by Shaz Slaughter

Created on: February 26, 2009   Last Updated: August 18, 2010

In order to become a qualified poker dealer in the United States an applicant must first acquire a gaming license from the Gaming Control Board (GCB) or Gaming Control Commission (GCC) in the state that the applicant chooses to operate in.

The GCB or GCC of a state is required to regulate and enforce gaming law within the defined geographical area and have the complete authority to grant or deny a gaming license to any establishment, employee and vendor in that state. To obtain a gaming license, an applicant must display evidence that they possess honesty, integrity and overall good character. An applicant may go to the office of the GCB/GCC or to the state's GCB/GCC website and complete a game license application form.

The license application form usually requires the applicant to disclose very detailed personal information about themselves and their spouses such as employment history, criminal records, details regarding previous business relationships, current and previous residences, financial background, current occupation, Social Security Number or National ID Number, aliases and financial stability.

The application may also ask for information about any other types of licenses the applicant may have in their possession such as licenses to be a doctor, lawyer, private investigator, insurance salesman, general contractor, architect, race horse owner/trainer/manager, race dog owner/trainer/manager, real estate broker, or securities dealer along with where and when those licenses were issued.

After the application process is completed the applicant will be subject to an investigation and background check by the state's GCB/GCC or a multiple jurisdiction entity such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or Interpol. The application process is designed to be arduous and difficult in order to dissuade and prevent dishonest persons and organized criminals from acquiring gaming licenses.

Once the applicant has received a gaming license the applicant is now able to get a job as a qualified poker dealer in that state's casinos. Many States that have outlawed and banned casinos tend to have an underground community of poker rooms.

Any dealer that considers operating in underground poker tournaments should be aware that getting caught dealing in underground games in states where casinos are banned leads to arrest, $1000 fine or more for each count the dealer is charged with and one or more years in prison, depending on the laws of that state.

Novice dealers

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