Dealers Have to Pool Tips

As reported by the Desert Sun: "Individual tips for table game dealers at the Agua Caliente casinos are now being pooled, and the money shared for distribution in their paychecks.

"While some dealers viewed the move as a step to take a golden nest egg away, David Fendrick, chief operating officer of the two casinos run by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, said the policy to 'pool' table-game tips over a 24-hour period was not meant to be a punitive action.

"Rather, Fendrick said, the pool went into effect for 280 dealers at 4a.m. Tuesday in Agua Caliente Casino and Spa Resort Casino for these reasons:

"Eliminate an imminent IRS audit of table game tips for dealers.

"Provide flexibility in scheduling assignments.

"Increase game speed and improve dealer camaraderie.

"…'For some dealers who've been loyal for 10 years, the news came as a shock,' Fendrick said. 'A few dealers who were used to getting their tips on a daily basis were vocal objectors,' and one even resigned.

"Others understood, he added, because the Internal Revenue Service had informed the tribe it would conduct the audit to update a tip agreement that was put in place years ago at a relatively low rate…"