Pit Boss in Blackjack

A pit boss (or floor supervisor) is a casino employee who oversees multiple blackjack tables. They monitor games for irregularities, handle disputes, approve large bets, and watch for advantage players.

What Pit Bosses Do

  • Verify large payouts and transactions
  • Handle player disputes (misdeals, rule questions)
  • Approve comps (free meals, rooms)
  • Monitor for cheating (by players or dealers)
  • Watch for card counters and other advantage players
  • Manage dealers (breaks, rotations)

What Gets Their Attention

Pit bosses watch for patterns that suggest card counting:

  • Large bet spreads (minimum bets, then suddenly large bets)
  • Playing deviations (unusual strategy changes)
  • Winning too much over extended periods
  • Moving lips (counting out loud)
  • Entry mid-shoe when the count might be favorable

For Recreational Players

Pit bosses aren't a concern if you're playing basic strategy at normal bet sizes. They're mainly focused on protecting the casino from significant losses and ensuring fair play.

If a pit boss approaches you, it's often just to offer a player's card or check if you need anything—not because you're in trouble.

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