Dealing a great hand

by Alex Wellman

A casino is dealing the community a great hand as it strives to become a beacon of the area.

Paddington Casino in Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, is taking it upon itself to show people there is more to life than just gambling behind its doors.

A thriving and eclectic mix of staff and clients pack in to dispel the myths of Martini's and Aston Martin's and the casino is now looking for people to become croupiers and join their growing staff.

Shellie Diable, 20, from Orpington, herself a croupier, said: "I have worked here nearly three years now and I can honestly say that it is just a wonderful job.

"I originally took it as I was thinking about university but now I am here I absolutely love it.

"When you talk about croupiers most people think of James Bond and tuxedos but it's not really like that.

"What we have here is a real community and a great bunch of people. I have made so many friends working here that sometimes it does not feel like work."

The casino is now running a four week training school to get people up to scratch and involved in the team.

Needing only to be over 18, free of convictions and having had a Criminal Record background check, people learn all the different games and gel as a team on the course.

Ms Diable said: "You learn so many skills here and the prospects to move on are just fantastic. You can work your way up to cruises and end up seeing the world. I could not recommend it highly enough for young people."

If you are interested in becoming a croupier or would like to now more email Hayley.joseph@ladbrokes.co.uk or call 020 32 38 1000.

alex.wellman@archant.co.uk