Local gaming giant Tsogo Sun was recently dealt the winning hand in the casino industry's Dealer Competition, walking away with the coveted first prize and the opportunity to represent South Africa in the International Casino Dealer Championship, to be held in London later this year.
This was no game of chance, as the dealers displayed their unique skills in casino dealing. The winner of this prestigious competition, which attracted entries from all of the casino groups in South Africa, was Carol Sinuka from Hemingways Casino, East London, who will compete against the most highly-skilled dealers in the world at the International Dealer of the Year at the ICE 2006 in London. The stakes couldn\u2019t be higher, with the chance to win an all expenses paid trip for two to the Global Gaming Exhibition in Las Vagas, Nevada.
Carol was one of five dealers selected by Tsogo Sun through preliminary elimination heats at each of their five properties - Suncoast (Durban), Montecasino (Johannesburg), Emnotweni (Nelspruit), Hemingways (East London) and The Ridge (Witbank). Following an Inter-Unit Final held at Montecasino on 27 September, Tsogo Sun\u2019s top three dealers - Carol Sinuka from Hemingways Casino, Katy Mc Alindin from Suncoast Casino (placed 4th overall) and Devon de Beer from Emnotweni Casino (placed 6th overall) - represented the Group against their industry competitors in the Casino Dealer Competition on 28 and 29 September at TCS John Huxley.
Facing the toughest judges possible -management from competing South African casinos- the 12 finalists in the Casino Dealer Competition were allotted 15 minutes dealing time on Blackjack and Roulette using the latest dealing equipment from TCS John Huxley. They were judged on their professional approach, outgoing personality, good communication skills and, most importantly, the ability to deal with speed, accuracy and style. Judges commented on the dealers "incomparable talen", with each competitor pulling out all the stops to obtain the edge over their rivals.
The winners were announced at a gala function hosted by Montecasino on 30 September attended by the industry's top executives, managers and tables staff, with Carol Sinuka from the sleepy city of East London walking away with first place, with Katy Mc Alindin taking 4th prize.
"The Championship is very well supported in South Africa, with both competitors and casinos endorsing the event. It is rewarding to see dealers receive recognition for their skills and we are very proud to be carrying the flag for South Africa in the international championships in London," concludes Noeleen Bruton, marketing director of Tsogo Sun.