Dealer
The person who deals the cards. In casino poker, a professional dealer handles the cards. The dealer button determines position and rotates clockwise.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is Dealer?
In home games without a professional dealer, players take turns dealing, with the button marking whoever is acting as dealer for that hand. In casino and online settings, a house dealer shuffles, deals, manages the pot, and enforces game rules and betting procedures. The dealer's position is purely procedural in staffed games, since the button, not the actual dealer, determines betting order.
Examples
A casino dealer shuffles and deals the cards while the button rotates clockwise around the table to mark positional order.
In a home game, each player takes a turn dealing the cards when the button reaches their seat.
Strategy Tips
Understand that the dealer button, not the physical dealer, determines your position and therefore your strategy each hand. In home games where players deal, be aware of information that might leak through dealing patterns, though this is not a concern in casino games with neutral professional dealers. Always confirm button placement before acting, especially in split pots or when players are moved between tables. Respect dealer etiquette and tip appropriately in casino settings to maintain a good table atmosphere.