Complete Guide 2025Table Games

How to Become a Casino Dealer

A complete roadmap from zero experience to full-time dealer -- including dealer school, licensing, and how to build a career on the floor.

Overview: What Does a Casino Dealer Do?

Casino dealers run table games -- Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, and more. They manage the game flow, handle chips and payouts, interact with players, and enforce house rules under the supervision of a pit supervisor.

It is one of the most accessible entry points into the casino industry. No degree is required. With dealer school and a gaming license, most people can be working on a casino floor within 60 to 90 days.

$13-$22/hr

Base pay before tips

$50k+

Annual with tips in Las Vegas

3-8 wks

Typical dealer school length

Step-by-Step Path to Becoming a Dealer

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older (18 in some states)
High school diploma or GED required
No felony convictions involving gaming fraud, theft, or dishonesty
Strong math skills and comfort working with numbers quickly
Customer service orientation and professional appearance

Step 2: Attend Dealer School

Programs typically run 3-8 weeks depending on the games covered
Cost ranges from $500 to $2,000 at private schools
Many large casino operators offer free in-house training programs -- apply directly to the property first
Blackjack is the most common starting game; craps and roulette add earning potential
Schools teach chip handling, game procedures, payout math, and customer interaction

Step 3: Obtain Your Gaming License

Required in virtually every US gaming jurisdiction
Fees range from approximately $100 to $250 depending on state
Background check, fingerprinting, and personal history questionnaire required
Processing time varies by state -- Nevada typically 2-4 weeks, New Jersey 4-6 weeks
Some states allow you to work under a temporary permit while the full license is processed

Step 4: Apply for Entry-Level Dealer Positions

Target properties actively hiring -- tribal casinos, regional properties, and new openings often have the most openings
Your dealer school may have job placement relationships with local properties
Auditions are standard -- you will deal live at a practice table for a floor manager
Apply to multiple properties to maximize your chances
Be ready to discuss which games you can deal and your speed/accuracy

Step 5: Expand Your Game Portfolio

Dealers who can deal multiple games command higher base pay and more flexible scheduling
Most dealers start with Blackjack then add Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, or Poker
Craps dealers are among the most sought-after and earn the highest tips
Baccarat knowledge opens doors in properties with high Asian market focus
Ask your employer about cross-training programs -- most properties pay for additional game training

Find Dealer Schools Near You

30+ programs across Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic City, Black Hawk, Biloxi, and more.

Browse Schools

Career Progression

Title	Typical Pay	Timeline
Table Games Dealer	$13-$22/hr + tips	Entry level
Dual Rate Dealer/Supervisor	$16-$24/hr + tips	1-3 years
Pit Supervisor / Floor Person	$55k-$72k/yr	3-6 years
Pit Manager	$65k-$90k/yr	5-10 years
Shift Manager	$75k-$110k/yr	8-12 years
Table Games Director	$90k-$150k/yr	12-20 years

Markets with Highest Demand

Las Vegas, NV

Highest pay and tips -- hundreds of properties hiring year-round

Atlantic City, NJ

Legacy market with strong union representation and benefits

Black Hawk, CO

Growing mountain market -- lower cost of living, strong demand

Biloxi, MS

Gulf Coast corridor -- competitive entry-level opportunities

Tribal Casinos (CA)

Pechanga, Yaamava' and others pay 25-35% above national median

Detroit, MI

MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino, Greektown -- stable urban market

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does dealer school take?

Most programs run 3 to 8 weeks. A focused Blackjack-only course can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks. Full multi-game programs covering Craps, Roulette, and Baccarat typically take 6-8 weeks.

Do casino employers pay for dealer school?

Yes -- many large casino operators offer free in-house dealer training programs. MGM, Caesars, and major tribal operators all run regular training classes. Applying directly to a property's careers page for a 'dealer trainee' position is often the best route, especially if you're near a major market.

What games should I learn first?

Start with Blackjack -- it is the most common table game, easiest to learn, and gives you the fastest path to employment. Once you have a dealing job, add Roulette (increases tips) and Craps (highest demand and earning potential) in that order.

How much do casino dealers actually make with tips?

In Las Vegas, dealers at high-traffic properties typically earn $40,000 to $70,000+ per year when tips are included. On the Strip at high-volume properties, top dealers report $80,000+ annually. Regional markets pay less in tips but cost of living is also lower.

Do I need a gaming license before I start dealing?

Most states require a license before you can deal on the floor, but some allow you to work under a temporary permit while your full application is processed. Your employer will usually guide you through the licensing process and some cover the fees.

Gaming License Resources

What you need to get licensed -- fingerprinting, background check, and state commission links.

IdentoGO -- Fingerprinting Locations

FBI-channeled fingerprinting at 1,200+ locations nationwide. Required for gaming work permit and key employee license applications in most states.

Find a Location

GoodHire -- Personal Background Check

Run a background check on yourself before applying. Know exactly what gaming regulators will see -- criminal history, employment verification, and identity confirmation.

Run a Check

State Gaming Commission Guides

License fees, processing times, and requirements vary by state. See CasinoComp's state-by-state breakdown for Nevada, Colorado, New Jersey, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

View State Guides

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