) with their dealers and other staff, and whether they perceive that anti-dealer sentiment is growing or under control in general.


Nick C

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Re: Treatment of Dealers
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2011, 09:19:23 AM »
K-lo,
 I would hate to think that dealer abuse is worse now than it was about 30 years ago. I remember horror stories about the way some dealers were treated. I'd like to know what casino your experience occured at. I'd like to think that what you witnessed was an isolated case. I've worked as a dealer, and I've worked the floor and I can understand some frustration when the same dealer makes the same mistakes on numerous occasions. On the contrary to your experience, I was usually there to support and protect the dealers from abuse from players, not floor persons. There are probably times when a dealer needs a "pep-talk" but I'd like to think that would happen in private.
 I have been training dealers for a long time and I try to prepare them for the reaction that some players will have after they "crack" their hand on the river for the third hand in a row! Dealer's should be prepared to take a little heat from player's from time to time but, it's usually short lived, not too bad, and followed with an apology...and sometimes even $$$$.
 Like I said, I hope that's just an isolated case.

Spence

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Re: Treatment of Dealers
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2011, 05:53:49 PM »
I think things are getting better for the most part but I still see issues pop up now and then when I play or from other member of my team. I always try and let them know that their conduct is inappropriate with the public that close. If you need to speak to a dealer do it off the game and away from players. As for the players doing it? There will always be problems. Celebrities seem to be the issue that I see most nowadays. When you get these big headed poker celebs come to your property and start demanding things it can get out of hand. I once had a movie star come to my property and demand a white male dealer in his 20's who has been dealing for at least 5 years and plays as well. We opened a table for him and his friends but he got the dealers in the rotation and not the ones he selected. I was appalled by his behaviour throughout the night and was told that he was later kicked out of the hotel for sexual harassment. Funny story. Got what he deserved. This was a big A-list star as well so I'm impressed with management for handling it so well.