High School

Dealers are generally required to hold a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Math skills are necessary for success in this career, so take as many classes as possible in this area.

Other Education and Training

Dealers must have a working knowledge of both the casino rules and the procedures of casino games. They should be trained in various table games including blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat. This training can be obtained at accredited gaming academies, dealer schools, or through in-house training programs. These classes might also be located at community colleges and vocational technical schools in areas hosting gaming.

Certification or Licensing

Dealers must be licensed in the state in which they work. This license is generally issued by a regulatory agency such as the state's casino control board or commission. For specific licensing requirements, visit your state’s gaming commission Web site.

Other Requirements

Employers generally conduct background checks of prospective dealers, require that they have no criminal record, and that they pass a drug test. Dealers must also meet the position's age requirement set by the state.

Dealers obtain practical experience dealing games while attending gaming academies and gaming schools. Once in the workplace, individuals generally start out their careers as dealers in smaller, less prestigious casinos to obtain on-the-job work experience. Depending on the specific job, casinos may require zero to two years of experience dealing.

Dealers require a wide array of skills. It is essential that individuals be good at math whether counting cards, chips, or money. The ability to count and add quickly and accurately is mandatory. Manual dexterity is also necessary when spinning roulette wheels, dealing cards, pushing or retrieving dice, etc.

Excellent customer service skills are mandatory in every area of a casino, and those working in table games are no exception. Dealers need to be outgoing, personable, friendly people who enjoy being around others. The ability to deal with customers in a gracious, effective, and courteous manner is paramount.

Dealers need excellent verbal communications skills. The ability to speak a second language, while not required, may give one applicant an edge over another. Showmanship is helpful.

Applying for a job as a dealer is a little different than applying for other jobs in the casino. In order to get a job dealing, individuals need to prove themselves at auditions. These auditions are typically done live on the gaming floor with casino guests. It is important for individuals to be both skilled and knowledgeable about the game as well as having the ability to show off their personality.