A CROUPIER hopes to be dealt a good hand of her own when she attends the finals of a national casino dealer competition.

Brighton dealer Nicolaa Goldray, 24, has reached the finals of Genting Casinos Dealer of the Year – making her one of the slickest dealers in the country.

The inaugural event aims to recognise the most talented and skilled dealers across the company’s 40-plus casinos.

Nicolaa has been a dealer for six years and worked at Genting Casino in Brighton for three years.

As a winner of the southern regional heat, she will now go through to the national finals at Genting Casino in Manchester on Friday.

Nicolaa said: “Being a dealer takes a lot of time and practice. It’s not just about dealing the cards, you also need to be quick with mental arithmetic, interact with your customers and keep track of the bets.

“I’ve been doing it since I was 18 and followed in my mum’s footsteps, so I’ve had a fair bit of practice now.

“I’m really looking forward to the finals but I’ll be taking it in my stride and will hope for the best.

“It’s always a good laugh meeting new people so even if I don’t win it will have been a positive experience.”

Only nine finalists go through to the competition’s national final. They will be judged on their style, accuracy and procedures in dealing American roulette and blackjack, together with exercises against the clock.

When quizzed about her favourite casino game to deal in, Nicolaa said: “I think my favourite table would be a busy game of roulette, because it’s fast-paced and you get through it quite quickly, but I’m still enjoying all aspects of the work, which is good.”

Whoever comes out ahead of the pack at this month’s final will sail away with a luxury cruise for two and £500 spending money.