The ceiling on solo dealing is your own calendar. The ceiling on running a small dealing team is much, much higher. Once you've got a year or two of reps and a few solid relationships with operators, you can start building a roster.
Who to recruit
The best new recruits are people you've already worked alongside and trusted. Look for dealers who show up early, take coaching, and treat guests well. Skill can be taught; reliability and attitude usually can't.
If you're recruiting from outside your existing network, source from bartender groups, hospitality school programs, and community theater circles. People who are already comfortable in front of strangers ramp up much faster.
Training a new dealer
- Start them on blackjack and roulette. Save craps and poker for after they have 5+ events under their belt.
- Pair them with you for their first two events. Watch every shift. Give specific feedback on the drive home.
- Don't put a new dealer on a high-stakes corporate event without supervision. One bad first impression can cost you a recurring client.
Coordination
A shared calendar and a group chat are the entire stack. Track who's available, who's confirmed for what, and who needs a replacement. Confirm everyone 48 hours before the event, then again the morning of.
Money
Decide upfront whether you're paying dealers a flat rate per event or splitting the booking. Whichever you choose, document it in writing — even just a one-paragraph email — before the first event. Most disputes between team leads and dealers are about money that wasn't clearly agreed upon.
Multi-table events
Once you can reliably staff a 4-table event, you become the call when an operator gets a 100-person corporate booking. Those are the events that move you from side income to real income — often $1,500–$3,000 to your team for a single Saturday night.