European Casino Association announces 2017 European Dealer Championship at The Hippodrome Casino this May.
The 11th edition of the European Dealer Championship (EDC) will come to London for the first time this May in a hotly anticipated contest taking place at The Hippodrome Casino, Leicester Square.
Organised by the European Casino Association in conjunction with the National Casino Forum, the 2017 championships will take place from 8th – 10th May in the heart of the capital. Housed within the historic former Hippodrome theatre which dates back to 1900, The Hippodrome Casino is the biggest and busiest casino in the UK, providing a compelling backdrop for the prestigious competition which serves to recognise the best in the business.
Launched in 2007, the EDC has grown into one of the premier events in the gaming industry’s calendar and this year will bring together 33 participants from a record-breaking 21 European countries. In a battle to crown Europe’s best of the best, up to two talented entrants have been submitted from some of the biggest casino operators in the industry including ambassadors from Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, San Marino and Sweden to name but a few. Not forgetting UK representation, Jamie Cummins from The Ritz and Stuart McCallum from Les Ambassadeurs will fly the flag for the home nation, following winner and runner up accolades in February’s challenging UK Dealer Championships organised by the National Casino Forum.
31 judges from 21 countries will oversee three main categories: technical skill, game control and hospitality in a fierce knock-out competition over two days to establish the top all round performer. Over the course of the competition, dealers will showcase their talent and skill on two of the most popular casino table games: American Roulette and Blackjack alongside a range of fun activities designed to showcase flair including best chipper, best card handler, best cutting chips, best pushing stacks and best mathematician. All 33 participants from 21 countries will gather on the evening of 8th May for a welcome reception where the lottery draw for the first round groups will take place. The winner’s announcement, prize giving ceremony and celebration party on 10th May will also take place at the famous casino.
Commenting on the upcoming competition, Per Jaldung, European Casino Association Chair said: At the very heart of our industry lies the great customer experience and entertainment that our employees provide on a day-to-day basis. Celebrating this immense skill and talent has always been the key aspect of the EDC and we are proud to organise this year’s edition with the NCF at the prestigious Hippodrome Casino.”
Tracy Damestani, CEO of the National Casino Forum said: “The European Dealer Championships is a great example of international competition; the transferrable skills showcasing mental agility, technical control of the game along with great hospitality and interpersonal strengths is an art form, a piece of theatre, watching these men and women perform is truly entertaining.”
Simon Thomas, CEO of The Hippodrome Casino, added: “Fostering, and celebrating, today’s dealer talent ensures the best possible future for the profession for years to come. It’s vital we recognise the enormous dedication of the dealers who represent the best customer experience of any casino. Good luck to all the competitors, and I look forward to welcoming them to The Hippodrome.”
For more information about the EDC, please head to europeandealerchampionship.com and follow the ECA on Twitter (@ECAssociation) and Facebook (facebook.com/EuropeanCasinoAssociation) using #EDChamp for the latest information on the 2017 EDC.
The ECA would like to thank the EDC sponsors – Clarion, GPI, AGEM, Abbiati, Scientific Games, ICSE, CLS and CTC Holdings – without them this event would not be possible. The ECA is also very grateful for the Hippodrome Casino and its organising team for hosting the EDC this year.
European Dealer Championships 2017 – Contestant Profiles
Name: Jamie Cummins
Country: United Kingdom
Casino: The Ritz Club (Mayfair)
D.O.B: 06.10.1989
Credentials: 9 years’ in the industry. Trained as a dealer in Luton in 2007 before moving to London and taking up positions in Chinatown and The Park Lane Club.
Most memorable career moment? “Winning the UK Dealer Championships in February 2017 at the Playboy Club in Mayfair.”
What is your motivation for taking part in the EDC? “Representing The Ritz Club and showcasing to the rest of Europe what high standards we have here in the UK.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “It can be a really fun environment to work in despite the unsociable hours. We have a
lot of stories.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Stuart McCallum
Country: United Kingdom
Casino: Les Ambassadeurs (Mayfair)
D.O.B: 22.03.1979
Credentials: 19 years in the business, started career in South Africa at Sun International followed by a two year stint in the Isle of Man. Moved home in 2003 and worked in London based casinos ever since.
Most memorable career moment? “Dealing in The World Series of Poker Europe and of course achieving the accolade of 1st runner up in the UK Dealer Championships 2017.”
