11 December 2008

Nine expert croupiers from Grosvenor Casinos around the UK and Belgium went head-to-head to put their dealer skills to the test on Monday 8th December. Following a number of regional heats and an intense final showdown, Ryan Houghton from the G Casino in Bolton, was awarded the runner-up position of 'Best Grosvenor Dealer 2008'.

Held at the prestigious Grosvenor Victoria Casino in London, the final of the competition tested entrants skills on Blackjack and Roulette against criteria such as chipwork, customer service, communication, dexterity and numeracy.

Ryan, from Farnworth, is a gaming supervisor with over 12 years gaming experience. He has previously worked at the Circus Casino in Manchester, the Colony Club in London and Bonaparte's in Sheffield, and will now go on to represent Grosvenor Casinos in the 2009 British Casino Association National Dealing Competition, competing against other casinos from around the country.

Paul Armitage, Operations Director for Grosvenor Casinos presented Ryan with his prize of £250 and a trophy

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Judge Kevin Grahame, Head of Table Games at Grosvenor Casinos commented: "Our croupiers have to develop a wide range of skills from exceptional mental and hand dexterity to the ability to interact confidently with our customers even when under pressure, all of which adds to the theatre of the customer experience.

"The finalists have consistently demonstrated all of these skills and encapsulate the professionalism that is widespread within Grosvenor and G Casinos. Our winner and runner up were the ones who best held their nerve on the day to allow their talent to shine through."