The 17th European Dealer Championship raises the game. By Peter White
There are few more picturesque places to celebrate the finest in casino talent than the shores of Lake Constance. This summer the serene beauty of Bregenz played host to something truly spectacular. From June 16–18, Casino Bregenz, a jewel in Austria’s casino crown, welcomed the 17th edition of the European Dealer Championship (EDC), a flagship event presented by the European Casino Association (ECA).
But the true spectacle wasn’t the alpine backdrop. It was the extraordinary display of skill, charisma and poise shown by 40 of Europe’s most exceptional dealers, each representing one of 23 countries. The air was charged not only with competition but also camaraderie. Over three exhilarating days, the lakeside venue became the epicenter of elite gaming, drawing a record-setting audience of industry leaders, judges and spectators from across the continent.
Image: Group Winners
A Celebration of the Craft
From flawless chip work to immaculate card handling, from roulette precision to the essential human connection with guests, the Championship was a masterclass in what it means to be a world-class dealer. This wasn’t just about winning. It was about elevating the craft, showcasing the vital role dealers play in shaping the guest experience.
Erwin van Lambaart, chairman of the ECA, summed it up eloquently, saying, “This championship offers a brilliant glimpse into the passion, professionalism and hospitality that define the experiences of guests at our member casinos daily. Our dealers and croupiers are the very essence of the land-based casino industry.”
Image: L2R Erwin van Lambaart, CEO, Casino Austria & Austrian Lotteries and Chairman, European Casino Association, Simon Thomas, Executive Chairman, Hippodrome Casino, Mathew Taylor-Harrison, Dealer, Hippodrome Casino and Stelios Tsapatos, Sales Director Europe, EMEA Light & Wonder
Calm Under Pressure
When the chips were finally down, it was Mathew Taylor-Harrison of London’s The Hippodrome Casino who emerged victorious, claiming the title of European Dealer Champion 2025. With an ice-cool demeanor and razor-sharp technique, Taylor-Harrison wowed the judges with his consistency and poise under intense pressure.
Image: L2R Peter White, Publisher, Casino Life Magazine, Mathew Taylor-Harrison, croupier, The Hippodrome Casino, Murat Salih,
Director Live Table Games, Hippodrome Casino
Joining him on the podium were Christoph Boo of Swiss Casino Zürich (2nd place) and Billy Clarke from Les Ambassadeurs, London (3rd place), capping a banner year for UK talent.
“I loved every minute of the competition,” Taylor-Harrison told Casino Life. “Aside from becoming a father, it was the best week of my life. The hardest thing was the pressure, performing in front of a large crowd and a panel of expert judges isn’t easy. But the support and spirit made it unforgettable.”
Image: Éric Costantini, Technical Director, Societe des Bains de Mer, Monte Carlo Best Slot Team
Each of the top three received cash prizes, €5,000, €3,000 and €1,500 respectively, alongside five individual Skill Challenge awards (€500 each). The latter prizes were for recognizing technical excellence in key disciplines.
A Journey of Dedication
For Taylor-Harrison, the road to Bregenz began in a call center in the UK: “I was between jobs when I went on a holiday to Las Vegas with my dad and sister. I loved the vibe, everyone seemed to be having a great time and I thought, this is the kind of place I want to work. When I got back, I signed up for croupier school in Salford. The rest is history.”
Now a decade into his tenure at The Hippodrome, Taylor-Harrison still remembers the awe he felt walking through the doors the first time. “I didn’t hand my CV in anywhere else. I knew this was the place for me and I still feel that way every time I step onto the gaming floor.”
A Proud Moment for The Hippodrome
Back in London, Taylor-Harrison’s win sparked jubilation. “This has been fantastic for morale,” said Murat Salih, director of live table games at The Hippodrome. “It’s reignited a sense of pride across our team. Mathew’s win is proof that excellence in our industry is not only achievable, it’s recognized and celebrated.”
Salih also praised Taylor-Harrison’s development within the organization. “He joined us over 10 years ago and stood out immediately,” Salih said of the dealing champ. “Not just for his skill but for his openness to learn and ability to make guests feel welcome. He’s also a natural mentor for our up-and-coming dealers.”
Simon Thomas, executive chairman and founder of The Hippodrome, was there in person to witness the moment of triumph. “It was electric,” he enthused. “These competitions are about so much more than technical skill, they’re about composure, interaction and excellence under pressure. Watching Mathew rise to the occasion was incredibly rewarding. It speaks volumes about the caliber of professionals we have here in the UK.”
Image: Maureen Beddis Snr VP Membership & Events American Gaming Association, Korbi Carrison Event Vice President, G2E at RX USA, Barbara Woodo Table Games Floor Manager, MGM with Ed Smit, Senior Enterprise Solutions Manager, Dallmeier in the background
Raising the Bar across Europe
This year’s Championship wasn’t just the largest in EDC history, it felt like a tipping point. From the flawlessly executed events to the vibrant energy and mutual respect on display, the 2025 edition underscored the importance of recognizing dealers as true professionals.
Tiina Siltanen, senior vice chair of the ECA, praised the behind-the-scenes team and jurors. “Their passion and commitment are what make this event possible. The meticulous planning and flawless execution ensured another brilliant tournament,” she said.
Beyond the awards and accolades, the EDC plays a crucial role in shifting perceptions and pushing boundaries. “These championships raise the profile of the profession,” added Thomas. “They highlight the skill and dedication that goes into being a top dealer. And they remind us that while technology may shape the future, the human touch remains at the heart of gaming.”
Looking Ahead
As the sun set over Lake Constance and the final cards were dealt, one message stood out clearly: The European Dealer Championship is not just keeping pace with the evolution of the casino industry, it’s leading the charge.
For Mathew Taylor-Harrison, what’s next? “We need a new sofa,” he laughed. “We bought our first house 18 months ago. Some of the prize money will go towards that … and the rest? A holiday with the family. Maybe a little indulgence, too.”
Well deserved, Mathew.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SPONSORS
The continued success of the European Dealer Championship is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors – a mix of industry leaders who understand the value of celebrating front-line excellence. The ECA extended its appreciation to:
• LIGHT AND WONDER
• ABBIATI CASINO EQUIPMENT
• AGEM
• IGT
• CLS CASINO LOCKING SYSTEMS
• DR GAMING TECHNOLOGY
• ARISTOCRAT
• CAMMEGH
• NOVOMATIC
• MATSUI
• MARTON GAMING
• ICE BARCELONA
• TANGAM SYSTEMS
• TRONIS
• TCSJOHNHUXLEY
• CTC HOLDINGS
• ICSE INTERNATIONAL CASINO
SYSTEMS EUROPE
• CARDS PRINT
• PST SEATING
• MGR CASINO CHAIRS
• SMART ROTA
• GALAXY GAMING
• DALLMEIER
• FENNICA GAMING
• PLAYTECH
Their commitment reflects the wider industry’s belief in the value of the dealer’s role – and their investment ensures that future championships continue to raise the bar across Europe.
