3rd annual ECA European Dealer Championship in Malmö

Brussels, 28 April 2009 – The 3rd ECA European Dealer Championship took place from 21–22 April 2009 in Casino Cosmopol in Malmö, Sweden, with 30 of Europe’s top dealers from 19 countries travelling to Malmö to demonstrate their skills and craftsmanship at the Blackjack and American Roulette tables – two of the world’s most popular table games.

The exciting final of the two-day ECA Dealer Championship 2009 saw six participants (five women and one man) pitching their professional skills against each other and was won by Marjolein Clarijs, 35 years old, from Holland Casino Breda, who was delighted to be awarded first prize. “I feel so excited to have won. It’s a great compliment for my 13 years of work as a dealer and croupier. I’ve never been to Las Vegas, so this is a great opportunity for me. It’s one of the places you have to see if you are in this profession.” Second place went to Matti Kankainen from Grand Casino Helsinki, closely followed by Carmen de Lange from Holland Casino Rotterdam.

This year’s championship, which was sponsored by Novomatic, TCS John Huxley, Fournier, ICS Europe, GPI and CARD Shuffle Master, saw an international panel of 29 judges monitor the contestants closely as they demonstrated their skills at the Blackjack and American Roulette tables. Dealers were judged in a range of categories, including hospitality and communication skills, technical expertise, discretion and control of the game.

Participants enjoyed the friendly atmosphere at the competition and appreciated the opportunity to learn from each other as well as the social interaction within the group. “Malmö has shown us what hospitality and friendship is all about. It has been a memorable experience that has required superb organization in a real team effort”, said ECA Chairman Ron Goudsmit, praising this year’s hosts. Per Jaldung, Director of Casino Cosmopol expressed his pride in holding the championship: “We want to thank the ECA for holding the event at Casino Cosmopol. It’s been a great honor for us to have been the host.” Casino Cosmopol, located in the heart of Malmö in the city’s beautiful “King’s Park”, is an ideal venue offering excellent facilities and international flair.

Launched in 2007, the European Casino Association’s (ECA) annual European Dealer Championship has already firmly established itself as a highlight in the European gaming calendar. The championship provides European dealers with the opportunity to showcase their high levels of professionalism and promote best practices in creating a welcoming, fun, safe and fair environment in European casinos. The date and location for the EDC 2010 will be announced soon.