How do you become a Blackjack dealer in Las Vegas?

Answer 1

Most casinos in Las Vegas require you to be trained in a Casino Games School, some casinos still train dealers. School can be expensive, they charge up to $800./game, the more games you know the better your chances of getting into a good house. If a casino trains you they don't charge you but sometimes you have to get a gaming card first and there is no guarantee that you will get the job. Unfortunately, some people are not capable to catching on to the different games, they are much easier to play than to deal.

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I have been dealing on the Strip in Las Vegas for over five years. First of all, if you have no dealing experience or dealer school training the casinos will not hire you. They aren't in the business of training people. The only way to get a dealing job is to take at class at one of the dealing schools (look up "learn to deal blackjack" in Google). You can learn to deal blackjack in less than two weeks for about $300.
Other games like craps, roulette and Poker take much longer to learn and are more expensive, but the important thing is that you only need to learn blackjack to get a dealing job. This qualifies you to audition for a job in a "break in" house which is a smaller casino that accepts new dealers from the schools. There are only a few break-in houses in Las Vegas. Remember, when these break in houses need dealers they call the dealer schools first -- that's the way it works. Even if you learn to deal every game you'll still have to get your first job at a break-in house. You will not be hired at a big casino. The big casinos only hire dealers with years of experience.
Once you are hired you should then take classes in craps, roulette, pai gow and baccarat. You'll need to know these, not to keep your job, but to move up to bigger casinos (where you make bigger tips).
Also remember that poker dealers only deal poker. If you want to be a poker dealer, don't waste your money on learning other games.
You should also not take classes for the "carnival games" like Let-It-Ride, 3-Card-Poker, Casino War and Caribbean Stud. Once you have your first job, another dealer will teach you these games. It only takes a few minutes to learn them.
Another point of confusion is about the gaming cards. First of all, the state no longer issues gaming cards. You can only be licensed by the state when you are hired by a casino. They send the forms, plus your fingerprints, your fee and other information directly to the state gaming office. This licensing will cost you about $100 and you'll renew it every five years.



Things that are important in becoming a blackjack dealer is understanding game protect, customer service skills and the ability to dummy up and deal unless your customer service skills overrides that concept and brings the customer back solely for your dealing.
Blackjack dealer school is not necessary but it is a great idea as is provide a feel of "on the job training" and you will be comfortable with produces and technique so you will be fast(which I what the casino always likes) and less of a liability. It is not necessary but it gives a great leg up. Your casino provides you with a gaming card after you pass a mandatory state drug test that is required for all dealers(A pre-employment drug test). This is of course after you pass an audition on the floor.

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As a dealer of 19 years, I have to suggest you avoid becoming a Las Vegas dealer. The economy is horrible, and if you are lucky to find a job, you will likely need 2 jobs to pay your bills. Most casinos only hire for 3-4 days a week, and may push you out with less then 30 hours a week. My worst paycheck was for 33 hours over 2 weeks. Jobs are difficult to find, and experienced dealers will get them first.

Please see the discussion page for more important details about this subject.

Answer 2

If you are an experienced or trained dealer, you put in an application and if the casino is hiring you will have to audition for the job.

If you want to learn how to deal, you will have to either go to dealing school or find a casino that trains dealers.

Please note that dealer schools can be expensive so be sure that this is a job you really want to do. Dealing cards can be a very demanding job. Casinos that are willing to train do not cost you anything but there is no guarantee that you will get a job, not everyone gets the hang of it. While dealing cards seems very simple to most people it really is not, there are a lot of rules and regulations you have to know.

Answer 3

Go to the casino and apply. In my area the casino has a deal with the community college to train dealers, so I would imagine going to the local college might work too. Either way they will train you ( it takes several weeks), do a background check, and if you pass offer you a job.
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If you are already a dealer, then you will need to apply and likely pass an audition. Things to keep in mind; You will need to get a casino gaming license. This is unlike a Nevada gaming license which is valid in any casino in Nevada. The cost of one of these licenses is anywhere from $150 to $450 and could be a yearly fee. Check with the casino you are applying at to find out the fees.

You will need to pass a drug test, credit check, and back ground check. If you fail to list ANYTHING derogatory on your credit or criminal history, they will consider this a terminating offense. Do not eat poppyseeds before the drug test.

You should be aware that working for an Indian casino is not like any other of the "big" city casinos. Indian casinos might seem backwards, have strange rituals, or worse. It is not uncommon for a tribal member to decide they want your job, in which case you can be terminated, at will by the employer. I have seen more then once an experienced dealer asked to train someone else then be let go, after the training is complete.

Additionally keep in mind that Indian casinos are not subject to state or country laws. These casinos are on sovereign nations, and have their own laws. They are not subject to health laws. Brown bag your lunch!

An experienced dealer should consider whether or not the casino is shared tokes or "go for your own". In the latter case, a strong friendly personality is a must. This does not mean you will make money however. If you do not like to talk much, you should consider going to one with shared tokes. If you deal craps, ensure that you either have a "green light" or get a round on a high limit table in your rotation. Without these, you will have no chance to make any money.

When considering a casino for employment, consider the location and proximity to the highway or other large cities. Make sure to check the quantity of cars on a Friday night, as well as on a tuesday morning.


For those who want to become dealers, there are online courses as well as schools. Smaller casinos will usually have an in-house casino. Otherwise expect to have to pay to have someone teach you to deal. You can ask a floorperson who might be willing you teach you. Expect the cost to be $300-$800 depending on the game(s) to be taught and proficiency of the dealer teaching you.

Answer 4

Black Jack is one of the most popular card games to be played in Las Vegas. The idea of this game is to have a card hand that adds up to as close to the number 21 without going over that number.