Published salary data for casino dealers is notoriously misleading. Official figures from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics show median wages around $25,000-$30,000—numbers that massively underrepresent actual dealer earnings because they fail to capture the full picture of tip income.
The reality is that tips (called "tokes" in the industry) typically make up 50-80% of a dealer's total income. Understanding how dealer compensation actually works is essential for anyone considering this career.
How Casino Dealer Pay Works
Dealer compensation has two distinct components: base hourly wage and tips.
Base Hourly Wage
The hourly rate casinos pay dealers directly is typically modest:
| Market | Entry-Level | Experienced |
|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Strip | $10-$15/hr | $15-$20/hr |
| Las Vegas Locals | $9-$12/hr | $12-$16/hr |
| Atlantic City | $8-$12/hr | $12-$15/hr |
| Regional Commercial | $8-$11/hr | $11-$14/hr |
| Tribal Casinos | $10-$15/hr | $15-$20/hr |
| Cruise Ships | $0-$5/hr | $0-$8/hr |
Note: Base wages vary significantly even within the same market. Union properties typically pay higher base rates. Cruise ships often pay minimal base wages but provide free room and board.
Tips (Tokes)
Tips transform modest base wages into competitive income. How tips work varies by property:
Pooled tokes (most common):
- All tips from all games during a shift go into a pool
- Pool is divided equally among dealers who worked that shift
- Creates consistent income but limits individual earning potential
- Most Las Vegas Strip and major properties use this system
Go-for-your-own (increasingly rare):
- Dealers keep tips received at their specific table
- Creates wider income variation between dealers
- Rewards high-energy, engaging dealers
- More common at smaller properties and poker rooms
Hybrid systems:
- Some properties pool within pit areas but not property-wide
- Creates middle ground between consistency and individual performance
Understanding "Toke Rate"
Dealers often discuss their income in terms of "toke rate"—the hourly equivalent of their share from the tip pool.
How it's calculated:
- Total tips collected during shift period
- Divided by number of dealer-hours worked
- Results in an hourly "toke rate"
Example:
- Day shift collects $15,000 in tips
- 50 dealer-hours worked during that shift
- Toke rate = $300/hour... wait, that's wrong
- Actually: $15,000 ÷ 50 = $300 per dealer for the shift
- For an 8-hour shift: $300 ÷ 8 = $37.50/hr toke rate
What affects toke rate:
- Day of week (weekends higher)
- Time of year (holidays, conventions, major events)
- Property and clientele
- Table game volume and limits
- Economic conditions
Real Income by Market
Las Vegas Strip Properties
The Las Vegas Strip represents the highest-earning market for casino dealers, though significant variation exists between properties.
Entry-level dealers (0-2 years):
- Base: $10-$15/hour
- Toke rate: $15-$35/hour (varies by property and shift)
- Total: $50,000-$80,000 annually
Experienced dealers (3+ years):
- Base: $15-$20/hour
- Toke rate: $25-$50/hour at premium properties
- Total: $70,000-$120,000 annually
Factors affecting Strip income:
- Property tier matters enormously (luxury vs. budget)
- Day shift typically earns more than swing or graveyard
- Weekends and special events spike income
- High-limit dealers may be on separate toke pools
Las Vegas Locals Casinos
Properties catering to Las Vegas residents (Station Casinos, Boyd Gaming, etc.) offer more modest but still solid income.
Typical income range:
- Base: $9-$15/hour
- Toke rate: $10-$25/hour
- Total: $40,000-$65,000 annually
Locals casino characteristics:
- More consistent volume (less seasonal variation)
- Lower table limits mean smaller tips per player
- Higher volume of regular players who tip consistently
- Often better schedules than Strip properties
Atlantic City
The Atlantic City market has contracted significantly but remains viable for dealers.
Typical income range:
- Base: $8-$14/hour
- Toke rate: $12-$25/hour
- Total: $35,000-$60,000 annually
Market considerations:
- Fewer properties mean fewer job opportunities
- Strong union presence (higher base wages, better benefits)
- Seasonal variation (summer busier)
- Cost of living lower than Las Vegas
Regional Commercial Casinos
Casinos in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Mississippi, Colorado, and other commercial gaming states offer moderate income potential.
Typical income range:
- Base: $8-$13/hour
- Toke rate: $8-$20/hour
- Total: $30,000-$55,000 annually
Regional considerations:
- Cost of living often much lower than major gaming markets
- Purchasing power may equal or exceed Vegas earnings
- Less competition for positions
- Often stepping stone to larger markets
Tribal Casinos
Tribal gaming properties vary enormously—from massive resort destinations to small community casinos.
