What Does a Casino Dealer Do?
The responsibilities of a casino dealer vary by workplace but typically involve dealing cards for games such as poker or blackjack, operating the roulette wheel or assisting patrons on the slot machine floor. Due to the fast-paced nature of the gambling environment, a casino dealer is usually required to be competent in dealing or operating more than one game. The role of a casino dealer is also one of customer service, which includes making sure visitors are treated fairly and enjoy their casino experience. Another important responsibility is to be on the lookout for patrons who break the casino rules.
| Required Education | Completion of dealer school or vocational program |
| Necessary Skills | Interpersonal skills, positive attitude, mathematical abilities, hand-eye coordination |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $24,960 (for all gaming dealers) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 19% (for all gaming services workers) |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Casino Dealer: Education
So how do you become a casino dealer? Many casino dealers have attended a dealer school either provided by the casino itself or through a vocational school. Gaming programs are common in areas where casinos thrive and typically take no more than six weeks to complete. Student casino dealers will learn not only the rules and procedures of the casino games but local laws and regulations as well. However, completing school is just the first step to working as a casino dealer. Most casinos hold auditions for new casino dealers and consider personality and style, in addition to technical skills.
Casino Dealer: Skills
There are a number of skills that one should possess if planning on entering a career as a casino dealer. A casino dealer is expected to represent their establishment well so that patrons return. Additionally, a casino dealer may depend on tips as part of their income and so a friendly disposition and ability to ensure that players have a good time will likely increase one's earnings. Some skills that a casino dealer should possess include:
- A friendly and outgoing attitude
- Professionalism
- The ability to do simple math quickly
- Good hand-eye coordination
- General enjoyment of the unique casino atmosphere
Casino Dealer: Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) (www.bls.gov) projected a much higher than average growth of 17% for gaming services workers between 2021 and 2031. The median annual wage reported for gaming dealers in 2019 was $29,120; however, gaming dealers often work part time, so the true earning potential of a casino dealer is affected by many variables.
Alternate Career Options
Some skills required to be a casino dealer will help prepare you for jobs in other areas:
Gaming Surveillance Officer
This is a specialized kind of security guard who monitors the casino gaming floor and casino property in general for criminal actions such as fraud or trespassing. A gaming surveillance officer will usually patrol the casino, looking at game operations and the behavior of casino guests and employees. The officer will also monitor video and audio camera footage. Some post-secondary education or training is generally required for employment. Licensing requirements vary by state and by whether or not a security guard is armed. Voluntary professional certification is also available. Gaming surveillance officers and security guards can expect job growth of 8% from 2021-2031, per the BLS, and those already working in this occupation earned a median salary of $35,450 in 2021.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives talk directly to the customers of a business or organization and provide assistance or information. They may handle orders, complaints, account changes, inquiries, or suggestions from a company's customers or an organization's members. Customer service representatives may be authorized to resolve problems and may also pass on serious issues to higher-level staff. Many customer service representatives have at least a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer candidates with an associate's or bachelor's degree; customer service representatives in some fields, such as insurance, may need a state license. On-the-job training is common, and some employers help their customer service reps prepare for state licensing, too. According to the BLS, jobs for customer service representatives are expected to decrease by 4% from 2021-2031. Customer service representatives earned a median salary of $36,920 in 2021, per the BLS.
