How to become a qualified poker dealer in the US

In the United States, a professional poker dealer has many career opportunities. A dozen states have commercial casinos, more than two dozen states have Indian casinos, and the gambling industry is rapidly growing. For many, the career of a professional poker dealer is an attractive option that provides an exciting work environment, flexible schedule, and minimal educational investment.

Casino Dealer Qualifications

The qualifications for becoming a professional poker dealer vary by state and by individual casino. To work in a commercial casino, professional poker dealers will need to obtain an occupational license or permit. Employees must be a minimum age, either 18 or 21, and have not committed a felony or been on probation from a felony for a set amount of time (generally, five years).

In addition to the legal qualifications, professional poker dealers must be responsible, have strong math skills, and be good with people. Professional poker dealers have an important role in a casino. They are expected to keep the game moving, watch that the casino rules are obeyed, and help put new players at ease while maintaining a professional and courteous attitude.

A high school diploma or GED is required for most professional dealer positions. Attending a poker dealer trade school or course of study is good preparation for a beginning dealer. However, certifications from dealing schools are usually not necessary for those with industry experience. Poker dealers will also be expected to pass an audition, which will include dealing the games specified in the job description.

Professional poker dealers often work nights and weekends and will rotate shifts as needed. They are required to stand or sit for long periods. While reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities, poker dealers do need to be able to talk, hear, and see well. Good manual and finger dexterity is also required. Some positions may require working in a smoke filled environment. For positions at Indian casinos, tribal members may be given preference.

In addition to dealing the game, professional poker dealers are responsible for communicating any player irregularities to the Floor Person. This may include reporting arguments or disputes among players or any other relevant information about specific players. Keen observation skills are a must for a professional poker dealer.

Casino careers are highly competitive. New poker dealers will often start out at smaller casinos where they can gain experience and references. While some positions may specifically require a poker dealer, most expect professional dealers to deal multiple games, often including dice and roulette.

Gaming License

To work in a commercial casino, almost all employees need to obtain an occupational license or permit. Employees such as poker dealers who handle money and work on the casino floor will need a special gaming license. The occupational gaming licensing requirements vary by state. Specific information for each state can be found through the American Gaming Association.

Some states require the same license for all casino employees. Other states have a tiered system with different levels for various casino employees. There may be one level for management, another for dealers, money handlers and security, and a third level for all other employees.

Licensing fees vary by state and may require additional costs for fingerprinting or for the initial application. Each state determines how often an occupational gaming license needs to be renewed and the cost of renewal. Application and licensing fees vary greatly. The fees for professional poker dealers range from $20 to $1000.

While specifics vary by state, applicants will need to provide valid identification. This may include a driver's license (issued in the same state), social security card, and birth certificate. A background check will be performed on all applicants and there may also be a formal interview.

Once an occupational gaming license is obtained, it will need to be carried while working.

Casino Dealer School

For beginning poker dealers, casino dealing schools offer comprehensive training and dealer certification. Poker dealer schools are located throughout the United States, though most are located near commercial casinos. The programs of study are often short and some schools offer combination vacation and training packages that include hotel accommodations during training.

Poker dealing schools offer training in all aspects of casino dealing. This includes familiarizing students with industry equipment and etiquette. Many poker dealing schools also offer job placement services. While the schools cannot guarantee employment, they can assist students in finding their first job and provide recommendations.

Courses are generally taught by specific game. Multi-game packages are often available. Becoming a certified dealer for multiple games increases employment opportunities, as many professional dealers are expected to rotate among casino games. The length of study will depend on how many courses are being taken, but often training can be completed within two weeks.

Career Opportunities

In the United States, casinos are a growing industry. According to the American Gaming Association, commercial casinos provide direct employment for over 354,000 people and generate an additional 450,000 jobs in related businesses. Over the past decade, casino jobs have increased by 79 percent.

The American Gaming Association Diversity Task Force has conducted, and continues to conduct, studies on casino employment statistics for job description, race, and gender. These studies have shown that the gaming industry regularly exceeds national workforce averages in employment of minorities and women.

Currently, 12 states have commercial casinos: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota. In addition, 28 states have Indian casinos. Many states are considering expanding legalized gambling in the future, which could include in increase in casinos and table game gambling.

According to Salary.com, the median base salary for a professional poker dealer in the United States is just under $15,000. However, that salary drastically changes when including bonuses and benefits, bringing the median total compensation to around $44,000.

Being in a service industry, the salary of a professional poker dealer will depend largely on the tips earned. Larger casinos will offer higher base salaries and better benefits packages. They also attract players who tend to give larger tips. These positions are competitive and most often go to experienced poker dealers. Additionally, a poker dealer's base salary will also be commensurate with his or her experience.

In the United States, the largest casino communities are found in Las Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey. In either of these cities, positions for professional poker dealers are highly competitive. Positions in large Strip casinos are most lucrative, but rarely go to newcomers.

Beginning poker dealers should expect to start out in small off-Strip casinos, potentially in part-time positions. These local casinos are challenging environments that attract regular patrons instead of vacationing gamblers. They provide excellent experience for professional poker dealers. Most Strip casinos will not consider applicants without previous off-Strip experience.

While newcomers must first begin in smaller off-Strip or out of town casinos, some of these are owned by the same companies who own the large Strip casinos. Poker dealers who do well in these satellite casinos are often able to move into positions at larger casinos after gaining experience. Strip casinos often promote from within.

Tips for Beginning Poker Dealers

When seeking a career as a professional poker dealer, consider the following when applying for positions:

1. Take a training course and practice dealing. Any position will require an audition of dealing skills.

2. Train in multiple games and expect to rotate through table games, roulette, and dice.

3. Start at a small, off-Strip casino. Strip casinos will not consider poker dealers without previous work experience.

4. Provide a resume with previous work history, even if it is unrelated to dealing. A work history that shows few or no gaps in employment and the ability to hold a job for some length of time is beneficial.

5. Bring certifications from poker dealing schools to interviews. Also, bring a written list of references, particularly if work history is minimal.

6. Always tell the truth on applications. Professional poker dealers must be licensed and must pass a background check.

7. Dress professionally for interviews and auditions. Dealer applicants are expected to wear a clean, pressed white dress shirt and black pants, or a black skirt for women. Avoid flashy jewelry.

8. Be courteous and smile during interviews and auditions. Poker dealers are often hired based on their personality. A large part of the job involves providing an enjoyable experience for players.

9. Expect to be asked to take a drug test and to be subjected to random drug testing if hired.

10. Be aware of body language and project a confident image. Managers often meet applicants on the casino floor and watch to see how they act in the casino environment.

There are many opportunities for a professional poker dealer in the United States. Working in a casino is an exciting, fast paced environment for those who are outgoing and enjoy working in a service industry. With a high school diploma or GED, strong math skills, minimal training, and a clean background check, most anyone can start on the path to becoming a professional poker dealer.