How to Become a Casino Dealer
If you’ve ever visited a casino floor to play poker or try your luck at the roulette wheel, you may have wondered about the men and women who are there running the games: The dealers. How did they decide on this career path? And, maybe more importantly, how did they get there? If you’re interested in joining their ranks, you might be wondering how to become a casino dealer. It’s an unusual job that can seem exciting and glamorous, especially if it’s done in a popular casino like Boot Hill Casino. The dealers are like the hosts of a star-studded game, and they have the inside scoop on all the work that makes the magic happen for everyone.
What is a Casino Dealer?
Casino dealers oversee table games at casinos, including poker tables, craps, roulette, Blackjack, and other specialty card games. Casino dealers pass out cards, operate casino equipment, and oversee the order of play at the table. They also take bets and pay out any winnings at the appropriate intervals, such as the end of the game or a round. They explain the rules of the game, and they ensure that players adhere to the rules, as well as to follow basic table etiquette.
Casino dealers also set the tone of the game. Their positive and upbeat attitude helps to ensure that players have a great time, no matter whether they win or lose.
Casino Dealer Education
You may be a pro at poker, but that doesn’t mean that you’re ready to jump behind the table and become a dealer. When learning how to become a casino dealer, you’ll need to get the proper training before you are ready for the job. Here’s a brief look at what’s required to become a casino dealer:
Dealer School
You aren’t going to find a casino dealer major at colleges and universities, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to go to school to become a dealer. Most casinos will require that you attend a specialty dealer training school. Boot Hill Casino provides this training to potential dealers at no cost. Plus, you get paid to learn and attend the dealer school! Attending a dealer school is a great way to learn how to become a casino dealer. There is variation in the scheduling and commitment required, but many of these schools offer night and weekend classes to make them more accessible to those changing careers.
Education Requirements
Though you won’t have to go to college to become a casino dealer, most casinos will require that you at least have a high school diploma or a GED. You will also need to pass a background check, including obtaining your Kansas Racing and Gaming license and a drug test. Most casinos will require that you not have any felony convictions or any misdemeanor convictions related to theft, at a minimum.
Essential Casino Dealer Skills
In addition to knowing the rules of the games and general casino regulations, there are a number of skills you will need to have to be a successful casino dealer. No matter what type of table you are running, you will need to have the following skills as a casino dealer:
Be Outgoing
Being a casino dealer requires that you interact with people constantly. Sometimes, you may have a full table with a lively group of people who love to chat. Other times, you may have just one person sitting at your table, and that person may need some encouragement to talk. When learning how to become a casino dealer, you need to be ready to talk to all kinds of people, and you need to have a positive attitude always. Outgoing people who love to meet new people and make conversation will be most successful as a casino dealer.
Customer Service Focused
Casinos are part of the hospitality industry, and casino dealer is a customer service-focused job. While you must enforce the rules of the game and of the casino, you must also remember that the customer is the priority. In everything you do, you must be friendly, professional, and accommodating as much as you can be.
Excellent Communication Skills
A casino is a fast-paced environment. The games are played quickly, and there is a lot of noise when people are placing bets and making plays. Yet the rules of the games are not all simple. You need to be able to communicate well to make sure that players understand the rules of the game and of the bets they are making. Another component of learning how to become a casino dealer is that you need to be able to communicate well so that you can properly manage the game. One bad call could result in serious problems with determining the winner or the proper payment of bets.
Job Growth Trend
Demand for casino dealers is expected to grow by about 2 percent by 2026, according to job trend data. Because there are casinos throughout the country – and more being built all the time – there is steady demand. And because the job has low educational and training requirements, it offers easy entry for a great number of people. It also offers many perks, including working in an exciting atmosphere, being able to talk to all kinds of people, and making a good salary.
Work at Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City, KS
Boot Hill Casino is a popular casino in Dodge City, KS, and we are always looking for talented and outgoing people to join our staff. We regularly hire for a variety of posts, including casino dealers, and we offer attractive job benefits, including great pay, insurance, discretionary retirement matching, paid time off, and more. Our casino dealers also get to work in an upscale, exciting environment with the option to work a variety of table games. Work here is never boring. Our staff is friendly, and there is a real environment of teamwork. Advancement opportunities are available, as well. Visit us today or fill out an application online to get started! We can’t wait to welcome you to our team.