Do you thrive in an atmosphere of excitement where your greatest ambitions lie in the challenge of card games? Are you energetic and enthusiastic with a natural skill for connecting with others? If so, you may want to go the step further and turn your talents into meaningful profits. Here's how you can become a qualified Poker Dealer in the US.
DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS:
You may be great at playing cards, but you need to train in the full scope of the profession including dealer performance, professional communications skills and strong management qualities. Some of these skills may come natural to you, but most come with specially constructed post-graduate courses, which provide official course programs and diplomas.
There are Casino Poker Dealer courses offered in various state universities throughout the United States. These are non-credited continued education programs that teach the complete trade including all the skills necessary to qualify you as a poker dealer.
The Gatlin Education Services has partnered with several universities throughout the United States, and offers a complete and recognized Casino Poker Dealer Course diploma. These courses are offered online in both English and Mandarin, and are overseen by 10-time winner of the World Series of Poker, Johnny Chan.
This is a highly interactive training program that teaches the methods, techniques and mannerisms of professional poker players and dealers. Student tests and presentations are done by means of a video camera program supplied by the school where students can demonstrate their newly learned skills.
There are several courses available, running from six months to a year with a maximum cost of about $1500. Students graduating with a 70 per cent or more average receive the diploma qualifying them for entry-level positions in the trade. Time, experience and proficiency will develop your skills and qualify you as a Poker Dealer for reputable casinos.
PROFICIENCY AS A QUALIFIED POKER DEALER
1: You will be required to know, understand and demonstrate with complete efficiency all the rules and regulations of every variation of the game of Poker.
2: You must achieve a high level of physical and professional skill relating to the necessary nuances associated with the physical skills of becoming a casino poker room dealer. These include shuffling, dealing hands, managing wagers and choosing winners.
3: You must acquire the standards of total professionalism that you will exhibit at all times during the games.
4: You must be able to demonstrate high standards of professional communications skills under every possible circumstance. Not all players will be congenial to the manners of the game or be willing to accept their loss. You will be required to deal with them professionally and without incident or attention.
DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMANCE SKILLS
1: Handling of the Cards: You will need to acquire professional card handling skills to develop speed, accuracy and precision. These include spreading the cards, shuffling the deck, boxing the deck and developing the dealer's grip for exactness.
2: Handling of the Cheques: You will need to become an expert at handling cheques, the rake, the table fees, the bank, the soft break change and the high/low split. These skills will need to flow efficiently and accurately with the mood the table and without breaking the pace of the game.
3: Understanding of the general skills of the game: You will have to acquire a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all the poker terminology, the table layout, the rank order of hands, the table stakes and the betting procedures.
4: Performing the complex skills of the game: You will need to develop a complete understanding and accomplished performance of all antes and blinds, as well as dealing the games.
5: Understanding without exception of all the game rules: You will need to be proficient in your knowledge, understanding and applications of Texas Hold Em, Seven Card Stud and Omaha.
6: Exhibiting a constant standard of professionalism: You will be required to demonstrate a constant professional persona regarding all customer relations, game security, dealer expectations and all Casino personnel.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES IN BECOMING A QUALIFIED DEALER?
Personality:
In general, Poker chronicles have proved that the most qualified Poker dealers are the people who enjoy playing card games, especially Poker. These are people who live for the excitement and the thrill of engaging in competitive card games.
They are people who revel in the challenge of card games that are suspended on the balance of chance. They are driven by the provocation of winning and are not discouraged or angered by the fate of losing.
They are people motivated for success in the fast-paced and highly energized atmosphere of the Casino environment. They bring excitement and exhilaration into the game and to all those who dare them.
Academic aptitude:
Qualified Poker dealers not only have the flare for the game, but they have the professional training to verify their skills.
Their educational background must include either a high school diploma or an acquired GED diploma.
They must be 18 years of age to apply for the extended education course of Poker Dealer at any university within the United States.
Physical attributes:
Applicants must have exceptional eyesight with the visual proficiency to see all things at their table, to notice face expressions, eye movements, hand movements and gestures from all the players at the table, as well as be aware of the people around them. They must be able to foresee actions before they happen.
Qualified Poker dealers must have full use of their hands including speed, accuracy and proficiency when handling the cards, while at the same handling cheques, rakes and any other movements required. Their movements must flow and never stumble or prevent the enthusiasm or pace of the game.
Credibility:
Qualified Poker dealers must be fully bondable, and have a clean criminal record with no felony convictions. You may be able to take the qualifying courses but will likely not be accepted into any casinos as a Poker dealer.
POKER DEALER ONLINE COURSES
In 1989 Stephen Gatlin established the Gatlin Education Services, a training service that has become the largest provider of Web-based, instructor-supported training to community colleges and universities throughout the United States. Their courses are designed to provide the necessary skills in acquiring professional positions including that of a qualified Poker dealer.
The courses, directed by ten-time winner of the World Series of Poker, Johnny Chan, are 100 hours long and are offered in both English and Mandarin. This highly interactive training program teaches the methods, techniques and mannerisms of professional poker players through the use of streaming multimedia and instructional video E-mails.
Various universities throughout the United States have partnered with Gatlin Services, offering these dynamic courses to their students, both in class and through distant learning.
ACCREDITED PROGRAMS
Students with a 70 per cent average or higher earn a diploma, a highly respected qualification when applying for jobs within its professional category. However, the courses are GES, or non-credit courses, and cannot be included with other college credits.
As well, because they are GES courses, they do not qualify for federal aid. However, in some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards will pay for qualified students to enrol in the course at the desired university. One example is the Eastern Connecticut State University, School of Continuing Education.
Students can get financial help by applying for a GES loan, which can be granted, howbeit, at a slightly higher rate. Students interested in applying for financial aid can do so at: www.collegeloanapplication.com.
JOB PLACEMENT
The diploma, although a basic credential for a qualified poker dealer, does not guarantee job placement.
However, most colleges offer job placement courses that teach how to apply for entry-level jobs, even inside a casino.
Entry-level jobs will develop and prove your communications and professionalism skills, which will qualify you for a higher position. This necessary step will prerequisite your application to the position of a qualified poker dealer.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE QUALIFIED POKER DEALER
1) Professionalism: You will be required to maintain a professional, courteous and friendly attitude with every player without bias or prejudice. Your pleasant and professional attitude will provide a pleasant gaming experience for every game player. And it's your attitude that will encourage the players to keep going, and that will bring them back to the table later on.
2) Compliance: You will comply with the employer regarding policies, procedures and regulations, never wavering from their protocol regardless of opinion.
3) Control. You will be in complete control of the gaming table, keeping it a pleasant atmosphere and a safe ground for all players. You will be required to notice in advance any disgruntled players and be required to signal for the Shift Supervisor regarding any irregularities, disputes or arguments during a game. You will need to be aware of them before they happen, but cannot use any physical or verbal action towards them.
4) Authority: You will have total authority over the games, their conformity with company policies and procedures, and managing all the player transactions.
5) Public relations: You will be responsible for prompting positive guess relations so that they will be inspired and encouraged to return.
If you feel that you have what it takes to be a successful qualified Poker dealer, then you will have an exciting and financially rewarding career waiting for you.