Letter: Why tip food handlers, but treat dealers rudely?

Thursday, June 25, 1998 | 11:46 a.m.

I'm a blackjack dealer, and believe me when say I appreciate every 50 cents to a dollar I can get.

But to say we make lots of money is wrong. After taxes, 401 (k) and other debts to Uncle Sam, our checks are nothing. We as dealers make minimum wage.

And to say that a waitress should always receive a tip, now I understand it: She gives you food, refills your glass or whatever, while a dealer has to stand there, while you blow smoke in our faces, talk nasty to us or better yet hear that famous line "You're a house dealer."

By all means don't forget to spit on us, either, while we stand there and take your $1 tip. We try to always be polite, while a waitress can easily tire of you and walk away like they so often do.

So, when you sit there with your $5 bet always remember, you have the option of getting your butt off of that chair and going to a different casino, a different dealer or changing your attitude. I vote for the first option.

Carol L. Kenner