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Hospitality, Food & Tourism career
Casino Dealer
Also called: Table Games Dealer · Blackjack Dealer · Poker Dealer · Croupier
What casino dealers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a casino dealer do?
Gambling dealers operate table games, dealing cards, running wheels and dice, paying winners and collecting losing bets while following strict procedures. The median pay is $34,320 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4–12 weeks per game, and employment is projected to grow +3.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$34,320$16.50/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.4%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year13,300Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train4–12 weeks per gameTypical program length
- U.S. jobs88,900Employment, 2025
What casino dealers do
Casino dealers run the games: blackjack, poker, roulette, craps and baccarat. They deal cards, spin wheels, calculate payouts, handle chips, enforce game rules, protect the game from cheating and keep the table friendly and fun. Accuracy and speed with math matter.
Dealers attend dealer school or casino training, often for a few weeks per game, and must get a state gaming license. Tips are a large part of pay. Experienced dealers can become floor supervisors and pit managers.
Typical duties
- Deal cards and run table games
- Calculate and pay winning bets
- Collect losing bets
- Handle chips and cash accurately
- Enforce game rules and procedures
- Watch for cheating
- Keep players engaged and comfortable
Work environment and schedule
Dealers work in casinos with bright lights, noise and crowds, standing for most of the shift.
Schedule: Casinos run 24/7, so dealers work nights, weekends and holidays with rotating breaks.
A day in the life
- Check in, get your table assignment and count the chip tray.
- Deal blackjack, paying 3-to-2 on blackjacks.
- Rotate to the roulette table and announce bets closed.
- Take a scheduled break.
See a full day in the life of a casino dealer →
Casino Dealer salary
Half of casino dealers earned more than $34,320 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $24,040 for the lowest 10% to $77,090 for the top 10%.
Full casino dealer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a casino dealer
- Meet age requirements
- Attend dealer school
- Get licensed
- Audition
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical. Dealers attend dealer school or casino training for each game and must obtain a state gaming license.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a casino dealer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Game procedures
- Mental math
- Chip handling
- Card shuffling and dealing
- Game protection
People skills
- Composure
- Friendliness
- Attention to detail
- Integrity
All casino dealer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Quick training
- Tip income
- Social, lively work
- Clear path to supervisor roles
Cons
- Late nights and weekends
- Standing for long periods
- Difficult players
- Smoke in some casinos
Certifications and licenses
- State gaming license: Required to work in casinos.
- Dealer school certificate: Training for specific games.
- Responsible gaming training: Training on problem gambling.
- Customer service training: Guest service skills.
Career path
- Dealer: Run table games.
- Dual-Rate Dealer: Deal and supervise.
- Floor Supervisor: Supervise tables.
- Pit Manager or Casino Manager: Manage gaming operations.
Learn the job before day one
Our Casino Dealer training (8 hours, $74.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as deal a hand of blackjack and calculate a roulette payout, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Casino Dealer vs. Bartender · Casino Dealer vs. Cashier · Casino Dealer vs. Front Desk Agent · Casino Dealer vs. Server
Casino Dealer FAQ
Do casino dealers need a license?
Yes, from the state gaming commission.
How long is dealer school?
Often a few weeks per game.
Do dealers earn tips?
Yes, often a major part of income.
How much does a casino dealer make?
The median annual wage for casino dealers was $34,320 ($16.50 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $24,040 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,090.
How long does it take to become a casino dealer?
Most people need about 4–12 weeks per game of training. A high school diploma is typical. Dealers attend dealer school or casino training for each game and must obtain a state gaming license.
Do you need a degree to be a casino dealer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More casino dealer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-3011 (Gambling dealers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Gambling dealers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.