What is your motivation for taking part in the EDC? “My experience at the recent UK Dealer Championships has given me the confidence to improve and become a better competitor for the European Championships. I am honoured to be representing the UK in this event.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I really enjoy the business. I
enjoy being part of a team, meeting and interacting with customers and
ensuring they have a great gaming experience.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “Being a
croupier is not all about dealing games and having fun. We have to be
very good listeners, show sympathy and empathy towards our
customers as well.”
Favourite discipline: Blackjack
Name: Andrejs Suhoverhovs
Country: Czech Republic
Casino: Pupp Karlovy Vary Casino
D.O.B: 16.03.1983
Credentials: 10 years’ experience in the casino industry.
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I’m always in a good mood.”
Favourite discipline: American roulette
Name: Angel Saverio
Country: Switzerland
Casino: Casino St Moritz
Credentials: 10 years in the business with positions held at Casino di Campione d’Italia, Grosvenor Casino UK, Genting Casino UK and Abbiati Casino Equipment.
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “Understanding customer needs whilst protecting the interests of the company.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “It is a lifestyle choice if you decide to stay in the casino business – you are working with gamblers every day.”
Favourite discipline: American Roulette
Name: Antra Gaike
Country: Latvia
Casino: Olympic Voodoo Casino
D.O.B: 10.09.1984
Credentials: 11 years’ in the industry.
Most memorable career moment to date: “The moment I understood that I am strong! I was dealing really big games and I felt energised, confident and excited.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I have the ability to feel, read
and analyse people around me, that’s why in every situation I can find a
way to solve any issue so that the guest is happy.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Arpad Mezosi
Country: Germany
Casino: Baden-Baden Casino
D.O.B: 20.10.1988
Credentials: Six years’ in the business including positions at Las Vegas Casino (Budapest) and Casino Schenefeld (Germany) before moving to Baden-Baden in 2013.
Most memorable career moment? “In 2015 I became an instructor for American Roulette.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “Being a croupier is not only a job for me, it’s my passion. I always keep calm and polite but I would
define myself as a showman on stage. Sometimes less is more.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “We are called
croupiers only because multitasking ninja is not an actual job title.”
Favourite discipline: American Roulette
Name: Carita Kantti
Country: Finland
Casino: Helsinki Casino
D.O.B: 09.02.1992
Credentials: Almost three years’ in the industry.
Most memorable career moment? “March this year when I took part in the Finnish Dealer Championships and was shortlisted to progress to this year’s European Dealer Championships in London.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I work hard. I am an outgoing and happy person.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “It takes so
much to be a successful dealer. You have to have high levels of
concentration for the mental arithmetic we do on a daily basis.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: David Luijten
Country: The Netherlands
Casino: Holland Casino
D.O.B: 12.06.1991
Credentials: Approximately two years’ in the business.
Most memorable career moment to date? “Becoming runner up in the Holland Casino Dealer Championships.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “When I’m in the role of dealer there is always a big smile on my face. I try to give the guests the best day possible.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “Croupiers work in different shifts which can be very intensive. The job of a croupier is never the same which makes it so special.”
Favourite discipline: American Roulette
Name: Davide Merli
Country: Italy
Casino: Campione D’itaila Casino
D.O.B: 12.04.1980
Credentials: 18 years’ in the industry including positions in the UK and on cruise ships around the world.
Most memorable career moment? “Winning the European Dealer Championships in 2012.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I can recognise immediately the
type of player I have in front of me and can adapt my skills based on their
profile.”
Favourite discipline: Craps
Name: Elvisa Eva Besic
Country: Slovenia
Casino: HIT Casinos, Nova Gorica, Casino Korona
D.O.B: 03.02.1973
Credentials: Started career in 1991 as a chipper, before coming a HIT Casino brand promoter for Slovenia and becoming a croupier in 1993.
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “You need to have excellent intuition skills and remarkably quick thinking.”
Favourite discipline: Blackjack
Name: Emilian Felea
Country: Sweden
Casino: Casino Cosmopol Goteborg
D.O.B: 04.10.76
Credentials: 14 years’ in the business, started career with casinos in Lasi/Romania before working on a cruise ship and then settling in Sweden.
Most memorable career moment? “Having guests come on the cruise ship and remember me from years before because they had such a great experience with the on-board casino.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “People forget we are in the entertainment business and therefore we need to create
unforgettable moments for our guests. The interaction between dealer and
guest is special but professional at the same time.”
