Poker Dealer Course
The Journey to Becoming a Poker Dealer
This article will focus on a breakdown of the profession, necessities required, wages (very dependent on location), and general tips to ensure a smooth transition into this job. If you are on the verge of making a final decision, use this piece as a second opinion to help finalize your own.
This is our feature on how to become a poker dealer.
The Job of a Poker Dealer
Let’s start with the fundamentals. A poker dealer (sometimes known as a croupier) is responsible for the distribution of the chips and cards for all active players during a game of poker. They must maintain the flow of a game and ensure that the rules are followed.
You will also be required to chat with the players depending on the group you are working with. If you’re dealing in a chain casino with low stakes, chances are the cliental will be chattier. If you are dealing at a top rate Vegas casino you will always be required to maintain a high level of professionalism, especially if you are overseeing a high stakes game.
My name is Brad, creator of Dealer Training and co-founder of the Atlanta Poker Club, a pub poker league, which plays poker all over Georgia. Dealer Training was created to teach dealers in the APC how to deal like a professional. This is what helps set our club apart from our competitors, as we always have the best dealers. Unlike another so-called 'Online Poker Dealer Course' out there, we really are a full-featured Online Training Program - Not just a downloadable ebook with a few photos and text you can probably find on ebay for $5.99. In fact, many of this site's students end up coming to us for proper training!
You will be required to read bets, poker hands, and consider player choices very quickly to keep the game flowing.
- Courses include instruction in game rules and dealer procedures, including how to shuffle, deal, and take bets. Students may focus on one casino game, like dealing for poker, or multiple games.
- Casino Dealer Poker Classes at CCBC Owings Mills (non-academy related classes) Learn the skills and techniques needed to be a sought after casino poker dealer. This program is available to new dealers or for existing table games dealers.
How to Become a Poker Dealer
Becoming a poker dealer isn’t as simple as applying online or handing your CV into a casino. The most acceptable option is to complete a 1-2-month dealer training course. These can be found online, Ace Academy offers numerous gambling-related courses with connection to famous London casinos, it is an option to consider. This course will set you back roughly £1000 incl. VAT.
Once the course is completed you will need to,pass a dealer audition which is effectively a casino-based job interview. You will be required to deal with a live game usually taking up to 20 minutes. If you can effectively manage a game and display all the necessary skills needed for the job, then you will be considered as an option for hire.
A good way to check if you are prepared to apply for a job as a poker dealer is to refer to the Casino Dealer License, this is a list of simple requirements to check your eligibility.
Here are the requirements to obtain a dealer license:
- You must be 21 years of age, if you are in Europe or certain states such as California or New York you must be 18.
- You must have a high school diploma or a GED
- You must not have a criminal record
- You are able to pass a pre-employment drug test
- You are able to work flexible working hours (weekends, late nights, holidays)
The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Poker Dealer
Although the job of a poker dealer is an exciting, fast-paced, and social experience, it does have its numerous drawbacks. Here we have compiled an abundance of positives and negatives of life as a poker dealer.
Pros of becoming a poker dealer:
Blackjack Dealer Course
- First of all, dealing is perfect for anyone who loves poker, being this close to the action at all times will enable you to see some expert-level games of poker take place.
- Poker dealing is a very steady way to earn a living, you will not have to travel for work. It does not fit into the traditional 9-5 job format, chances are most your shifts will be in the evening which may work better for you.
- You are in very secure position, both career-wise and financially. The poker dealer job market is set to expand by over 3% in the next few years with predictions of 18,000 new jobs in the US alone to become available by 2024.
- This job can be undertaken anywhere that you speak the language. There are many opportunities to work abroad, whether it’s on the tournament circuit or in casinos. Europe has similarly large opportunities for this line of work.
Cons of becoming a poker dealer:
- Poker is not an easy game to understand and if you have not fully grasped important concepts and variants of the game then you may have a difficult time.
- You may have to deal with players on tilt. This means players who are on an unwavering loss streak and may take out their frustration on those around them, including the dealer.
- Being a poker dealer, you are often working alone sometimes resulting in long shifts with little to no social contact depending on the type of players at the table.
These pros and cons are very situational and will be subject to change based on the working environment, colleagues, and location.
So, there we have it, that was our feature on how to become a poker dealer. If you’re just starting and want to learn more about the game of poker, read our comprehensive poker guide on our website. Alternatively, if this has whet your playing appetite, then check out our list of the best casino poker sites.
Take the fast track to success and get Dealer Certified today. Increase your value and career opportunities.
Career Change
Positions Available Now
Flexible Training Schedule
NEVADA STATE LICENCED POST SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE
Poker dealers are needed in increasing numbers every year. This is in part due to the prestigious World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament held here in Las Vegas. Tony Shelton Dealing School has a near perfect poker dealer acceptance rating with the prestigious WSOP.
Dealers can increase their value and career opportunities through cross training. This allows the casinos more flexibility in staff rotation.
Poker Dealer Courses London
- Includes 17+ varities of poker for tournament and cash games. Including:
- TexasHoldem
- Omaha
- 7 Card Poker
- Mixed Games and more
- Audition Training
Each class is designed to focus on many skills to become a professional poker dealer. Each student will the gain the abilities to present his or herself to card room management with their knowledge, pride, and confidence needed to earn a position.
Our school has earned the respect of all major tournament venues here in Las Vegas, also the states of California, Washington, Illinois, Arizona, New Mexico, and the prestigious World Series of Poker (WSOP) event.
Based on the extraordinary effort of trainers, and administrators with over sixty years of table games experience dealing, supervising, managing, training poker dealers.
Many of our graduates are employed at various casinos based on their WSOP experience and expert ability to qualify and participate in the local poker venues. They are equipped to deal up to 18 varieties of poker games.
Our training is classroom based and individualized to your schedule.
Work exist in all areas or cross train to increase your options. Our school offers comprehensive instruction courses. Students who graduate the course will receive a certificate from Tony Shelton Dealing School.
We can help qualified dealers gain auditions in Las Vegas and many other states across the country.
Located in the heart Las Vegas Nevada, TSDS is a facility that includes casino style tables, casino weight chips and poker quality playing cards.
Years Established
Years Industry Experience
“Six month’s into my new career, I’ve had a lot of fun, made good money and met some good friends.”
“If dealing poker table games is something you are looking into as a new career? Then Tony Shelton Dealing School is the best school in Las Vegas! ”
“Before I came to this school, I knew next to nothing about poker except that I enjoyed watching it on TV.”