Derek Sheridan
Table Games Specialist
Henderson, NV
8 Years as Casino Dealer
About Derek
I spent eight years standing on the other side of the table — dealing blackjack and pai gow at the Rio and Venetian, eventually working my way up to high-limit baccarat where the minimum bets cost more than my monthly rent. I’ve seen people win half a million and lose it back in the same night. I’ve watched card counters get backed off and recreational players get comped suites.
Here’s what I learned: the house always wins not because of luck, but because of math. Most players don’t understand the math. I do — and now I write about it so you can make informed decisions instead of just hoping for the best.
I’m not here to tell you that you’ll beat the casino. You won’t, not in the long run. But I can tell you which games have reasonable house edges, which side bets are robbery, and which online live dealer casinos actually deliver a quality experience. The casino didn’t build those chandeliers by accident — but at least you can go in with your eyes open.
Areas of Expertise
Baccarat
Live Dealer Casinos
Table Game RTP
Pai Gow Poker
Evolution Gaming
Casino Operations
Game Protection
What I Don’t Cover
Slots are not my area — the house edge is too unpredictable and the math isn’t in your favor. I also don’t write about sports betting (different skill set entirely), poker tournaments (respect the game, different world), or crypto casinos (too many unlicensed operators). Stick to what you know, and I know table games.
Industry Experience
Casino Experience
8 Years
Rio, Venetian, Caesars Properties
Games Dealt
6+
Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow, Roulette
G2E Attendance
Annual
Global Gaming Expo, Las Vegas
Highest Limit Dealt
$50K
Per hand, high-limit baccarat
The Personal Stuff
When I’m Not Writing
- Playing recreational poker at local Henderson card rooms
- Collecting vintage casino chips from closed properties
- Making YouTube videos breaking down table game hands
- Meeting dealer friends for post-shift breakfast
Industry Pet Peeves
- Side bets with 10%+ house edge being pushed on players
- Online blackjack with continuous shuffle (every hand)
- “Strategy” content that ignores basic mathematics
- Players who blame the dealer for their losses
“The math doesn’t care about your feelings. Never take insurance — I don’t care what Kenny Rogers said. You’re paying for entertainment; if you accept that, you’ll have more fun.”
Latest Articles by Derek
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Connect with Derek
Questions about table games or live dealer casinos? Reach out through our contact page.
