Poker Massage Therapist Answers Reddit Users’ Questions

How much does a poker massage therapist make? Why is it rare to see the same masseuse twice? How can a massage affect a player? These and other questions were answered by an anonymous Reddit user who worked in casinos and private cash games. We’ve gathered and translated the most interesting responses.

I’m 37 years old. Once or twice a week, I work as a massage therapist at a private game with very wealthy men. The big blind is $1K. Pots can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. What I’m doing isn’t illegal because I’m licensed and I personally don’t break ANY laws. I remove the face rest from my chair and massage them as they play. AMA

— How did you get into being a poker masseuse?

My husband was a dealer. No drugs or arms. Just poker.

— How much do you make?

Around $700 to $900 per night. But, I typically only work one game per week. I used to cater to 3 per week, but it was wearing on me. Then, I opened an office and I’m focusing on that. I love the guys from this last game. They have been friends for 20 years. I’ve been part of the group for 3.5 years.

— Do players hire you independently, or do you work for a fixed rate? In other words, who pays? Does your company have a contract with the casino? Do you have to pay the casino?

Initially, I worked for a company contracted by the casino. The company took 50% of my earnings and split it with the casino. For example, if I made $700, I’d only get $350. I worked just as hard for significantly less.

In private games, I’m an “independent contractor,” and each player pays me directly. Usually, that’s anywhere from $125 to $250 per hour, with an average of $200. The game organizer takes a percentage, usually from $50 to $250. As you can see, working independently is more profitable than working through a subcontractor at the casino.

Please note that masseuses in franchises like Massage Envy or Elements make $20-25 per hour. That’s very little. The company takes most of the profit, and the masseuses are worked to the bone. That’s why you rarely see the same masseuse more than twice. It’s a conveyor belt, and talented masseuses don’t last long.

— What’s the biggest tip you’ve ever gotten?

$1K for Christmas, a couple of times $500. One of my massage managers at the casino once got $8,000 in tips. But typically, I make $200 per hour. But, I charge casino rates and they still give me $200 for an hour, generally. The runner takes his cut. I get the bulk.

— Has any player ever wanted you to be their “sugar baby”?

I’ve received amazing offers, like paying for my kids’ education, taking me to Europe or the Caribbean, or pay of my debt. But I’m married and faithful. Some of my friends have accepted such offers to pay for college. I don’t judge them. But I love only my husband — he’s my soulmate. We run the massage practice together. He has no issues with my work because he knows I love only him.

He took me and my daughter in when my ex was stalking me. He covered my butt so many times. He’s adopted my daughter and we have one of our own. I’m friends with his ex wife and I love her to pieces.

I have CPTSD and my panic attacks can be very intense. He stands by me. He sees me as I am, not as these guys. I mean, I’m friends with some of the guys, but they don’t see my attacks. I can get dark. He holds on, and so do I.

When he lost his job, it was like the Depression, but only for us. We didn’t know what we’d do. I was angry for a long time. But now, I accept that we are doing this together and I accept that the beginning of any venture is difficult. Love endures. 

— Have you ever felt unsafe?

Yes. Once a guy was acting super intense and almost followed me all the way home.

Another gave me a look that would kill because I didn’t follow his exact instructions for the massage. Then told me I was a “good girl” for complying. It’s an icky feeling, but you’re in front of others. He also blew up my phone with romantic messages talking about how we were “going to grow close in our relationship.” He’s not invited back to that game.

A guy cornered me and tried to kiss me on the mouth once. He was old and I felt sorry for him but I dodged him like a ninja, regardless.

— Do you work fully clothed?

Every piece. Unless I come in with a jacket. I do take my jacket off. Lol

I wear a top that might be questionable at work, but would probably pass and I wear leggings with pockets. I always wear supportive tennis shoes. Gotta have pockets cuz I’m a normal human woman.

— Sorry if this is dumb, but do you offer sexual services?

No, it is not. I have stated this from the OP. I also state it in several other responses. It isn’t stupid, you just didn’t take the time to read.

— Does massage make players perform better or worse?

It depends on many factors, no clear answer. I’ve worked with guys who were incredibly lucky, but after a massage, they lost everything. Massage is like alcohol: it affects everyone differently.

— Have you ever seen Phil Ivey?

No, but my husband met him a couple of times. I know two WSOP champions and a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Out of respect, I’ll keep their names private.

— Tony Blundetto, is that you?

(Pokeroff’s note: Tony Blundetto is a character from “The Sopranos” who opens a massage parlor after getting out of prison.)

No, not me, lol.