Standing in the center of a crowded casino, effortlessly shuffling cards and calculating complex payouts, is a highly skilled profession.
Many people are drawn to the profession by the exciting atmosphere, the flexible hours, and the potential for massive tips.
Learning the Trade: Casino Academies
You cannot simply walk into a casino and ask for a job dealing blackjack; you must be professionally trained first.
A standard dealing course usually takes between four to eight weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the game.
- Dealing school teaches you how to ‘clear your hands’ (showing the camera they are empty) to prevent accusations of theft
- The math required is not complex algebra, but rather the ability to add numbers to 21 or multiply by 35 instantly in your head
- You must learn how to seamlessly deal the game while simultaneously holding a conversation to entertain the players
Working Conditions and Earning Potential
You must also develop a thick skin, as dealers frequently absorb the anger of players who are losing large sums of money.
While the base salary is often just minimum wage, a good dealer at a busy, high-end casino can make $70,000 to $100,000 a year in tips.
| Aspect of Job | The Challenge | The Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Toll | Standing for 8 hours on hard floors | Frequent 20-minute breaks are legally mandated |
| Player Interaction | Dealing with angry or drunken gamblers | Building relationships with generous ‘whale’ tippers |
If you can master the cards and manage the crowds, the casino floor can become a highly profitable and exciting office.