Why Do They Always Change Dealers When I'm Winning?

I hear this question frequently, as some people tend to think that when they are winning, the casino tries to "mess them up", by doing various things known as applying "heat"... one of the most common being switching the dealer.  In most cases, this simply isn't true.

Most likely what you are witnessing is a scheduled change.  Table games dealers usually get 20 minutes of break-time for every 60 minutes they're on the game.  Depending on the casino and assuming a single dealer for your game (unlike Craps or Baccarat that require more than one dealer), you may see a different dealer every 20 minutes, or one dealer who is there for 60-minute intervals while a second is only there for 20-minute intervals.

Still not convinced?

If you're witnessing a change that you think is not conforming to the above schedule, there are still other explanations.  Sometimes dealers return late from break... perhaps they were eating or something.  Other times, dealers have a restroom emergency.  There are occasions when dealers are being sent home and shuffling of the staff is necessary because not all of the dealers are able to deal the same games.  There are many legitimate reasons for an unscheduled dealer change.

Furthermore, unless it somehow bothers you psychologically, changing dealers doesn't really do anything.  In Blackjack, dealers are typically required to burn a card when coming on to the game, but this can keep a hot shoe hot as frequently as it can turn a hot shoe cold.

However...

I won't lie... I have seen at least one casino try and change the current trend of the table by switching dealers.  This was not my perception or opinion... I heard it straight from the supervisor in charge of the decision who believed that he could "change the shoe" (so that the casino would win) by switching the dealers.  But this happened in a very small casino with a very superstitious manager.  I'm not trying to justify it, or say that it happens frequently in small casinos, I'm just saying that the world isn't perfect.  There's probably a good chance that you will never see something like this happen in the casino you visit.

I think it's fair to assume that most successful casinos (even the small ones) see the big picture.  Your short-term wins are okay because it may lead to your long-term business.  They're not changing dealers to try and jinx you... it's just a part of normal operations.  They won't jeopardize your loyalty by trying to "break your mojo".

Do you have a topic or question related to casino gaming that you'd like to see discussed on this blog?  Send me an email at FogOfGambling@gmail.com and let me know!