What is a table games dealer and how to become one

Playing the Hand I was Dealt


Amidst my pursuit of a degree in forensic psychology, divine intervention led me to an unexpected career path in the gaming industry, where I was guided to utilize my role as a table games dealer as part of the Lord’s ministry. While casinos offer enticing amenities like delicious food and entertainment, they also attract individuals struggling with addiction. On Easter Sunday of April 2018, I was contacted by a recruiter named Apryl from the Golden Nugget Biloxi. The journey to becoming a party pit dealer involved undergoing three months of training in Gulfport, MS at Crescent's School of Bartending and Gaming. The school helped me to I acquire proficiency in foundational games such as: blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Mississippi Stud. Those interested in pursing a career as a dealer can attend a dealing school in any legal state or county, typically lasting around eight months for full training; many casinos now offer free training as part of the hiring process due to the growing demand for more dealers.
As the pandemic unfolded, I temporarily relocated to Colorado Springs where I worked at the highest casino in the world. Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado sits above the clouds at 9,593 feet. Ironically, Wildwood Casino has been rebranded as Golden Nugget Cripple Creek. During my time there, I experienced a unique aspect of the industry where dealers retained their own tips rather than participating in pool shares.

This setup allowed for substantial earnings, with experienced dealers making an average of $28 per hour during weekdays. In the world of table games, earnings are primarily derived from tips, referred to as “tokes,” which can significantly supplement the base pay, typically around three dollars per hour. The system of tokes varies across casinos, with some implementing pool shares where tips are distributed among coworkers, fostering a sense of teamwork and camaraderie, while others, like those in Colorado, provide dealers the opportunity to keep their own tips, leading to potentially higher earnings based on individual performance and customer interactions.

Through my journey as a table games dealer, I have gained invaluable insights and experienced significant personal growth. One crucial lesson I have learned is that gambling is best enjoyed as entertainment, as its addictive nature can lead individuals to risk their homes and businesses.
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