If you've ever considered stepping into the role of a poker dealer, you're not alone! This position is essential in any casino, and those who are passionate about playing cards may find joy in transitioning to the dealer's side of the table. A successful dealer is knowledgeable about the game, maintains a lively pace of play, mediates conflicts when they arise, and manages the table with a friendly demeanor. poker games Many dealers are avid poker fans and thrive on the energetic atmosphere of the game. Others may not play much themselves but enjoy immersing themselves in the vibrant ambiance created by the players. Regardless of their motivations, a career in dealing can be extremely gratifying.
Noteworthy poker professionals, including Mike Matusow, Scotty Nguyen, and Layne Flack, have all spent time as dealers during their careers. While this position may not always receive the recognition it deserves, events like the World Series of Poker depend on the expertise of hundreds of dealers to ensure that the games run smoothly.
If you're intrigued by the idea of dealing cards, you might be uncertain about how to take your first steps into this field. Here’s a helpful overview to guide you in securing a casino job as a dealer.
It's clear that obtaining a dealer position without any prior experience or training is unlikely. Aspiring dealers must attend an accredited dealer school and actively seek employment. Only after these steps can they obtain a gaming license that legally permits them to deal cards in a casino.
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Learning the Ropes
In most gambling jurisdictions, having a license is a prerequisite for dealers. For example, in Las Vegas, candidates need to receive training before they can acquire a job and subsequently a dealer's permit. In Nevada, the cost of a gaming license is $75 and remains valid for five years. Costs may vary in other states, so it’s advisable to consult each state’s gaming commission. Typically, the responsibility for covering the license fee falls on the dealer rather than the card room or casino.
When it comes to choosing a dealer school, there are many options available, with course fees generally starting around $500. Las Vegas hosts several schools that cover the training for various games.
For example, Chris Tidmarsh from West Coast Dealing School provides an overview of the training process for students aspiring to become dealers. His poker dealing program spans five weeks and includes a total of 100 hours, divided into 80 hours of hands-on experience and 20 hours of classroom instruction.
The training covers a wide range of games, from niche variants like Crazy Pineapple to the more conventional ones. Trainees are taught how to manage gameplay across different betting structures, including no-limit, limit, and pot limit, along with the correct techniques for shuffling and dealing cards according to industry norms.
Tidmarsh emphasizes the importance of addressing every possible scenario and ensuring that each student gains a comprehensive understanding of all poker games, their respective rules, and dealing procedures to manage all types of games proficiently. Texas Holdem , Omaha , and Seven Card Stud According to Tidmarsh, his school's curriculum is extensive, ensuring that students not only acquire the necessary dealing skills but also become well-versed in various games, making them valuable assets to card rooms.
He remarks, \"Becoming a professional poker dealer requires significant initial training. There are currently around 30 different poker games played globally, and mastering all the necessary skills to deal them effectively demands thorough training. Consult this quick guide for insights on the way forward.\"
Such training is crucial in equipping dealers to perform professionally in their roles. It's important for those considering a career in dealing to recognize that the industry's expectations for standards may exceed their preconceived notions of what it entails.
Tidmarsh points out, \"Learning to deal from friends doesn't ensure the best training. If you're serious about becoming a professional poker dealer, investing in formal training is worth it rather than relying on potentially incorrect second-hand advice. Many dealers struggle with fundamental mechanics due to this. Training is a one-time effort, so why not ensure it's thorough right from the start?\" how to deal poker .
If poker dealing is your ultimate ambition, industry insiders suggest that starting with other table games in a casino can often be easier. Once established, one can then shift into dealing in poker rooms and even pursue managerial opportunities if desired. home games .
Jesse Lauer of PCI Dealer School says, \"In the bustling Las Vegas market, while training is accessible, securing a job is quite challenging. It’s straightforward to get a gig at major events like the World Series of Poker or the Planet Hollywood Goliath tournament, but beyond that, the job landscape becomes fiercely competitive.\"
Salary and Job Placement
For those aspiring to deal at the WSOP, they must successfully complete an audition that includes 19 games featured in the series' various tournaments. Successful dealers at the WSOP have the opportunity to earn approximately $15,000 over a two-month event.
Dealing poker can be more than just a full-time job; it can also serve as a lucrative side hustle for those already employed in other fields. Most card rooms offer flexible schedules, making it possible for dealers to work part-time elsewhere or take shifts at multiple venues. This arrangement is particularly beneficial during peak times of the year. Dealers who specialize in table games may also find it advantageous to receive poker training to diversify their skill set or to add extra income by working at another casino.
While landing a poker room position after the WSOP may present challenges, Lauer asserts that his school has no trouble placing well-trained casino dealers in jobs. Dealers Choice He states, \"We boast the highest job placement rates with table games. Quality opportunities arise daily for dealers trained in blackjack, craps, baccarat, and roulette. Many individuals reach out to us regularly expressing interest in becoming poker dealers, but we often encourage them to consider table games, as job prospects are significantly better.\"
Those with a passion for poker are likely to find more opportunities if they first secure a dealer position with games like blackjack, craps, or others.
Outside of the World Series of Poker, competent casino dealers can potentially earn up to $95,000 annually at some upscale establishments. On average, poker dealers can expect to make between $30 and $40 per hour, with earnings possibly reaching as high as $50 per hour in a bustling poker room. However, many dealers may need to gain experience at smaller casinos before securing those more lucrative positions.
It's important for aspiring dealers to understand that a significant portion of their income will come from tips. Dealers who demonstrate a positive attitude and engage well with players tend to earn more.
While your love for poker and the casino atmosphere makes dealing cards seem like the ideal career path, there are several important considerations to keep in mind before embarking on that training journey.
A crucial factor to assess is whether your personality and overall demeanor are suitable for a dealer role. Trainers often advise prospective candidates to focus on ensuring that players have an enjoyable experience, regardless of the game’s outcome—whether they win or lose.
As Lauer comments, \"It's vital for a prospective dealer to evaluate their customer service skills, as tips are a crucial part of being a successful dealer, and tips directly affect earning potential.\"
Working Conditions
Another aspect to reflect on is the work environment itself. The casino can be a demanding setting that involves long hours in dimly lit spaces, exposure to smoke, prolonged periods sitting at tables, and dealing with drunk or unruly patrons. Players who are losing may not always be in high spirits.
Stretching across expansive tables can lead to physical discomfort over time. However, overall, the environment of dealing can be relatively laid-back, provided that individuals entering this field maintain a good level of physical fitness.
Aspiring dealers also need to recognize that strong numerical skills are essential for this job, which they may not have previously considered.
Tidmarsh states, \"Continuously calculating numbers in your mind throughout a shift can be exhausting mentally. Regularly balancing figures can be quite demanding. However, with practice, it does become more manageable over time.\"
If you feel called to the world of cards, there are several pathways to pursue your training. Put on your game face and begin your journey—shuffle up and deal with confidence!
Sean Chaffin is a seasoned freelance writer residing in Ruidoso, New Mexico. His writing focuses on poker, gaming, the casino industry, and a variety of other subjects. You can follow him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions and reach him at [email protected].
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