Standing in the center of a crowded casino, effortlessly shuffling cards and calculating complex payouts, is a highly skilled profession.

If you have excellent manual dexterity and can handle high-pressure social situations, it can be an incredibly lucrative career path.

Learning the Trade: Casino Academies

The journey begins by enrolling in a dedicated, state-licensed casino dealing academy or trade school.

You will typically start by learning Blackjack, as it is the foundation, before moving on to complex games like Craps or Roulette.

• Dealing school teaches you how to 'clear your hands' (showing the camera they are empty) to prevent accusations of theft
• The math required is not complex algebra, but rather the ability to add numbers to 21 or multiply by 35 instantly in your head
• You must learn how to seamlessly deal the game while simultaneously holding a conversation to entertain the players

The Reality of the Casino Floor

You must also develop a thick skin, as dealers frequently absorb the anger of players who are losing large sums of money.

However, the financial compensation can make the stress incredibly worthwhile, as dealers make the vast majority of their income through tips (tokes).

Becoming a professional dealer is a fantastic, non-traditional career that offers excellent benefits and incredible people-watching opportunities.