Love My Job But …By Al O’Grady
Do you like your job? How do you feel about your employer or the overall industry they are in? Do you feel they are ethical? If not, why do you work for them? As a blackjack dealer, I ask myself these questions all the time.
I am not talking about the day-to-day activities of my job; I am talking about the casino industry and how it impacts society. I have issues that I struggle with every day, but I have weighed the pros and cons that allow me to go to work with a clear conscience. Nonetheless, I still have issues that I grapple with and I would like to share them with you, my confession if you will.
No Saint
I am by no means perfect. I am not a saint. I have my flaws just like anyone else. I can swear like a drunken sailor. I am not a drug user. In my college days I could drink a lot but, after becoming a parent doing the porcelain salute is not cool when you have two kids in diapers, so I became a responsible drinker in a hurry.
Now after having two or three beers I want to lie down for a nap.
But gambling remains my vice in life. Even though I deal blackjack, Texas Hold ‘em poker is my game of choice, followed by blackjack and baccarat. I enjoy playing the ponies and have wagered plenty on NFL games. Just as I matured and became a responsible drinker, I also became a wiser gambler, too.
Birds of Prey
Enough about me. What is my problem with the industry? Simply put, it preys upon those that can least afford it. It takes advantage of those that have cognitive-reasoning abilities. It squeezes every penny from someone who has an addiction, which can lead to broken families. Let us look at each case separately.
If I am dealing at a $25 table and a wealthy individual wants some action, it is perfectly normal to see him buy in for $500, $1,000 or even $1,500. I have no problem with this. The man has the means and, if he loses, it is not a big deal for him.
But there is also the guy that is down on his luck with limited means, and this is his last $500 to his name. He has no prospects and this can be the difference between getting groceries or panhandling. Yes, you can make the counter argument that as adults we have freedom of choice and you are responsible for the choices that you make. I fully understand that but, for some, desperate times call for desperate measures and the casino only facilitates that. The question I grapple with is: Are we a net positive or a net negative on society for these people?
Giant Sucking Sounds
Secondly, we as an industry siphon money away from those less intelligent. Let’s face it, there are a lot of stupid people out there and the casino is more than happy to take their money There are players that should know better and make stupid plays, and they do not listen to me when it comes to basic strategy.
Again, I am happy to oblige and take them to the cleaners, but there are those that are mentally handicapped, lacking in cognitive ability through no fault of their own and we as an industry will take advantage of their handicap. We are a government-licensed body and must treat everyone equally, including people with disabilities. But I still have an ethical dilemma taking someone’s money when they lack basic arithmetic skills, such as adding to 21.
In their Cups
Lastly, there are those with gambling addictions. If you are running a bar, it is illegal to serve someone who is intoxicated. Yet the casino industry will take the action of someone who has a gambling problem. The casino industry will say they have self exclusion programs for those that suspect they have a problem or they will run PR campaigns advising people what to do if they have a problem. With the profits casinos make I know they could be doing more. If you are not part of the solution then you part of the problem.
While there are those with gambling issues, many are responsible gamblers and should not be penalized by the minority. There are many players that will bring $300 to $500 to the blackjack table, play basic strategy and let the chips fall where they may. If they win $500, good for them. If they lose, they take it like a man, walk away with their head held high, knowing Lady Luck did not shine on them. I will see them again in a month. That is responsible gaming and a legitimate form of entertainment. What is the problem?
Governments take their cut from casinos. They are complicit. Every $1 it takes means $1 less it needs to tax the public. Those with gambling issues are collateral damage and I, as a dealer, am part of that machine.
In Conclusion
So, if I am so self-righteous, why am I working in a casino? Is that not hypocritical on my part? I too must make choices and I can only control myself. I cannot control the actions of others. When I was in my mid fifties, I lost my job through no fault of my own. I still have debts and a mortgage. What do I do now? I am good at math; I have a gambling streak in me and I interact with the public well. Working in the casino was a natural transition. You must take the good with the bad, recognize the downside and do what is best for your family, even if that means sacrificing your principles.
There is a serenity prayer that has different variations that goes something like this …
God grant me the strength to change the things I can, the courage to realize the things I cannot and the wisdom to know the difference. I pray for courage, strength and wisdom every day.
This is only the beginning of what I dislike about the casino industry. In my next article, I will deal with another issue I have: money laundering.
’Til then, good luck at the tables and do not forget to tip the dealer.
There are also a lot of roulette betting strategies as well as the various casino bonuses but they are for another edition of Casino Life Magazine.
*** This article was originally published in the April 2025 edition of Casino Life Magazine Issue 177***
