Typically casino dealers are not allowed to have tattoos, especially if large or potentially offensive. Some casinos are less strict and dealers can have visible tattoos as long as management believes they do not hurt the casino’s image or reputation.
The appearance of a casino dealer should always be as discreet as possible. Dealers should look smart, but professional, and tattoos aren’t usually an example of that.
If the tattoos can be covered (for example, by the casino uniform, or by long hair), then it probably won’t be an issue.
Tattoos on hands, face, or any other visible body part, on the other hand, could definitely prevent a dealer from being hired by a casino, and cover ups with makeup are usually not allowed.
Casino dealers: personal appearance
Anything that looks unprofessional or offensive can affect the casino’s image.
Of course, this includes staff appearance, which is why virtually all casinos have rules about it, although some are more flexible than others.
What we wear and the way we look influence how others see us, whether we like it or not.
An elegant but discreet appearance conveys a positive impression to customers.
This is especially important in casinos because the atmosphere plays a big role — people visit casinos not just to gamble, but because the atmosphere is unique and that alone makes for a great night out.
Besides covering tattoos, or not having any visible tattoos at all, casino dealers may be required to follow certain rules regarding what to wear.
Let’s have a look at the most common recommendations…
Jewellery
Any type of jewellery that may make it easier to hide chips, or cheat in any way, will usually be discouraged or forbidden. An example of this is watches.
In general, casino dealers may wear jewellery at the company’s discretion, but anything too colorful or flashy will probably be a no-no.
I personally think it’s best for casino dealers not to wear jewellery anyways, simply because it makes it harder to deal.
I mean, earrings or necklaces are probably fine, but watches and bracelets of any sort won’t be that comfortable when you’re dealing cards or spinning a roulette wheel.
Piercings
Much like tattoos, piercings that are visible are not allowed in most casinos (ear piercings may be an exception).
Unfortunately, even the most discreet piercings can look unprofessional, and personally I’ve never seen casino dealers wearing them.
Again, different casinos have different rules, but I seriously doubt management would allow them.
Hair
Any hairstyle that looks too strange or stylish, in a bad way, will usually be discouraged or forbidden.
I’ve seen at least two dealers being told off by management because of a new haircut — one of them was a guy with a faux hawk who eventually had to shave his hair off to keep his job as a dealer.
Also, hair color should look natural. Colors like bright green, pink, or blue probably won’t be allowed if you work as a dealer.
Footwear
No blackjack player is ever going to stare at your shoes (if anything, they’ll stare at the shoe) but footwear should look professional nevertheless.
Casino dealers usually have to wear black formal shoes. “Smart” black shoes will probably be fine, but trainers are not allowed.
Other rules and recommendations
Casino dealers must present themselves in a smart and professional manner, and look their best.
The uniform must be clean, and ironed before the shift.
When no uniform is provided (this may be the case for freelance poker or casino dealers), then it’s best to choose elegant, sober clothes, ideally black and/or white.
Dealers should never chew gum, scratch their hair, bite their nails, or do anything that may look unprofessional, at best, or just plain gross.
And yes, that’s true for all jobs. But it’s especially important for casino dealers.
