How to Become A Craps Dealer

Casinos are popping up everywhere and with them, the need for casino talent is increasing. Have you ever thought of being a stickman, or a boxman, or a base dealer? Maybe you want to be a pit boss? Where do you go to learn and get these jobs?

The answer, college. One of the more famous programs for learning the inner workings of a casino is a community college system in Arizona. Mojave Community College offers certificates in both Casino Pit Games Dealing and Casino Pit Games Management.

As the schools brochure says: "The Casino Pit Games Dealer Certificate offers training in specialized areas to prepare a student for an audition for entry-level employment in the casino industry."

Certificate Requirements:
CGM 121 Casino Dealer - Poker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 credit hours
CGM 122 Casino Dealer-Blackjack . . . . . . . . . . . .3 credit hours
CGM 123 Casino Dealer-Dice (CRAPS) . . . . . . . . . .4 credit hours
CGM 124 Casino Dealer-Roulette . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 credit hours
BUS 105 Business English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 credit hours
Total minimum credit hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 credit hours

The class on craps is described as:

"Techniques of Casino Games CRAPS (Dice)
Fundamentals of dealing craps with an emphasis on accurate and quick mental multiplication, chip handling, knowledge of odds on a variety of bets, procedures and game speed. Special attention is given to the management aspects of craps"

"The Casino Pit Games Management Certificate provides additional management training to prepare a student for advancement in the casino industry."

Certificate Requirements:
Casino Pit Games Dealing Certificate . . . . . . . . . .17
CGM 125 Casino Management: Floor person . . . . . .3
Electives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Choose any two from the following:
BUS 125 Introduction to Accounting . . . . . . . . . .3
BUS 142 Supervisory Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
BUS 144 Principles of Management . . . . . . . . . . .3
Total minimum credit hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

As you can see, it is comprehensive and can take between 2 and 3 semesters to achieve. This can cost about $3,000 to complete if you are a resident of Arizona, $7,000 if you are out of state

Another institution that offers a Casino Management Certification is the University of Massachusetts. It is offered through an online program and is part of the Hospitality Management department. It is not as comprehensive as Mojave, because the focus is less on how to play the games and more on how to run the floor. There are only 5 classes need to complete this program. This certification runs about $6,000 when it's all said and done.

Three Rivers Community College in Norwich Connecticut offers an Associates of Art degree in Casino Management, but it really focuses on hospitality courses and finance classes. There are no specific classes for casinos in the program.

By far the least expensive option is that of West Virginia State Community and Technical College. They are partnering with the local race tracks to train several hundred people to work in their newly opening casino sections in late '08/early '09. The cost is $490, and the employer will refund it after 90 days.

It is a good investment. A table worker can expect to make $30-$45,000/yr + tips depending on the area and management can make considerably more.

For more information you can visit the following:

Mojave Community College
University of Massachusetts
Three Rivers Community College
Charleston Gazette Article