Large tribal resorts (Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, San Manuel, etc.):
- Base: $12-$18/hour
- Toke rate: $20-$40/hour
- Total: $55,000-$90,000 annually
Smaller tribal operations:
- Base: $10-$14/hour
- Toke rate: $8-$15/hour
- Total: $30,000-$50,000 annually
Tribal casino considerations:
- Benefits often excellent
- Some offer tribal member bonuses or profit sharing
- Rural locations may limit housing options
- Strong properties rival or exceed Strip income
Cruise Ships
Cruise ship dealing represents a unique employment model.
Typical compensation:
- Base: $0-$800/month (yes, that low)
- Tips: $1,500-$3,500/month
- Room and board: Included (significant value)
- Net value: $35,000-$55,000 annually (including room/board value)
Cruise considerations:
- No housing costs during contracts
- Save a higher percentage of earnings
- Extended time away from home (4-8 month contracts)
- Good entry point for building experience
- See the world while working
Income by Game
Different games produce different tip income. Dealers who work multiple games see averaged results, but game specialties affect career earning potential.
Craps
Craps consistently produces the highest tips among pit games.
Why craps tips more:
- Exciting, social game creates generous atmosphere
- Winning streaks affect multiple players simultaneously
- "For the boys" bets (tips bet for dealers) are cultural norm
- Complex game rewards skilled, personable dealers
Craps income premium:
- Craps-proficient dealers typically earn 10-30% more than blackjack-only dealers
- Properties with strong craps action are particularly lucrative
Blackjack
The most common game offers solid, consistent income.
Blackjack income characteristics:
- High volume of tables means plenty of positions
- Tips vary more by property than by individual dealer
- Consistent, predictable income at pooled-toke properties
- Side bet games may generate additional tipping opportunities
Baccarat
Baccarat offers access to high-limit play and wealthy international players.
Baccarat income factors:
- High-limit baccarat can be extremely lucrative
- Mini-baccarat at lower limits similar to blackjack
- Cultural factors affect tipping (some international players tip less)
- Access to high-limit rooms increases overall earning potential
Roulette
Roulette produces moderate, consistent income.
Roulette income characteristics:
- Slower pace than blackjack
- Spectators and social atmosphere can encourage tips
- Chip color-up tips are common
- Fewer tables mean fewer dedicated roulette positions
Poker
Poker dealers operate on a different compensation model.
Poker room income:
- Tips based on pot size in cash games
- Tournament fees include dealer gratuities
- More individual variation (not pooled with pit)
- Can be highly lucrative for skilled, fast dealers
- Income swings more dramatically session to session
Typical poker dealer income:
- $40,000-$80,000 annually in major rooms
- Top dealers at prestige properties can exceed $100,000
- Tournament series provide income spikes
Income by Shift
Shift assignment significantly affects earnings at most properties.
Day Shift
Income characteristics:
- Typically highest toke rate
- Premium play during afternoon/evening hours
- Most desirable shift (awarded by seniority)
- Weekend day shifts particularly strong
Swing Shift
Income characteristics:
- Second-highest earnings typically
- Busy evening hours capture good play
- Weekend swings rival day shift income
- More accessible to less senior dealers
Graveyard Shift
Income characteristics:
- Lower volume means lower tips
- Fewer players tipping during late night
- Often where new dealers start
- Some dealers prefer the quieter pace
Entry-level reality: New dealers typically start on graveyard or swing shifts. Day shift positions open through seniority. Patience and reliability eventually yield better schedules.
Benefits Beyond Wages
Health Insurance
Most major casino properties offer health insurance:
- Medical, dental, vision typically available
- Employee contributions vary by property
- Coverage quality ranges from basic to comprehensive
- Part-time dealers may have limited or no coverage
Retirement Plans
Common retirement benefits:
- 401(k) plans with varying employer match
- Pension plans at some union properties
- Deferred compensation options at larger companies
Additional Benefits
Common casino employee benefits:
- Free or discounted meals
- Free parking
- Employee discounts on property amenities
- Complimentary show tickets
- Vacation and sick time (increasing with seniority)
- Tuition reimbursement (some employers)
Union Representation
Union properties (common in Las Vegas and Atlantic City) often provide:
- Higher base wages
- Stronger benefit packages
- Job security protections
- Defined grievance procedures
- Seniority-based scheduling
Income Growth Over Time
Year 1: Breaking In
Typical first-year income:
- $30,000-$50,000 at break-in casinos
- $40,000-$65,000 at better properties in major markets
First year realities:
- Less desirable shifts (graveyard, early morning)
- Limited game selection (usually one or two games)
- Building skills and reputation
- May need to work part-time initially
Years 2-5: Building Experience
Income growth factors:
- Better shift assignments as seniority builds
- Additional games learned increases flexibility
- Moving to higher-earning properties becomes possible
- High-limit certification at some properties
Typical income range:
- $45,000-$75,000 at mid-tier properties
- $60,000-$100,000 at premium properties
Years 5+: Established Career
