How Do I Become a Casino Card Dealer?
Dealing card games at a casino is a demanding occupation, requiring dealers to keep the game flowing smoothly while constantly performing mental calculations to provide accurate payouts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Standards (BLS) statistics, casinos employed 91,100 dealers in 2008, and the median annual salary for dealers was $16,310 before income from tips.
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Learn the Game
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You can learn the skills and fundamentals of casino card games from gaming schools and hospitality industry programs in many community colleges. These programs teach the game's rules and procedures, using the same tables and equipment used in casinos. Casino card game courses typically last about four weeks.
Get Your License
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You need to be licensed by the gaming commission of your state before dealing in a casino. License applicants must submit to a background check and drug test, and some states require you be a state resident before they'll issue a license.
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Pass Your Audition
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Practice shuffling and dealing before the audition, because you'll run a live table game and the pit boss you audition for will be assessing your performance. Pit bosses look for dealers who are friendly and personable, keep the game moving at a steady pace and make accurate payouts and collections. Regardless of how your audition goes, thank the pit boss for the opportunity to audition before you leave.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition
- Il Dado: Casino Gaming Schools
- Nick Kallos' Casino Gaming School: How to Audition for a Casino Dealing Job: The Casino Audition
- "VPR News"; In Dicey Economy, Casino Dealers in Demand; Joel Rose, September, 2010
- "The New York Times"; Between Win and Lose, the Casino Dealer; Matt Villand; August, 2007
Resources
- Photo Credit blackjack 1 image by dbvirago from Fotolia.com
