Casino dealing offers a unique career path that combines customer service, entertainment, and the potential for strong earnings through tips. Unlike most jobs where income is capped at an hourly wage, dealers at busy properties can earn $50,000 to $100,000 or more annually when tips are factored in.
This guide covers everything needed to break into the industry: requirements, training options, the audition process, and what to expect in those crucial first months on the job.
Is Casino Dealing the Right Career?
Before investing time and money into dealer training, it's worth understanding what the job actually demands day-to-day.
Personality Traits That Lead to Success
The best dealers share certain characteristics that make them well-suited to the role:
Comfort with repetition. Dealing the same game for eight hours requires genuine contentment with routine. The hand motions, the phrases, the procedures—they repeat hundreds of times per shift.
Genuine enjoyment of people. Dealers interact with strangers constantly. Those who thrive actually like meeting new people and can find something interesting in almost anyone who sits down.
Emotional steadiness. Players win and lose significant money. Some celebrate loudly, others get upset. Dealers need to remain even-keeled regardless of what's happening at the table.
Quick mental math. Calculators aren't allowed on the floor. Payout calculations happen in real-time, often under pressure, with players and supervisors watching.
Manual dexterity. Chip handling, card manipulation, and game procedures require coordinated hand movements that become second nature with practice.
The Physical Reality
Casino dealing is physically demanding in ways that aren't immediately obvious:
- Standing for extended periods. Most shifts involve standing 6-8 hours with limited sitting. Quality footwear becomes essential.
- Repetitive motion. The same hand movements repeat thousands of times per shift, making proper technique crucial for avoiding strain injuries.
- Smoke exposure. While some properties have gone smoke-free, many casino floors still allow smoking. This is a dealbreaker for some people.
- Noise levels. Slot machines, crowds, and music create constant background noise that can be fatiguing over long shifts.
- Temperature fluctuations. Casino floors are climate-controlled but can vary. The area near kitchen exits might be warmer while spots near entrances can be drafty.
Schedule Considerations
Casino hours don't align with typical 9-to-5 schedules:
- 24/7 operations. Casinos never close, meaning shifts can start at any hour.
- Weekends and holidays. These are the busiest times, and new dealers typically work them. Seniority eventually brings better schedule options.
- Swing and graveyard shifts. Entry-level dealers often start on less desirable shifts before earning day shift positions.
- Rotating schedules. Some properties rotate dealers through different shifts rather than assigning fixed schedules.
Honest Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Income potential significantly exceeds most hourly jobs
- No college degree required
- Relatively short training period (weeks, not years)
- Social work environment
- Career advancement opportunities into supervision and management
- Transferable skills work at casinos worldwide
Disadvantages:
- Income varies with business levels and tipping culture
- Dealing with intoxicated or rude customers
- Working while others are celebrating holidays
- Physical strain from standing and repetitive motions
- Smoke exposure at many properties
- Initial jobs may be at less desirable properties or shifts
Requirements to Become a Casino Dealer
Age and Legal Requirements
Minimum age varies by jurisdiction but is typically 18-21 years old. Most major gaming markets require dealers to be at least 21.
Gaming license is mandatory in all regulated jurisdictions. The process involves:
- Background check covering criminal history, credit history, and employment verification
- Fingerprinting
- Application fees (typically $50-$200)
- Processing time ranging from 2-8 weeks depending on jurisdiction
Background check considerations:
Certain issues can disqualify applicants or require additional review:
- Felony convictions (particularly theft, fraud, or crimes involving dishonesty)
- Recent misdemeanors
- Significant debt or bankruptcy
- Previous gaming license revocations
- Associations with individuals involved in illegal gambling
The specific disqualifying factors vary by state. Some jurisdictions evaluate applications case-by-case rather than having absolute disqualifiers.