Long-term earning potential:
- Day shift positions at premium properties
- High-limit room access
- Specialized games (baccarat, craps)
- $70,000-$120,000+ at top properties
Career advancement options:
- Floor supervisor positions ($50,000-$80,000 + benefits)
- Pit manager roles ($70,000-$120,000)
- Continue dealing with optimal shift and property placement
Factors That Affect Your Income
What You Can Control
Game proficiency:
- Learning craps increases earning potential significantly
- Multiple games create scheduling flexibility
- Specialty games (baccarat, pai gow) add value
Property choice:
- Applying to higher-toke properties when qualified
- Willingness to relocate to better markets
- Strategic career moves as experience builds
Reliability:
- Perfect attendance accelerates seniority
- Flexibility in scheduling earns opportunities
- Professional reputation opens doors
Player relations:
- Creating enjoyable table atmosphere
- Building rapport without being obsequious
- Maintaining composure in all situations
What You Can't Control
Economic conditions:
- Casino revenue directly affects tip pools
- Recessions reduce discretionary spending
- COVID-19 demonstrated vulnerability to external shocks
Property decisions:
- Toke pool changes
- Shift restructuring
- Table game mix changes
Luck:
- Which dealers are at tables during big wins
- Which shifts happen to have hot players
- Random variation in tip behavior
Comparing Dealer Income to Other Careers
Equivalent Education Level
For careers requiring no college degree, dealing compares favorably:
| Career | Typical Income |
|---|---|
| Casino Dealer (experienced) | $50,000-$100,000 |
| Retail Management | $35,000-$55,000 |
| Restaurant Server (upscale) | $40,000-$70,000 |
| Skilled Trades (early career) | $35,000-$55,000 |
| Administrative/Clerical | $30,000-$45,000 |
With Similar Training Investment
Dealer school (8-12 weeks, $1,000-$3,000) compares to:
| Training | Duration | Cost | Typical Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealer School | 8-12 weeks | $1,000-$3,000 | $50,000-$100,000 |
| Bartending School | 2-4 weeks | $200-$600 | $25,000-$60,000 |
| Cosmetology | 9-12 months | $10,000-$20,000 | $25,000-$50,000 |
| CDL Training | 3-7 weeks | $3,000-$7,000 | $45,000-$70,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the income data accurate, or do dealers exaggerate?
Both accurate reporting and exaggeration exist. The figures in this guide represent realistic ranges based on industry norms. Individual results vary based on property, shift, seniority, and market conditions. The wide ranges reflect genuine variation rather than uncertainty—a graveyard dealer at a budget property and a day shift dealer at a luxury Strip resort genuinely have vastly different incomes.
Do dealers report all their tip income for taxes?
All pooled tokes are automatically reported since the casino distributes them via paycheck. "Go for your own" tips have more reporting variability. The IRS has audit programs specifically targeting tipped employees who underreport. The risk-reward calculation increasingly favors accurate reporting.
How do tips work during slow periods?
Slower periods mean lower tip pools and reduced income. This creates seasonal variation—summer in Vegas, winter in Atlantic City, and economic downturns everywhere reduce dealer earnings. Experienced dealers budget for this variation rather than assuming peak earning periods continue indefinitely.
Can I support a family on dealer income?
Dealers at mid-tier or better properties regularly support families. Income in the $50,000-$80,000 range provides comfortable living in most markets, especially when accounting for benefits. Single-income families in expensive markets like Las Vegas may find it tighter but still viable. Dual-income households with one dealer often do very well.
What's the income potential if I eventually move into management?
Floor supervisor positions typically pay $50,000-$80,000 with benefits but no tips. Pit manager roles range $70,000-$120,000. Director-level positions exceed $120,000 at major properties. The trade-off is that management pays salary rather than tips—a guaranteed income but often less than what top dealers earn.
How has dealer income changed over the years?
Dealer income has generally kept pace with or exceeded inflation at premium properties. The industry consolidation has reduced some opportunities, but the growth of gaming (more states, more properties) has created others. Technology hasn't displaced dealers the way it has some other hospitality roles. The fundamental appeal of human dealers to gamblers remains strong.
The Bottom Line
Casino dealing offers legitimate middle-class to upper-middle-class income potential without requiring a college degree or years of training. The path is straightforward: complete dealer school, earn your gaming license, start at a break-in casino, build experience, and progress to better properties and shifts.
Realistic expectations for someone committed to the career:
- Year 1: $30,000-$50,000 (break-in property, less desirable shifts)
- Year 3: $45,000-$70,000 (better property, improving shifts)
- Year 5+: $60,000-$100,000+ (premium property, good shifts, multiple games)
These figures assume a dealer who shows up reliably, maintains professionalism, and strategically advances their career. The ceiling is higher for those at luxury properties on ideal shifts, while the floor is lower for those who remain at entry-level properties.
For complete guidance on entering this career, see our How to Become a Casino Dealer guide.