Favourite discipline: Craps
Name: Fernando Ivanoff Gomes
Country: Finland
Casino: Helsinki Casino
D.O.B: 13.06.1981
Credentials: 13 years’ in the industry with positions held in Spanish casinos before moving to Helsinki in 2012.
Most memorable career moment? “The chance to participate in the Finnish Dealer Championships and European Championships this year.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I love my job and it shows in the interaction with customers. I give them what I expect as a player and enjoy their game play.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “This job is an
art. My job is my passion.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Georgios Arampatzis
Country: Germany
Casino: Kosntanz Casino
D.O.B: 29.06.1983
Credentials: 10 years’ in the business including positions at Hyatt Regency Casino Thessaloniki, AIDA Cruises and Casino Duisburg.
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “People do not realise that a croupier needs very special technical skills and a lot of security standards.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Gilbert Ho Kang Jou
Country: The Netherlands
Casino: Holland Casino
D.O.B: 11.09.1971
Credentials: 23 years’ in the industry. Started career with three years at the Hyatt Regency & Copacabana Casino in Aruba before coming to Holland Casino, Scheveningen in 1997.
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I’m an entertainer. My smile is my trademark and the casino is my stage.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “It’s the best job
in the world!”
Favourite discipline: French Roulette
Name: Hani Pal
Country: Sweden
Casino: Casino Cosmopol Goteborg
D.O.B: 09.06.1981
Credentials: 16 years’ in the industry, joined Carnival Cruise Lines in 2016 and employed by Casino Cosmopol Goteborg since 2014.
Most memorable career moment? “Being recognised as a role model by my current casino.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I respect everybody no matter how much money they play with. I treat people around me as I want to
be treated.”
Favourite discipline: Craps and Roulette
Name: Jaroslav Jakubisin
Country: Slovakia
Casino: Olympic Casino Slovakia
D.O.B: 14.03.1982
Credentials: 13 years’ in the industry.
Most memorable career moment? “Working for Cruise Life.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “We have to understand all players’ moods and expectations whilst staying professional at all times and giving great customer service and hospitality.”
Favourite discipline: American Roulette
Name: Jamina Marin
Country: Slovenia
Casino: HIT Casinos, Nova Gorica, Casino Mond
D.O.B: 14.01.1983
Credentials: 14 years’ in the business.
Most memorable career moment? “Taking part in the first national poker tournament in our casino in Slovenia.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “A smiley face and lots of energy.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “We are not
just dealers, but also friends and psychologists.”
Favourite discipline: Poker
Name: Jelle Herincx
Country: Belgium
Casino: Blankenberge
D.O.B: 30.11.1989
Credentials: 5 years’ in the business.
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “My people skills and ability to keep calm.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “Customer interaction
is of the utmost importance. Every customer is different
and needs a unique approach.”
Favourite discipline: American Roulette
Name: Joanna Matusiak-Torbinska
Country: Poland
Casino: Casinos Poland Ltd
D.O.B: 05.01.1983
Credentials: 15 years’ in the industry.
Most memorable career moment? “Winning Best Counting Dealer in 2014 and Best Dealer in the Casinos Poland chain earlier this year.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “My job is my passion and I cannot imagine any other job that could bring me as much joy and satisfaction. I have my own style and put my heart into it.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “You need a
combination of features to succeed, not only manually efficient but also a
special emphasis on the behavioural aspects too. The greatest challenge is
to make every single player feel comfortable.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Johannes Lindgren
Country: Demark
Casino: Casino Copenhagen
D.O.B: 19.04.1989
Credentials: Working for nine years in various casinos in Scandinavia.
Most memorable career moment? “My training school. We had a lot of fun!”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “We have more
friends and are better looking than most people!”
Favourite discipline: American RouletteName: Lucas Kreid
Country: Austria
Casino: Vienna
D.O.B: 19.12.1985
Credentials: 11 years’ in the business and senior croupier since 2011.
Most memorable career moment? “One of my most outstanding moments was the day I was dealing blackjack for one of the most famous singers in the world!”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I always make sure my guests
are enjoying their evening, even when they are not winning! I’m able to
quickly assess guests’ personalities and interact with them in the right way.”
Favourite discipline: As a dealer the big baccarat table, as a player craps
Name: Mathieu Leclercq
Country: Belgium
Casino: Viage Grand Casino Brussels
D.O.B: 10.02.1987
Credentials: 10 years working in the business. Graduated as an inspector after three years training.