Skills Needed Before Training
While dealer school teaches the technical skills, certain baseline abilities make training easier:
Math fundamentals. Quickly calculating payouts like 3:2 blackjack, 35:1 roulette, and various odds payouts is essential. Practice multiplying and dividing by common betting amounts ($5, $25, $100) without a calculator.
Customer service experience. Any background in hospitality, retail, or food service provides useful foundation skills for player interaction.
Basic card handling. Familiarity with shuffling and dealing cards, even at an amateur level, provides a head start in training.
Manual dexterity. Chip cutting and card manipulation require hand-eye coordination. Some people naturally excel at these physical skills; others need more practice.
Paths to Becoming a Casino Dealer
Casino Dealer Schools
Dedicated dealer schools remain the most common entry path into the industry.
What training covers:
- Game rules and procedures for 2-4 games (typically blackjack, craps, roulette, and/or poker)
- Chip handling and cutting techniques
- Shuffle procedures
- Payout calculations
- Game protection and security awareness
- Customer service and table etiquette
- Audition preparation
Duration and structure:
- Blackjack-only: 2-4 weeks
- Multiple games: 8-12 weeks
- Classes typically run 4-6 hours daily, 5 days per week
Costs:
- Basic programs: $500-$1,000
- Comprehensive multi-game programs: $1,500-$3,000
- Some schools offer payment plans or financing
Choosing a school:
Look for schools with:
- Job placement assistance and casino relationships
- Realistic practice equipment (actual tables, not simulations)
- Instructors with recent casino experience
- Curriculum covering games in demand locally
- Reasonable student-to-instructor ratios
- Positive reviews from graduates who actually got hired
For more details, see our Casino Dealer School Guide.
Casino In-House Training Programs
Some casinos train dealers internally, which eliminates tuition costs but comes with trade-offs.
How to find these programs:
- Check casino career pages for "dealer trainee" or "dealer apprentice" positions
- Look for new casino openings, which often hire and train large classes
- Cruise lines frequently train dealers from scratch
- Smaller regional casinos sometimes prefer training to compete with larger properties for experienced dealers
What to expect:
- Paid training (though often at reduced rates)
- Commitment to work at that property for a specified period
- Competition for limited spots
- Training schedule determined by the casino's needs
Pros:
- No tuition costs
- Guaranteed job upon successful completion
- Training on the actual equipment and procedures you'll use
Cons:
- Limited game selection (often just one or two games initially)
- May require relocation
- Less schedule flexibility during training
- Obligation to remain at that property
Alternative Entry Points
For those facing barriers to traditional paths, alternatives exist:
Cruise ship dealing:
- Lower barriers to entry; some lines hire and train beginners
- Room and board included
- Opportunity to build skills and experience
- Limited land-based casino licensing requirements
- Different lifestyle considerations (extended time away from home)
Smaller regional casinos:
- Less competition for positions
- May accept less polished auditions
- Often provide additional training after hire
- Stepping stone to larger properties
Charity and party dealing:
- Casual dealing at charity events and private parties
- Builds basic skills and comfort level
- Networking opportunities
- Won't replace formal training for serious positions
The Audition Process
Landing a dealing job requires passing an audition where supervisors evaluate dealing ability.
What Casinos Look For
Technical proficiency:
- Smooth, confident dealing motion
- Accurate payouts calculated quickly
- Proper shuffle and deck handling
- Correct game procedures
Personality:
- Friendly, engaging demeanor
- Ability to handle conversation while dealing accurately
- Professional appearance and communication
- Composure under observation
Potential:
- Coachability (how you respond to correction)
- Attitude and enthusiasm
- Reliability indicators (punctuality, professionalism)
Common Audition Formats
Mock table audition:
- Deal to evaluators acting as players
- Handle various scenarios they present
- Duration typically 15-30 minutes per game
Group audition:
- Multiple candidates evaluated simultaneously
- May rotate through dealing and playing positions
- Comparison against other candidates
Working audition:
- Trial shift on an actual floor (less common for entry-level)
- Supervised dealing to real players
- Evaluation of performance under real conditions
Preparation Tips
- Practice until procedures are automatic, not just memorized
- Time yourself on payout calculations
- Have someone critique your dealing and give unexpected scenarios
- Prepare professional attire (typically black pants, white dress shirt)
- Research the specific property's game variations and procedures
- Arrive early with all required documentation
For comprehensive audition preparation, see our Casino Dealer Audition Tips.
