An Elvis Presley impersonating dealer flips a blackjack to Martin Paquin of Montreal, Quebec, during the unveiling of the Legends Pit at Imperial Palace in September 2003. The lineup of celebrity impersonating blackjack dealers, or dealertainers, includes Elvis, Liberace, Buddy Holly, The Blues Brothers, Madonna, Patsy Cline, Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Ray Charles.
Published Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014 | 10:04 a.m.
Updated Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014 | 11:57 a.m.
The show’s closed for the once-groundbreaking Dealertainer lineup at the Quad.
The approximately 30 dealers and performers who worked the Dealertainer pit at the hotel were reportedly told in a meeting Monday that the program would be ending effective immediately.
The Dealertainer Pit was introduced in September 2003 at the then-Imperial Palace (now the Quad). Those who performed in the Dealertainer Pit were told that they could continue as dealers on a part-time basis.
Over the years, they have performed tributes as Elvis, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Cher, Ray Charles, The Blues Brothers, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Buddy Holly, Bette Midler and other star entertainers.
The performers dealt at a series of blackjack tables on the casino floor in character and also sang (or lip synched) at a small stage in the middle of the pit. Caesars Entertainment officials have not specified what, if anything, is planned to replace the attraction.
Caesars Entertainment issued the following statement:
“Caesars Entertainment can confirm that Dealertainer performances have ended at the Quad. We want to thank all of the individuals who have created memorable experiences for our guests as they paid tribute to favorite stars over the years.
“The Quad has offered all of the current Dealertainers the opportunity to continue employment as dealers at the Quad with their tenure preserved.”
Though they are done at the Quad (the decision to pull the plug also is enforced at all Caesars Entertainment properties), the Dealertainers might live on. At least one other property is said to be interested in exploring the idea of adding Dealertainers to its casino floor.
For the dealing impressionists, it might simply be a case of moving to a new table.
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