If you’re wondering how to become an online casino dealer (often named a liver dealer), this guide is your lucky chip. Don’t worry if you’re starting from scratch; we’ll guide you through the maze of casino dealer hiring, online or in person, and reveal how to shine in home-based roles.
Plus, we’ll shuffle through the deck of casino dealer training courses so that you can bet on the best one. We’ll stack the deck in your favor!
Understanding the Role of an Online Casino Dealer
Online casino dealer jobs are not just about dealing cards or spinning roulette wheels; they’re about creating an engaging and trustworthy atmosphere, all from the comfort of your home office (or kitchen table, or from the beach, we don’t judge).
Online gaming is growing increasingly popular and with the demand for VR (virtual reality) experiences growing every day, live dealer casinos are growing to be in gigantic demand.
To get a job in a dealer position, you’ll need to handle a few responsibilities and skills.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Player Interaction: Brush up on your small talk – discussing the weather, current events, and points of interest around the world is a learned skill! It may be time to blow the dust off that Toastmasters’ application packet!
- Rule Enforcement: Keeping the game fair is key. You’re like the referee, but with better fashion sense. The question is, can you be both fair and fun? You’ll be the go-to person for the rules and regulations during games; do you feel like you know them back and forth?
Skills Required
- Attention to Detail: Spotting a sneaky jack hiding under a king or someone shadily looking off-camera a little too frequently — That’s your superhero power. You’ll need Superman’s X-ray vision with Dick Tracy’s reasoning and investigative prowess.
- Game Knowledge: Know your blackjack from your baccarat. Players expect you to be an encyclopedia of gambling while at your table.
Expert Insight
Meet Jamie, a seasoned online casino dealer, specializing in table games. Jamie’s journey started with a simple casino dealer training course. It led to a flourishing career dealing digital cards to players worldwide.
It’s dynamic and exciting, and I’ve enjoyed being able to work nights to have a flexible schedule! Live dealer games are always popular, so there is always high demand for dealers!
Jamie
Essential Qualifications and Skills
Before you start a casino dealer training course snug in your PJs, let’s talk about qualifications and skills. You don’t need to be a Vegas veteran, but there are a few boxes to tick to excel in online casino dealer jobs or training.
Age and Educational Requirements
- Legal Age: You need to be at least 18 or 21, depending on the laws in your state. Do a quick search on our gambling laws page for your state, you’ll get your answer!
- Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is usually enough to get your foot in the virtual casino door. College degrees are welcome but not mandatory – if you can run numbers in your head, you’ve got enough gears to run the machinery, as they say.
Qualifications
- Licensing: Some states require a gaming license. It’s like a secret agent’s license to deal, but with less espionage and being chased around by people with weapons.
- Background Check: Casinos take trust seriously, so a clean record is as important as a clean deck of cards.
A Day in the Life of A Online Casino Dealer
Julia Smith, a USA-based online dealer for a trusted online casino, agreed to let us write about a day in her life. She’s had a long career as a casino dealer, and was happy to contribute to this guide on how to become a casino dealer.
While she works online, much of what she had to share rings true for a dealer working in live casino table games at their local casino!
- 9AM: Working as an online casino dealer begins with the typical workday hubbub. In the morning, the dealer prepares their workspace, ensuring a quiet, well-lit environment and a stable internet connection, like you would for any other remote job. This setup is crucial for providing a seamless gaming experience for online players.They need to feel as if they’re sitting in the busy, interesting halls of a real casino and not just sitting at their computer.
- 10AM: Our dealer, Julia, is starting on the clock at 11AM. As the day progresses, she logs into the casino’s platform, dons her professional attire, and conducts a quick check of her equipment, including cameras and microphones, making sure everything is working smoothly.
- 11AM-5PM: The afternoon is usually the busiest time. Julia manages various games like blackjack, poker, and roulette, friendly and engaging the whole time. She interacts with players through a live video feed, dealing cards, spinning roulette wheels, and announcing game results; remember, she’s the game master dishing out rules and ensuing smooth play, but it is also her job to keep gamblers happy and entertained.