Your First Job as a Dealer
Understanding "Break-In" Casinos
Not every casino hires inexperienced dealers. The industry has a hierarchy:
Break-in casinos hire new dealers and provide additional training on the job. These are typically:
- Smaller properties with lower table minimums
- Casinos in less competitive markets
- Properties with high turnover needing constant staffing
- New casinos opening and staffing large numbers of positions
Why starting at a break-in casino matters:
- Opportunity to make mistakes while learning
- Lower pressure than high-limit rooms
- Time to develop speed and accuracy
- Building the experience required for better properties
Realistic First-Year Expectations
Income:
- Base pay: $8-$15 per hour depending on market and property
- Tips vary dramatically by property, shift, and time of year
- First-year total income often ranges $30,000-$50,000
- Top earners at premium properties can exceed this significantly
Schedule:
- Expect weekends, holidays, and less desirable shifts initially
- Rotating schedules are common for new dealers
- Part-time positions may be the only option initially
- Seniority eventually brings better shift options
Learning curve:
- First few months are challenging as procedures become automatic
- Speed increases significantly with repetition
- Comfort with players develops over time
- Additional games can be learned after mastering the first
Building Skills and Reputation
The first year is about proving reliability and building a foundation:
- Perfect attendance matters more than anything initially
- Accept every shift offered to demonstrate commitment
- Learn additional games as opportunities arise
- Build relationships with supervisors and fellow dealers
- Maintain impeccable grooming and professionalism
- Document your hours and experience for future applications
Choosing Which Games to Learn
Different games offer different career paths and income potential.
Blackjack
Why it's often the first choice:
- Simplest procedures to learn
- Most tables at most casinos (more job opportunities)
- Foundation skills transfer to other games
- Good starting point before adding complexity
Career considerations:
- Can deal blackjack only for an entire career
- Adding other games increases earning potential and options
- Blackjack-only dealers may face limitations at some properties
For detailed guidance, see Working as a Blackjack Dealer.
Craps
Why it's worth the effort:
- Higher average tips than most games
- Fewer dealers know it (competitive advantage)
- Engaging, exciting game to deal
- Strong craps dealers are always in demand
Career considerations:
- Steeper learning curve (3-6 months to become proficient)
- Physical demands (leaning over table, stick handling)
- More complex payout calculations
- Some find it the most rewarding game to deal
For detailed guidance, see Working as a Craps Dealer.
Roulette
Why learn it:
- Different skill set from card games
- Visual appeal and player interest
- Moderate difficulty level
- Adds versatility to dealing resume
Career considerations:
- Fewer roulette tables than blackjack at most properties
- Specialized skill in chip sorting and payout calculation
- Some dealers find the pace either appealing or monotonous
For detailed guidance, see Working as a Roulette Dealer.
Baccarat
Why it's valuable:
- High-limit game with wealthy players
- Strong tip potential
- Growing popularity in US casinos
- Cultural knowledge adds value
Career considerations:
- Some properties require baccarat experience for high-limit rooms
- Simpler dealing procedures than blackjack
- Different player expectations and etiquette
- May require learning mini-baccarat and big baccarat
For detailed guidance, see Working as a Baccarat Dealer.
Poker
Why it's different:
- Players tip based on pots won, not house money
- Separate poker room operations at most casinos
- Different licensing in some jurisdictions
- Tournament dealing opportunities
Career considerations:
- Different career path than pit games
- Pot calculation and game integrity skills
- Handling player conflicts
- Some prefer the poker room atmosphere
For detailed guidance, see Working as a Poker Dealer.
