by Deborah S. Hildebrand

Created on: February 26, 2009   Last Updated: May 03, 2010

It's as old as the 52-card deck and as contemporary as the local casino in so many cities across the U.S. today. It is a game of luck, a national pastime, and for poker dealers across America, an opportunity like none other.

Some will tell you a career as a qualified poker dealer is not glamorous; in fact, it's hard work. However, a well-rounded poker dealer - someone with multiple-game skills - can find a lot of opportunity to apply their trade in many areas of the country. It's a matter of getting the right education and work experience to jump-start your career.

If you are considering a career as a qualified poker dealer, it's important to know what is involved in becoming a professional poker dealer and the steps you can take to make your dream come true.

Poker Dealer Basics

The resurgence and legitimization of poker as a source of enjoyment and income has moved it from the back room to the living room and sparked an increased need in the number of qualified poker dealers, not just for casinos in major cities like Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but for cruise ships, Indian casinos and tournament play across the nation. But it takes more than just the knowledge of poker playing to be a qualified poker dealer.

Most experts will tell you that being a professional poker dealer is not just about the technical knowledge, though that clearly is a large part of the qualifications. Poker dealers need a broad proficiency in dealing all poker-style games - Omaha, Stud, Razz, Draw Poker as well as the more popular Texas Hold Em - as well as a good understanding of gaming objectives, terminology, policies and procedures. And one of the best ways to gain a solid understanding of the world of poker and obtain your license as a qualified poker dealer is to attend poker school. You'll need a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Scattered throughout the nation, gaming schools provide students with a clear understanding of poker basics such as poker hands, shuffling and cutting the cards, as well as limits, antes, buy-ins and forced bets. In addition, students are generally taught customer service basics such as handling customer disputes and helping new players who join the table learn the game. Along with gaining an understanding of these poker basics, students are provided with hands-on practice in dealing the cards in order to master each poker game.

When considering which gaming school is right for you, location may be of primary concern, especially depending on where

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