- 5:30PM: The night concludes with Julia logging off the platform, doing a final check of her equipment, and reflecting on the day’s work. Working as an online casino dealer requires a unique blend of technical skills, game knowledge, and customer service abilities. She’s earned her pay for the day, that is for sure. She tidies up her workspace and goes off to make dinner for her kids. Job well done, Julia!
To quote Julia:
It’s challenging to teach someone to work as a dealer in just one session, but the important part is that you want to become a casino dealer. You will take the time to get casino experience, learn the casino environment, develop your people skills, navigate the casino industry smartly, and, most importantly, apply for a job and become one of the many new dealers that join the industry each year! The demand for online casino dealers is so high right now. The world really can be a good casino dealer’s oyster.
Julia Smith
A Casino Dealer’s Salary
You’ll be dealing cards, keeping up conversation, and hosting live casino games, that’s for sure, but, do you know how much casino dealers make?
According to stats analyzed by ZipRecruiter, one of the USA’s top job-posting boards, the hourly pay of a casino dealer (and online casino dealers) lands a base pay of around $18.38 an hour as of 2024. That’s a total salary of $38,230 per year.
Dividing the casino dealer salary further:
- $3,186 per month
- $1,470 per two weeks
- $735 per week
- $147 per day
While a salary of nearly $40k a year is certainly nothing to shake your head about, remember to count in the potential for tips! Being a casino dealer in 2024 means that you get an annual salary, plus any tips — after all, it’s your treat for being a great dealer!
Both online casinos and live casinos have their own tipping methodologies, with the two most common being:
- The “dealer takes all” in terms of their tips — dealers earn what they are tipped, taking it all home at the end of their shift.
- All tips are applied into a “tip jar” and passed out at the end of the night. Dealers across the casino take home a share of the collective amount.
Knowing that you can easily take home $60-$70k a year as a dealer makes the effort to learn how to become one sound a lot less arduous, right?
Training to Become an Online Casino Dealer
Let’s shuffle through the training courses and certifications available. It’s like preparing for a role in a Vegas-themed movie, but you get chips and cards instead of a script.
Types of Training Courses and Certifications:
- In-Person School Training: Casino training institutions, also known as “Casino School,” offer those who prefer the traditional approach, brick-and-mortar schools offer hands-on experience. It’s like going to Hogwarts but for casino games. Your best bet will be to find your closest casino and search for in-person dealer training in that city.
- Online Training Courses: The internet is your oyster here. These courses are perfect for aspiring dealers who prefer to learn in their bunny slippers. They cover everything from game rules to handling virtual chips, often with hands-on classroom sessions through game room software. You’ll receive the training required to host live online games or live games in a land-based casino. Online training courses are a solid bet.
Testimonial from a Graduate
Alex, a proud graduate of a casino dealer training course, gave us this input:
I started with zero knowledge about casino games. My idea of a full house was when my relatives came over for Thanksgiving! The training course was a game-changer. It was like being in a real casino, without the cigarette smoke. Now, I’m dealing blackjack to players from around the world, all from my little home office. If I can do it, so can you!
Alex
Best Online Casino Dealer Training Courses
- Vegas Gaming Academy: This course is like the Harvard of online casino training. They offer everything from blackjack to baccarat at an accelerated pace and with a single instructor. It is priced from around $500 to $750, each game-specific course provides everything from game rules to handling virtual bets. It’s an investment in your future, minus the student loans.
- Jack Black Casino Dealer School: Specializing in the most common games, Jack Black Casino Dealer School is a solid bet. Bonus: They offer VOD (Video on Demand) for each class, allowing students to review according to their schedules. Packages cost below $1000 and payment plans are available.
- CEG Dealer School: Blackjack is currently on offer — Craps, Baccarat, and Roulette are soon to be offered in online class form through CEG Dealer School. The Blackjack course is currently priced at $99, usually offered for $150.
Finding Online Casino Dealer Jobs
Finding online casino dealer jobs might seem as tricky as a high-stakes poker game, but you’ll be raking in the chips with the right strategies in no time!
