Not all dealing jobs are equal. The casino where you work dramatically affects your income, schedule, lifestyle, and career trajectory. Understanding the differences between casino types helps make informed career decisions.
This guide compares major dealing environments to help identify the best fit for your goals and circumstances.
Las Vegas Strip Properties
The iconic Las Vegas Strip represents the pinnacle of dealing income and career prestige—but also the most competitive environment.
The Opportunity
Income potential: Strip properties offer the highest earning potential. Experienced dealers at premium properties can earn $70,000-$120,000+ annually when tips are included.
Career prestige: Strip experience on a resume carries weight. It demonstrates ability to handle high-volume, high-pressure environments.
Game variety: Strip casinos offer every game type. Exposure to diverse games builds comprehensive skills.
Advancement paths: Large corporate operators have structured advancement paths and cross-property opportunities.
The Reality
Competition: Everyone wants Strip jobs. Landing them requires solid experience, strong auditions, and sometimes knowing the right people.
Schedule battles: Seniority matters. Newer dealers work holidays, weekends, and less desirable shifts until they earn better schedules.
High pressure: Volume is high. Expectations are high. Mistakes are noticed. The pace can be relentless.
Cost of living: Las Vegas isn't cheap. Housing costs have risen significantly. Income must be weighed against expenses.
Best For
- Dealers seeking maximum income potential
- Those comfortable with competitive environments
- Dealers wanting exposure to all game types
- Career builders focused on advancement
Getting In
Path: Typically requires prior dealing experience. Start at locals casinos or regional properties, build skills, then audition at Strip properties.
Timing: Watch for property openings, expansion projects, and new hires. Networking within the industry helps identify opportunities.
Las Vegas Locals Casinos
Locals casinos (Station Casinos, Boyd Gaming properties) serve Las Vegas residents rather than tourists. They offer a different dealing experience.
The Opportunity
More accessible: Locals casinos hire less experienced dealers more readily than Strip properties. Entry barriers are lower.
Regular clientele: The same players return consistently. Relationships develop. The atmosphere can feel more familiar and less anonymous.
Steadier volume: Less dependent on tourism means more consistent volume year-round. Fewer extreme peaks and valleys.
Schedule benefits: Residential clientele means different rush hours than Strip. Some dealers prefer the scheduling patterns.
The Reality
Lower income: Toke rates at locals casinos generally run below Strip properties. The income difference can be significant—20-40% less in some cases.
Career ceiling: Fewer advancement opportunities within smaller operations. Less game variety at many properties.
Lower limits: Table limits are typically lower. The players betting less means proportionally smaller tips.
Best For
- Newer dealers building experience
- Those preferring familiar, regular clientele
- Dealers prioritizing schedule over maximum income
- Those living in locals casino areas
Getting In
Path: Easier entry than Strip. Dealer school completion and basic audition skills often sufficient.
Strategy: Use locals experience as springboard to Strip positions, or build a comfortable career at locals level.
Regional Commercial Casinos
Commercial casinos outside Nevada (Pennsylvania, Michigan, Mississippi, etc.) offer different opportunities and tradeoffs.
The Opportunity
Lower cost of living: Many regional casino markets have significantly lower living costs than Las Vegas. $50,000 in Mississippi buys more than $70,000 in Vegas.
Less competition: Smaller dealer pools mean less competition for positions and advancement.
Work-life balance: Smaller properties may offer more predictable schedules and less intense environments.
Home base: For dealers from these regions, staying near family and community has value beyond money.
The Reality
Lower absolute income: Base wages and toke rates are typically lower than Vegas. Total income may be $35,000-$55,000 range.
Limited game variety: Smaller properties may only run blackjack and a few carnival games. Craps and baccarat opportunities are limited.
Career limitations: Fewer properties means fewer advancement opportunities. Career ceiling may be lower.
Industry isolation: Less exposure to industry trends, innovations, and networking opportunities.
Best For
- Dealers wanting to stay in their home region
- Those prioritizing cost of living and lifestyle over maximum income
- Dealers who prefer smaller, less intense environments
- Entry-level dealers building experience
Markets to Consider
Strong regional markets:
- Atlantic City, NJ (historical market, union presence)
- Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh areas)
- Detroit, MI (established market)
- Gulf Coast (Mississippi, Louisiana)
- Colorado (smaller mountain casinos)
Tribal Casinos
Tribal gaming has grown into a major industry. Tribal casinos range from small community operations to massive resort destinations.
The Opportunity
Major properties: Large tribal casinos (Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, San Manuel, Pechanga) rival or exceed Vegas properties in scale and income potential.
Strong benefits: Many tribal operations offer excellent benefits packages—sometimes better than corporate commercial casinos.
Growing market: Tribal gaming continues expanding. New opportunities emerge regularly.
Geographic diversity: Tribal casinos exist across the country, offering options in many locations.
The Reality
Wide variation: Tribal casinos range from excellent employers to struggling operations. Quality varies enormously.
Location challenges: Many tribal casinos are in rural areas with limited housing and amenities nearby.