Most memorable career moment? “Winning the European Dealer
Championships when I only had three years’ experience was a highlight.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I’m a perfectionist. My colleagues
call me eagle eye.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “You are always
watched by someone and judged all the time.”
Favourite discipline: Poker for pleasure, roulette for work
Name: Marta Rudzka
Country: Estonia
Casino: Olympic Park Casino Tallinn
D.O.B: 21.07.1991
Credentials: Over three years in the business with a position held at Olympic Casino Warsaw before moving to Olympic Casino Tallinn in September 2016.
Most memorable career moment? “Winning the Polish Dealer Championships and competing in the European Dealer championships in Breda, 2016.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “The speed of my game.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “The job requires
multi-level attention and flexibility. Most people don’t even know about our
existence!”
Favourite discipline: American Roulette
Name: Paquin Olivier
Country: Luxembourg
Casino: Casino 2000
D.O.B: 19.07.1980
Credentials: 15 years’ in the business, started life as a doorman and began training to become a croupier 9 months later.
Most memorable career moment? “Opening the casino recently and watching Ronaldinho walk in! I was also twice winner of the Spanish championships in Barcelona.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I love this job and it’s a sport to me.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “You have to
embrace working every night – it’s a lifestyle choice.”
Favourite discipline: Texas Hold’em Poker
Name: Patrik Jurala
Country: Switzerland
Casino: Swiss Casino St. Gallen
D.O.B: 23.08.1986
Credentials: 10 years’ in the industry.
Most memorable career moment? “Winning the Swiss Championships two years in a row.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “We are not here to take your money, we’re here to help!”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Petr Kutina
Country: Czech Republic
Casino: Pupp Karlovy Vary Casino
D.O.B: 15.02.1972
Credentials: 21 years’ in the business including positions at Casino Bellevue Marienbad and a stint in the UK at Genting Casinos, Reading.
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “Making sure my customers have a night to remember.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “It can be a psychologically demanding job, requiring the ability to deal with a range of different personalities.”
Favourite discipline: American Roulette
Name: Selina Joy Hager
Country: Austria
Casino: Vienna
D.O.B: 11.05.1986
Credentials: Nine years’ in the industry.
Most memorable career moment? “Dealing a WPT High Roller Final Table.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “Some say it is my prestidigitation.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “We cater to a number of different personalities and sometimes it is tough to keep everyone happy, especially when they are losing money.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Signe Gintere
Country: Latvia
Casino: Olympic Voodoo Casino
D.O.B: 14.08.1990
Credentials: Six years’ with Olympic Voodoo Casino and a dealer trainer for one year
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I love my job and being a croupier.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “People do not realise that being a croupier is not simply dealing a game. It takes a high level
of responsibility and is also a challenging profession for a person’s psychology and character.”
Favourite discipline: American Roulette
Name: Thomas Knudsen
Country: Denmark
Casino: Casino Odense
D.O.B: 18.09.1984
Credentials: 10 years in the business including Dealer 3 qualification (inspector status).
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “I have a good eye for the game and I am pretty secure in everything I do.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “Many people do
not realise how stressful the job can get. Especially on roulette.”
Favourite discipline: Ultimate Texas Hold’em Poker
Name: Trung Hieu Nguyen
Country: Lithuania
Casino: Olympic Casino
D.O.B: 11.10.1992
Credentials: Two years in the business.
Most memorable career moment to date? “Right after I won the local contestant and realised I would be representing Olympic Casino Lithuania in the European Dealer Championships after such a short time in my career.”
Tell us something no one knows about the industry? “This job is not as simple as it looks. Not everyone can handle the stress and pressure coming
from customers. You also need to get to know each customer personally,
their habits and how to handle them. The job is actually a few different jobs
in one.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Vujovic Ivan
Country: Montenegro
Casino: Maestral
D.O.B: 27.06.1983
Credentials: 10 years’ in the business, all at Casino Maestral.
Most memorable career moment? “Working on Final Table of Texas Hold’em poker tournament with a prize of €100,000.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “The ability to balance the needs of
casino standards and customer interaction on a personal level.”
Favourite discipline: Roulette
Name: Wojciech Szyszko
Country: Poland
Casino: Casinos Poland Ltd
D.O.B: 28.05.1987
Credentials: 10 years’ experience.
Most memorable career moment? “Getting 100 points in the International Casinos Poland Dealer professional exam.”
What distinguishes you as a dealer? “Professionalism and service.”
Favourite discipline: Texas Hold’em Poker
