This month I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of our full-time swing-shift dealers, Bill, who is one of the most easy-going and friendly guys I have ever met. I asked him a few questions to get to know him better.

How long have you been at the Venetian?
Since day 1.

How long have you been a dealer and where did you work before?
I’ve been dealing for 20 years. I worked at Harrah’s doing table games, and before that I dealt poker at the Orleans. I’ve worked other places too, but the Venetian is my favorite.

What is your favorite part of your job?
It’s nice and easy, everybody’s cool, and management doesn’t give me a hard time. I’m very happy to be here.

What is your least favorite part of your job?
The not nice players, but that’s only once in a while.

Do you have any hobbies?
Yes. Fishing. Where? Lake Mead. What’s the biggest fish you’ve ever caught? An 18-pound catfish (as he takes out his camera and shows me.)

Do you have any other hobbies?
I used to do a lot: shooting, hunting, shooting pool, and camping, but no more since I got married. She doesn’t like to do them. How long have you been married? 17 years. And I have two kids so there’s not a lot of time for hobbies anymore. Except fishing.

What’s the most unique or unusual thing about you?
I can do a lot of things. I can fix stuff around the house. I went to school to be an auto mechanic so I can fix the cars too.

So, if you’re ever around during swing shift and happen to see the always-smiling Bill, ask him to show you his prized 18-pound catfish picture (which he said was delicious) or maybe he can give you some fix-it pointers.