Interview with NetEnt Live Dealer Mert

What is your screen name please?

Mert.

How old are you?

31.

What nationality are you?

Turkish.

What languages do you speak?

Turkish, English.

What did you study at school / university?

Cinema.

Have you had any previous jobs, if so what were they?

Call Center Operator, Customer Service, Waiter.

What attracted you to become an online live dealer?

To have a different experience abroad.

How long have you been a live dealer?

1 and a half years.

Can you describe a typical day for you at work?

Firstly we come to work with transport. Then I put my food for lunch in the fridge. I say hello to all my friends and colleagues. Then we head inside the studio. Sometimes we are in for 30 min, sometimes for 1.5 hour. On breaks I am reading books mostly. Beside that I am chatting with friends. In some of my breaks, I am eating in the kitchen and we have nice conversations in there. And then day is over!

What other jobs need doing when you’re not dealing at the tables?

When its needed I help with sorting cards and shuffling, I am always ready to help. I am trying to help the cleaners as much as possible. Taking the cups from upstairs and putting in the machine. Also I am starting the washing machine and when its finished I am taking the stuff out. Usually one of my colleagues is helping me.

Was there anything that surprised you about being a live dealer?

Yeah, how players can be playing at all times of day and night. And how communication can happen in every area and can make you happy.

How important is the chat facility?

Very important, because this is the area we communicate with players.

What sort of subjects do you like to chat about?

I like to chat about movies, books, places, food, philosophy, psychology.

What is the best part about your job?

I love the environment that we have. Different people, different perspectives and very peaceful.

Do you play casino games yourself?

No.

Something about you

If you could choose 7 people to deal blackjack to who would they be and why?

(They can be anyone, alive or dead, famous or not).

• Blaise Pascal – Because he was involved in the invention of Roulette.
• Van Gogh – Could be interesting :).
• Andrei Tarkovsky – I want to meet him.
• Cate Blanchett – I just love her.
• Bill Murray – It will be super sarcastic fun.
• Monica Belluci – You know why!
• Johnny Cash – He is just awesome.

What are your hobbies?

Books, Movies, Writing, Travelling, Playing Games.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

I have none, I just want to travel and see the world.

Do you have any pets, if so what are they and what are their names.

I don’t have any.

If you could be any animal what would you be and why?

Whale, I guess because of Moby Dick.

What sorts of music do you like?

Depends the musician. Queen, Metallica, Radiohead, Björk, Daft Punk, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Nina Simone, Nick Cave, Pink Floyd… So only the good ones…

If you could have a super power for a day what would it be and what would you do?

Time Travelling, I would go to the future for sports bet. And I would win tons of money. Then I would start my project.

You win €10m on the lottery, what is the first extravagant thing you would buy?

A Book.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

A Neckless.

What was the last gift someone gave to you?

A Cellphone.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?

I can’t think of anything.

What was the last thing you purchased?

A Vacuum Cleaner.

Do you have a favourite book/Author?

Martin Eden – Jack London.

Do you have any hidden talents? Is so what are they?

Empathy at a high level.

What is your favourite season and why?

Four Seasons, because I like to live them all.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?

Work and Live in the Call Center 24/7.

What scares you the most?

Being in a cage.

Do you have a favourite food?

Love them all!

What are your favourite sweets?

Künefe.

(A crispy cheese-filled dessert made with kadayıf (kah-dah-YUF’), which is a traditional Turkish shredded wheat dessert with pistachio filling. Künefe is served hot out of the oven so the cheese is soft and stringy).

Tell me something that not many people know about you?

I’m writing poems.

Thank you Mert for an interesting insight into your work.

If you’d like to chat to Mert and find out a bit more you can visit any NetEnt Live Casinos. He’ll be dealing most days.