It's a big deal for Blackpool casino ace

Tomas, 27, is based at Genting Club Blackpool on Queen’s Promenade, where he has worked since April, having joined Genting in 2012.

He was successful in the contest’s Northern regional heat and will now pit his skills against eight other dealers in the hotly contested national final on 24 November.

The event will be hosted at the new Genting International Casino at Resorts World Birmingham at the NEC.

Tomas 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 a track of the bets.

“I felt very proud to have been selected as one of the top dealers in the regional heats and I’m very much looking forward to the final.”

The annual competition hails the most talented dealers across 40 casinos. Sixty-five dealers competed in the regional heats. The nine finalists will be judged on style, accuracy in dealing American Roulette and Blackjack against the clock.

Jim Firth, general manager in Blackpool, said: “We have some highly talented people and this competition gives us a chance to celebrate dealers who are at the top of their game. Tomas is a worthy finalist and we wish him the best.”