Anna McAnulty

Standing in the center of a crowded casino, effortlessly shuffling cards and calculating complex payouts, is a highly skilled profession.

Many people are drawn to the profession by the exciting atmosphere, the flexible hours, and the potential for massive tips.

The First Step: Dealing School

You cannot simply walk into a casino and ask for a job dealing blackjack; you must be professionally trained first.

You will typically start by learning Blackjack, as it is the foundation, before moving on to complex games like Craps or Roulette.

• Dealing school teaches you how to 'clear your hands' (showing the camera they are empty) to prevent accusations of theft
• The math required is not complex algebra, but rather the ability to add numbers to 21 or multiply by 35 instantly in your head
• You must learn how to seamlessly deal the game while simultaneously holding a conversation to entertain the players

Working Conditions and Earning Potential

The job is physically demanding; you will be standing in one spot, making repetitive hand motions for eight straight hours.

In many modern casinos, tips are pooled among all dealers on the shift, ensuring a steady, predictable income regardless of which table you work.

Becoming a professional dealer is a fantastic, non-traditional career that offers excellent benefits and incredible people-watching opportunities.