Meet Keith, one of our room “founders.” Keith has been dealing in The Venetian Poker Room since its inception in 2006. Prior to becoming a poker dealer, Keith dealt craps for seven years as well. I caught up with him during our frenzied DeepStack Championship Poker Series and got to know him a bit better.

So, where are you from?
Originally, I am from Michigan and moved to Las Vegas 20 years ago.

Did you come to Vegas specifically to deal?
Actually, I was a riverboat dealer for several years. We would go out on three-hour cruises (like Gilligan’s Island I had to ask, to which he laughed and said yes.) Yes, I was originally a dice dealer, but when the Venetian opened the poker room, I moved to poker. (Keith also met his wife—also a poker dealer—here.)

What is your favorite part of your job?
The benefits are outstanding, and I’ve gotten to meet and know some great people; I’ve made a lot of friends over the years.

What is your least favorite part of your job?
I really can’t think of anything. I’ve been here 20 years, so if I was unhappy, I wouldn’t still be here. Probably the uniforms.

Do you have any hobbies?
Yes, I’m an avid golfer and I caddie for my eleven-year-old son who is amazing. He’s got two world events coming up. I probably spend about five days per week on the golf course.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully retired. Otherwise probably here.