by Are you willing to make money, and not lose it at the casino tables? You can change your mind and become a dealer at a casino. A casino dealer or a Croupier is someone responsible for handling bets and paying out at a casino. This could include everything from blackjack, poker, roulette, and even craps.
The Education of a Casino Dealer
It doesn’t take a college degree to become a dealer. In just a few weeks, you can receive the training that you require at a dealer school . You may also be able receive training at the casino.
Dealer School
A course in dealer school takes between 8 and 12 weeks. You will be able to pass a test to become a licensed dealer. To be admitted to school, there are some qualifications. You must be at least 18 years old, have a high-school diploma or GED and have not been convicted of any felonies or misdemeanors relating to theft.
Make sure to visit all schools before you make a decision about a casino school . Teachers should either be full-time dealers, or have years of experience in the game. It is important that different teachers don’t teach the same game. Each type should have its own expert. Look for schools that offer hands-on training and job search assistance. Many schools offer assistance in setting up auditions, and even have casino managers visit the school to evaluate students and help them find potential employees.
The following are some of the most well-known dealer school:
- The Casino Institute has campuses in San Diego, El Cajon and El Cajon. It offers training in poker, table games, roulette and poker.
- Casino Career Institute offers training in poker, dice, blackjack, baccarat and roulette. It is located in Florida. These programs cover game protection, detection and prevention of counterfeit money, as well as common cheating techniques.
- Casino Gaming School of Nevada is a great place to start if you are looking to work in Las Vegas. You can learn blackjack, craps and roulette as well as poker, Pai Gow poker and baccarat.
On-the-job Training
If you are interested in becoming a casino dealer, it is best to complete a formal training program. However, there may be some situations where on-the-job training may be possible. This is usually when a new casino is opening. Sometimes, a gaming company may offer on-the job training and placement at one of its casinos. You can search for jobs to find out if any employers offer training.
To become a dealer, you must meet certain requirements
There are many requirements to become a dealer in a casino. Each state has its gaming control Board which regulates gaming licenses. Specific casinos may also have additional standards.
You must be able to:
- Accept on-the job training or pass a dealer audition (if applicable).
- A high school diploma or GED is required
- Do not have felonies
- You must not be convicted of theft-related misdemeanors
- Pass the pre-employment drug screening
- You must be able to get and keep a gaming license. The requirements vary from one state to the next
- Flexibility is key to your schedule, with the ability and willingness to work weekends, nights, and holidays.
Ace a Casino Interview. You’ll need to audition to show your skills, and an interview to showcase your personality. For a professional interview, dress up in the same way you would. You should not gamble when you go to the casino for an interview.
Read More: Craps Table Layout and Casino Staff
How to deal at casinos
After you have gained basic gaming skills through training, and have met the requirements for working at a casino you will need to ensure you have the relevant personal and relational skills to succeed in this job.
Casinos look for the following interpersonal, emotional and physical skills:
- Communication skills: It is crucial to communicate clearly with players and coworkers in order to succeed at a casino. There will be new players, loud music and people who drink alcohol. You’ll be a good representative of the casino if you communicate well and are patient with all people you meet.
- Customer service skills: Customers should have a positive experience with dealers. Someone who is losing money is bound to be upset. The situation could get heated if the person has been drinking or believes they are to blame. Poor play can lead to players blaming others. It is important to keep cool and be composed when dealing with these situations.
- Analytical reasoning ability You’ll need to be able to quickly do the math to find winners and pay out winnings. You will need to be able to spot cheating, tricks or unfair play as part of your job. You need to have a good understanding of the game, and be able to spot if others are trying to scam or collude with you. You will also need to be able to understand the differences between different games in order to advance your career. Blackjack is easy, but poker is more complicated and craps should be reserved for the best dealers.
- Personality: To thrive as a dealer you must be friendly and personable. Tips make up the largest portion of your salary. If you don’t like people, this job is not for you. It is important to maintain people’s interest and keep them having fun, even when they lose. Your success depends on keeping people around your table and keeping your regulars returning.
- Physical stamina. Dealing poker is not a job that can be done on your feet. You’ll need to be able to endure the physical strain of dealing with dealers who don’t work the same game 100% of the time. Standing, reaching for chips and stretching out at the table are some of the tasks you’ll have to do. To avoid any cheating or false moves, you’ll need to keep your eyes open throughout the shift.
Although you can make a lot as a dealer it is hard work. It’s important to keep track of many details and maintain a positive attitude. It all depends on who is at your table.
Are you ready to deal?
Although the base salary of a dealer is not high, tips can often make up for this. Glassdoor states that the average national salary is $37.258. It is easy to get the training you need for this job. If you love the gaming industry, dealing can be a great career choice.