Job Search Strategies
- Online Job Portals: Check out CasinoCareers.com, WorldCasinoJobs.com, or Indeed.com. They’re like dating sites, but for jobs – you’ll find the right match!
- Networking: Connect with other dealers on platforms like LinkedIn. It’s not just about whom you know, but who knows you’re seeking employment.
Resume and Application Tips
- Tailor Your Application: Customize your application for each job. One size does not fit all, especially in the diverse world of online casinos. Take a look at the casino’s site, and highlight the games they offer on your resume. Mention the dealer school you attended prominently.
- Emphasize Soft Skills: Highlight your communication skills, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.
- Be Open to Learning: Show your willingness to learn and adapt. In this game, flexibility is as important as skill. Be ready to learn multiple games– versatility is key on the casino floor!
Hiring Manager Insights
Tammy Kadlec, a hiring manager at Wild Rose Casino & Hotel — Clinton, Emmetsburg, Jefferson, told us:
Personality is key in this line of work. We can teach you the technical aspects, but we can’t teach enthusiasm and a knack for customer interaction. Show us you’re ready to be the face of the casino, even if it’s a digital one.
Tammy Kadlec
Online Casino Dealer Hiring Without Experience
Don’t have experience as a dealer? No worries! The online casino world often welcomes fresh talent with open arms.
Entry-Level Roles and Career Growth
- Start Small: Look for entry-level positions. They’re the stepping stones to bigger opportunities.
- Part-Time Work: Gaining experience through part-time roles can be a royal flush for your resume.
A Success Story
Joseph Mullen, who started with zero experience and is now a star dealer, provided this insight:
I started as a poker dealer at Parx Casino. I took a training course in my own time and volunteered to help with live games when dealers called out. Now, I’m a full-time dealer, hosting games for players worldwide!
Joseph Mullen
Working as a Home-Based Online Casino Dealer
The world of home-based online casino dealing, where the dress code includes what you want to wear, and your commute is just a few steps to your desk! Let’s roll the dice and look at the ups and downs of this unique setup.
Pros
- Flexibility: You can often set your hours. Night owl or early bird, you decide when the dealing happens.
- Savings: Say goodbye to gas costs and work from wherever you’d like; pick your own cost of living!
Cons
- Self-Discipline: With great flexibility comes great responsibility. Staying motivated can be tougher than a tough poker face.
- Tech Troubles: Internet down? Software glitches? You’re the IT department now, and the fastest, most up-to-date fiber internet may not be available in your area.
Expert Advice: Chris’ Home Studio
Meet Chris, a successful home-based online casino dealer.
I transformed my spare room into a mini-casino studio. It took some getting used to, but the flexibility and comfort are unbeatable. The key is treating it like a real job: regular hours, professional attire (at least from the waist up), and a dedicated workspace.
Chris
Key Considerations for Home-Based Dealers
Working from home as a casino dealer is not just a game of luck; it involves strategy, just like a good card game.
Work-Life Balance and Time Management:
- Set a Schedule: Keep a regular work schedule. It helps separate “work time” from “home time.”
- Stay Active: Don’t let the couch become your best friend. Stretch, exercise, and maybe do a victory dance after a successful game. Take breaks!
Technical Requirements and Home Office Tips:
- Reliable Internet: This is your lifeline. A strong, stable connection is non-negotiable.
- Quality Webcam and Microphone: Your tools to interact with players. Ensure they are top-notch for clear communication.
- A Professional Setting: Create a casino vibe. A cluttered background could be more distracting than a slot machine’s lights.
So? Interested in becoming a live casino dealer?
Armed with legal knowledge, the right education, and digital savvy, you’re poised for success in the casino cosmos. You can totally become a casino dealer.
Take the next step: explore resources, subscribe to insightful newsletters, and explore job opportunities at top online casinos. Your next major career move in this exciting industry could be just a click away — you might become the next big deal in the online casino world. Maybe you’re the next big casino manager!