Becoming A Poker Dealer

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FoBreeze

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Hi. I live in Pittsburgh and there are about 3 casinos within an hour that have poker. A lot of them offer free classes for regular table games twice a year, but they never seem to offer it for poker.

I'm wondering how hard it is to get a job if you go and pay for a poker dealer training course yourself. Is it possible to work at more than one casino at a time if they put you on as "Extra Board"… Which is less than part time to start…

If there are any dealers out there that could share how they became a dealer it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a ton!
 
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FoBreeze

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Bump.. Anyone out there know anything?
 
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thatgreekdude

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No idea, would love that job. Did you google how to become one?
 
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FoBreeze

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Yea I did Google it… I thought working at a casino as something else would be a good idea, so I applied for a low end job… However I have a pretty good background, so I don't think they wanted to hire me for that just so I could get my foot in the door… I got the feeling they were looking for someone to be in that position long term…

I was thinking of just going to the school and paying for it myself and then start looking for a job at a casino, but some people online said don't do that and try to get your foot in the door somewhere first…

I struck out at getting a job here because there is only one casino, so I can only go to the school and then see if I can get a job afterwards… I just don't want to waste 3 months of my time if this is a bad idea…

Has anyone became a dealer on here? Would be nice to hear someone's experience.
 
nabmom

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Sorry but I can't add much value to this thread. Here in MD, when Maryland Live first opened their poker room, they actually offered a course to potential dealers. I believe you had to apply and be accepted, but they covered the cost of the course.

I wonder if the local rooms could be called and asked about any upcoming dealer classes (or maybe they know which ones to recommend). Local groups that do charitable poker tournaments might also be able to tell you where they get their dealers from (and knowing that you could figure out who is training and then who is hiring).

Do any local programs to teach dealing have any kind of job placement after the course?
 
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FoBreeze

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Thanks for the information! I can't believe there's no dealers out there that can weigh in from experience! Really curious to know how they got the job… I guess I should just go to the casino and ask.

The casinos around here offer to pay for regular table games, but don't seem to do it for poker for some reason.
 
12551255

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I'd say you'd better have thick skin, cause everything is your fault. I remember one lady just complaining that the dealers was screwing her. I'd finally had enough and said that all they do it place the cards in the machine and deal. Her response was, 'Well they cut they cards don't they!'
 
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FoBreeze

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Well now there's another issue… They might not have enough attendees to run the course at all. Anyone know of an online course?

Yea I know what you are saying. Some people are assholes. Try working in the car business.
 
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YouPay4MyCrack

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I would just recommend applying and see how you like it!
 
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FoBreeze

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Online Poker Dealer School

Does anyone know of an online poker dealer school that a casino would except even if you have no prior poker experience?
 
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benspocket

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if i`m understaning this correctly you are looking for a online poker dealer school so you can be a dealer at a casino, well i know from seeing at the casino`s ive been to reguardles you will still after train at the casino you want to work at so you know there style of dealing
 
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if i`m understaning this correctly you are looking for a online poker dealer school so you can be a dealer at a casino, well i know from seeing at the casino`s ive been to reguardles you will still after train at the casino you want to work at so you know there style of dealing

I see. I have no problem with whatever training they want, but unfortunately none of the casinos I talked to will hire you unless you at least go to school for it.
 
army-ninja

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Where do they have poker dealer courses offered. I never heard of that?
 
OzExorcist

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I gave most of my thoughts in the previous thread nabmom linked to above, but the short version is:

- With regard to training, just ask the staff at the casino you want to work at what their preference is. I know here the casino will just hire people off the street* and train them in-house, but other casinos around the world have difference processes.

- That said I'd be surprised** if any casino accepted an online-only "qualification", as when it comes down to it you need a range of basic mechanical skills to do the job, and I don't see how you can demonstrate them from the other side of a computer screen. Learning rules sure, but actual shuffling/pitching/chip handling?!?

- The job is far less glamorous and exciting than you think. That's true even if you think it's not glamorous or exciting.

* important note: they don't typically give you your choice of game in that situation though - you might want to deal poker, but if they need roulette or baccarat dealers instead, that's what they're going to train you in

** actually, knowing this industry, "surprised" is probably the wrong word... change that to "disappointed"
 
MediaBLITZ

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I see. I have no problem with whatever training they want, but unfortunately none of the casinos I talked to will hire you unless you at least go to school for it.

Okay, so you have talked to them and they have told you what it will require - that is your best route. If you need more information go back to them and ask.

Ask them if http://www.mizrachiacademy.com will meet requirements to be hired. Go to the source!

I know a handful of dealers pretty well - they even go to Vegas and deal wsop each year. Some were hired with prior experience from elsewhere - some were hired off the street and sent to school on the companies dime. You need to find out what the casino you have targeted wants. You have to have the balls to go to that poker room and talk with the super (maybe buy him lunch) and find out what it's going to take for you to get on that crew. Asking around at forums (whether a bonafide dealer answers or not) is more likely to lead to spending money you don't need to spend and wasting more time you don't need to waste. Go to the source!
Basically all it comes down to is a customer service job that requires some rudimentary math skills. Pretty much anything else you call your supervisor over for ("Floor!").
 
OzExorcist

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Basically all it comes down to is a customer service job that requires some rudimentary math and mechanical card/chip handling skills. Pretty much anything else you call your supervisor over for ("Floor!").

FYP :p

Agree absolutely with the thrust of what you're saying though, it's first and foremost a job where you have to be able to deal with people. Doubly important to be good at that if tips are going to make up any significant portion of your income (not an issue here since tipping dealers isn't allowed, huge issue in America though obviously)
 
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FoBreeze

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I gave most of my thoughts in the previous thread nabmom linked to above, but the short version is:

- With regard to training, just ask the staff at the casino you want to work at what their preference is. I know here the casino will just hire people off the street* and train them in-house, but other casinos around the world have difference processes.

- That said I'd be surprised** if any casino accepted an online-only "qualification", as when it comes down to it you need a range of basic mechanical skills to do the job, and I don't see how you can demonstrate them from the other side of a computer screen. Learning rules sure, but actual shuffling/pitching/chip handling?!?

- The job is far less glamorous and exciting than you think. That's true even if you think it's not glamorous or exciting.

* important note: they don't typically give you your choice of game in that situation though - you might want to deal poker, but if they need roulette or baccarat dealers instead, that's what they're going to train you in

** actually, knowing this industry, "surprised" is probably the wrong word... change that to "disappointed"

Thanks for all the information everyone! Update: They are having a school at the casino specifically for poker in March. Amazing what a little patience will do.. Oh yea been going crazy looking for a new job!

Anyway, Oz, can you share how you know the industry so well? Where are you from that they don't tip you? How is the money for it where you are from?
 
OzExorcist

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I work for an events company that employs a heap of current and former casino dealers. Spend enough time with them, as well as being in and around casinos in general, and you get to know the industry pretty well.

I'm Australian, by law you're not allowed to tip dealers here. Concerns over collusion etc. Tipping as a whole isn't a cultural expectation here anyway though.

The money dealers make here is OK. Not amazing, but OK - prob equivalent to having a low-medium level 9-5 office job or something. The problem is the kinds of hours you have to work at while you're making that money, kiss most of your nights and weekends goodbye.
 
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That depends of where you are.I mean, I live in argentina, there's only one place I think here where you can learn how to deal ( off course it's too expensive here).
Anyway, the people who are wiling to teach you says that they choose the best of every course of 20 and they are recomended to a casino, but I don't think that's true and I don't know anyone who have done that course.
 
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