Different culture: Tribal casinos may operate differently than commercial properties. Understanding sovereign nation context matters.
Income range: Large resort-destinations pay comparably to Vegas. Smaller operations may pay significantly less.
Best For
- Dealers seeking Vegas-level income outside Nevada
- Those wanting strong benefits packages
- Dealers open to rural or suburban locations
- Those interested in diverse employment environments
Due Diligence
Research each property: Tribal casinos vary too much for generalizations. Research specific properties:
- Size and scale of operation
- Compensation levels (ask current/former dealers)
- Benefits packages
- Location logistics
- Property reputation
Cruise Ship Dealing
Cruise ship dealing offers a fundamentally different lifestyle with unique tradeoffs.
The Opportunity
No living expenses: Room and board are provided. Meals, housing, and often laundry are included. This effectively increases the value of earnings.
Travel: See the world while working. Visit ports that would be expensive to reach otherwise.
Lower barriers: Cruise lines often hire less experienced dealers. Some provide training for beginners.
Concentrated saving: With few expenses, disciplined dealers save high percentages of income during contracts.
The Reality
Lower cash income: Base pay is minimal ($0-$800/month in some cases). Tips vary by ship and route.
Extended contracts: Contracts typically run 4-8 months with limited time off. Relationships and commitments at home are challenging.
Ship life: Living quarters are small. Privacy is limited. The ship environment isn't for everyone.
Limited advancement: Casino departments on ships are small. Career advancement within ship dealing is limited.
Best For
- Young dealers without family obligations
- Those wanting to travel and save money
- Dealers building experience before land-based careers
- Those comfortable with transient lifestyle
Cruise Lines to Consider
Major cruise casino operations:
- Carnival Corporation
- Royal Caribbean
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- MSC Cruises
Application typically goes through the casino concessionaire rather than cruise line directly.
Making the Decision
Income vs. Lifestyle
Maximum income: Las Vegas Strip → Large tribal resorts → Vegas locals → Regional commercial → Cruise ships
Quality of life: This is personal. Some thrive in Vegas intensity; others prefer slower regional environments.
Career Stage Considerations
New dealers: Consider locals casinos, cruise ships, or regional properties for initial experience. Breaking into Strip without experience is difficult.
Mid-career dealers: Evaluate whether to pursue Vegas/major tribal for income or optimize for lifestyle in preferred location.
Experienced dealers: Strip and major tribal offer maximum income. Those with established lives elsewhere may choose to stay despite income differential.
Geographic Factors
Family and relationships: Being near family matters to many people. Regional positions keep dealers connected.
Cost of living: Calculate real purchasing power, not just income. $50,000 in rural Mississippi may exceed $65,000 in Las Vegas after expenses.
Climate and lifestyle: Consider year-round factors. Vegas heat, winter in northern locations, coastal life on cruise ships—all affect quality of life.
The Relocation Question
When to Relocate
For maximum income: Moving to Vegas or major tribal properties significantly increases earning potential.
For experience: Relocating to gain experience that isn't available locally accelerates career development.
For advancement: Larger markets have more advancement opportunities.
When to Stay
Strong local opportunities: Some regional markets offer solid careers. Leaving isn't always necessary.
Life priorities: Family, relationships, and community have real value that income doesn't capture.
Market knowledge: Being established in a local market has value—knowing players, supervisors, and opportunities.
Making It Work
Research thoroughly: Visit before committing. Talk to local dealers. Understand the real situation, not just the advertised one.
Plan financially: Relocation costs money. Have savings for transition periods.
Build network: Connect with dealers and supervisors at target properties before moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do dealers make the most money?
Las Vegas Strip properties offer the highest average income, followed by major tribal resort destinations. Within Vegas, premium Strip properties (upscale resorts) outpay mid-tier or locals casinos significantly.
Should I start in Vegas or elsewhere?
Starting elsewhere is often easier. Breaking into Vegas Strip without experience is competitive. Building skills at locals casinos, regional properties, or cruise ships first is a common path.
Are tribal casinos good to work for?
Large tribal operations often rival or exceed commercial casinos in pay and benefits. Smaller tribal casinos vary widely. Research specific properties rather than generalizing.
Is cruise ship dealing worth it?
For the right person: young, unattached, wanting to travel and save. The lifestyle isn't for everyone, but those who fit it can save significantly while seeing the world.
How do I compare offers from different locations?
Consider total compensation (income + benefits + value of perks), subtract cost of living, and account for quality of life factors. Raw income numbers don't tell the whole story.
Conclusion
The right place to deal depends on personal priorities. Maximum income points toward Vegas Strip or major tribal properties. Quality of life considerations may point elsewhere. Career stage affects the calculus—new dealers may accept lower income for experience; established dealers may optimize for other factors.
Research specific opportunities thoroughly. Talk to people who work there. Visit if possible. The decision involves not just a job but a lifestyle.
- How to Become a Casino Dealer - Complete career guide
- Casino Dealer Salary Guide - Detailed income information