Poker dealers rarely get the recognition they deserve. Make a mistake, and everyone notices. Do everything perfectly, and nobody bats an eye.
It's time to change that. I'm helping put together a competition that gives some of poker's hardest-working people a chance to show off their skills, earn a little cash, and finally get some well-deserved applause.
We're calling it the Dealer Olympics, and it will take place at Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton, Oregon. Dealers will shuffle up and compete from 9:30am on Thursday, November 12, with the winners crowned on Saturday, November 14. Dealers can sign up at Tri-Cities Poker.
It's a thankless job
I want to highlight this because, in my opinion, dealers are kind of like the movers we all hire.
Let's say I pay somebody to move a grand piano up nine floors. Two things can happen. Either they do it perfectly and nobody bats an eye, or they leave a little scratch on the side and get all the blame.
It's much the same with poker dealers. The best ones are just doing their job, day after day, and rarely get any recognition for it.
Of course, when dealers make mistakes, players are quick to point them out. That's the kind of stuff that players bring to my attention during a series. It's rarely, "Wow, this dealer at table 41 is doing an incredible job. Give him a raise."
If a dealer makes any sort of mistake – missing an angle shoot, announcing the wrong bet or pot amount, counting a stack incorrectly, or not pressing the button on the action clock quickly enough – you can bet I'll hear about it.
Dealing can be a thankless job, even when you're at the top of your craft. It's time to recognize the best in the game.
Let the Dealer Olympics begin
The Dealer Olympics will help shine a light on some of the industry's most underappreciated people.
Dealers will compete in basic dealing skills, including card-pitching and chip-counting competitions, with cash prizes provided by sponsor Desert Bluffs Casino.
I also want to encourage players to recognize their dealers and praise them when they're doing a good job. It doesn't take much, and it can mean a lot.
And a big shout-out to Wild Horse Casino and Desert Bluffs, particularly Chris Johnson, for supporting the competition. Thanks also to Jeremy Maddern and Wild Horse Casino for letting us hold the event at their property.
Okay, that's enough praise for today. Let’s get back to work!
Justin Hammer is the Live Events Director for PokerAtlas, an online tournament director for the Texas-based poker app Hijack, and a tournament director at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. He also works as a consultant and is a minority owner of Desert Bluffs Casino in Kennewick, Washington.
For more info visit PokerAtlas.com, HijackPoker.com, and bluffs.poker. Follow Justin on X.