Carnival Games
Why they matter:
- Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Pai Gow, etc.
- Often dealt alongside blackjack
- Additional games increase flexibility
- Some have player-friendly tip opportunities
Career considerations:
- Usually learned after mastering blackjack
- Varies by property which games are offered
- Adds versatility for scheduling
For detailed guidance, see Working as a Carnival Games Dealer.
Career Advancement
Dealing isn't necessarily a dead-end position. Career progression paths include:
Senior dealer positions:
- High-limit rooms with better tip potential
- Specialty games or exclusive areas
- Training new dealers
Supervisory roles:
- Floor supervisor (floorperson)
- Pit boss / pit manager
- Shift manager
- Director of table games
Related positions:
- Table games instructor
- Gaming school instructor
- Surveillance
- Casino host
For detailed information, see Casino Dealer Career Paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a casino dealer?
The timeline from decision to first shift typically spans 2-4 months. Dealer school runs 4-12 weeks depending on the number of games learned. Gaming license processing adds 2-8 weeks depending on jurisdiction. Job searching and auditions can take additional weeks, though some start immediately after training.
Do I need a college degree to become a dealer?
No degree is required. Casino dealing is one of the few careers offering strong income potential without higher education requirements. What matters is passing the gaming background check, completing dealer training, and demonstrating proficiency in an audition.
Can I become a dealer with a criminal record?
It depends on the offense, timing, and jurisdiction. Each gaming commission evaluates applications individually. Minor offenses from years ago may not disqualify applicants, while recent felonies involving dishonesty likely will. The best approach is to apply and be completely honest—lying on a gaming application is itself disqualifying.
What's the best game to learn first?
Blackjack is the standard starting point. It has the simplest procedures, most job openings (because casinos have more blackjack tables than any other game), and teaches foundational skills that transfer to other games. After mastering blackjack, adding craps significantly increases earning potential and marketability.
How much can I realistically make in my first year?
First-year dealers at break-in casinos typically earn $30,000-$50,000 including tips. Base hourly wages range from $8-$15, with tips making up the remainder. Income varies significantly based on the property, location, and shift. A first-year dealer at a busy Las Vegas Strip property may earn considerably more than someone at a small regional casino.
Is dealing a good long-term career?
For those who enjoy the work, absolutely. Experienced dealers at premium properties can earn $60,000-$100,000+ annually. The job offers schedule flexibility as seniority increases, opportunities for advancement into supervision or management, and transferable skills that work worldwide. The physical demands are manageable with proper footwear and technique, and many dealers work well into their 50s and 60s.
What about health insurance and benefits?
Benefits vary significantly by property. Large corporate-owned casinos typically offer health insurance, 401(k) plans, paid time off, and other benefits. Smaller independent casinos may offer limited benefits. Union properties (common in Las Vegas and some other markets) often have strong benefit packages negotiated through collective bargaining.
Next Steps
Ready to start your dealing career? Here's the recommended path:
-
Assess fit - Be honest about whether the schedule, physical demands, and work environment suit your personality and lifestyle.
-
Research local options - Identify dealer schools, casinos with training programs, and gaming license requirements in your target market.
-
Get licensed - Start the gaming license process early since it can take weeks and is required before working.
-
Choose training - Select a reputable dealer school or apply to casino training programs.
-
Complete training - Focus on developing automatic, accurate dealing skills.
-
Audition - Apply to multiple properties, starting with break-in casinos if you're new to the industry.
-
Build experience - Accept your first position, prove reliability, and continue developing skills.
-
Advance - Learn additional games, seek better positions, and build a lasting career.
The casino industry consistently needs new dealers. For those willing to invest in training and pay their dues at entry-level positions, dealing offers a genuine path to solid income without requiring years of education or apprenticeship.