How Much Do Poker Dealers Make? 

“Dealer” by World Poker Tour, CC BY-ND 2.0

Let’s be real — we all see poker dealers as part of the background noise when watching a game. But what if we told you that the person tossing the cards at your $1/$2 table might be making more than the average office worker?

Whether you’re curious about switching careers or just wondering how much money do poker dealers make, we’re breaking it all down — from hourly wages to the juicy tips, and yes, even the dream gigs dealing high-stakes games in Vegas.

💵 Base Salary: What’s the Starting Point?

First things first: most poker dealers don’t make a ton on base pay alone. In fact, their hourly wage is often close to minimum wage, especially at entry-level or tribal casinos.

Let’s look at some real numbers:

So… not exactly baller money. But hold on — base pay is just the tip of the iceberg. Literally.

💸 Tips: The Real Payday

This is where the magic happens.
How much do poker dealers make in tips?
In short: a lot more than their hourly wage.

In most poker rooms, dealers keep tips given by players, and these tips can far exceed base pay. Here’s what it might look like:

A Few Key Factors That Affect Tips:

• Location: Vegas tips tend to be higher due to tourism and higher volume
  
• Shift: Weekend nights = more action = more tips
  
• Table Vibe: Friendly players tip more often
  
• Dealing Speed: Faster hands = more tips per hour
  
• Personality: A dealer with good banter tends to do better
  

So if you’re asking how much poker dealers make in tips, the answer is: enough to make a $7/hour job feel like $30+/hour on a good night.

🏦 Total Earnings: How Much Money Do Poker Dealers Make?

Let’s do some napkin math. A Vegas poker dealer might work 35–40 hours a week:

• Base wage: $7 x 40 = $280
• Tips (average): $25/hour x 40 = $1,000
• Total weekly earnings: ~$1,280
• Annualized: Around $60,000–$70,000+, before taxes

And that’s for mid-stakes dealing.

In smaller rooms or off-peak hours, income can drop to ~$30k/year. But in high-traffic rooms with steady action? $50k+ is very achievable, and top dealers crack six figures.

🃏 How Much Do High Stakes Poker Dealers Make?

This is where things get spicy.
So, how much do high stakes poker dealers make?

In high-stakes rooms (think Bellagio, Aria, or private games in California), it’s not uncommon for dealers to earn over $100/hour in tips — especially when whales are in town and the action is wild.

There are stories (confirmed and… exaggerated) of:

• $500 tips after a huge pot
• $1,000 for dealing a bomb pot correctly
• Getting “cut in” with a flat fee per hour in private games

But there’s a catch:

These jobs are ultra-competitive and often go to dealers with years of experience, perfect mechanics, and — let’s be honest — a solid network in the poker world.

🌎 Regional Comparison: Vegas, Florida, California & Europe

If you’re thinking of becoming a poker dealer — or just love a good location breakdown — here’s how major markets compare:

🎰 Vegas

• Tons of volume
• High tips, especially in tourist-heavy casinos
• Bigger competition for good shifts
• Events like WSOP are goldmines for tournament dealers

🌴 Florida

• Growing scene, especially in Miami and Tampa
• Mid-range tips, but good action
• Slightly lower cost of living helps

🌉 California

• High stakes action (Commerce, Hustler, Bay 101)
• Great tips, but higher living costs
• More strict regulation in some counties

🌍 Europe

• Popular hubs: London, Barcelona, Rozvadov, Dublin, Monaco
• Tips vary — not always customary in every country (e.g., Germany = minimal, UK = standard)
• Dealers often receive higher base salaries than U.S., but less in tips
• Big festivals (EPT, WSOPE) offer strong seasonal earning potential
• Language skills & international dealing certifications are often required

✅ Pros & Cons of Being a Poker Dealer

🧠 Is It a Good Job for Poker Players?

Many semi-pros or grinders consider dealing as a side hustle or fallback. You learn the game from the inside, sharpen your mechanics, and often network with serious players.

But: if your goal is to play full-time, don’t expect to have energy to deal and play. It’s mentally taxing. Still, it’s a solid option if you want to stay close to the game while earning a decent living.

✍️ So… How Much Poker Dealers Make?

How much do poker dealers make? It depends, but a typical range is $30,000–$60,000/year, and in the right room, $100,000+ is not a fantasy.

Base pay is low, but tips are everything. Vegas offers volume. California brings high stakes. Florida is catching up. And if you ever make it into the “nosebleed” dealing circuit — well, you’ll stop asking questions and start stacking chips (indirectly).

❓ FAQ

How much do poker dealers make per hour?

Including tips, $20–$40/hour is common in mid-stakes settings. High-end rooms can reach $100+/hour.

How much do poker dealers make in tips per night?

Typically, $100–$400 depending on shift length, stakes, and location.

Do poker dealers keep their tips?

Usually yes, though in some casinos, tips are pooled or split between dealers.

How much do high stakes poker dealers make?

Top-tier dealers can earn $80,000–$120,000+ annually, mostly from generous tips.

Is being a poker dealer stressful?

It can be — long hours, standing, and dealing with tough players. But for many, it’s worth it.

🔗 Sources:

• https://www.indeed.com/career/casino-dealer/salaries