Help Wanted: Casinos Struggle With Finding Poker Dealers; Nice Bonuses, Competitive Wages Await Those Willing to Pitch Cards
Looking for a job? Poker dealers are still in high demand across the country. Poker rooms are looking for people to help pitch cards and stack pots.
Like many industries, poker and gaming are also having trouble finding employees. Dealers are now sought in numerous live card rooms. That includes Florida, where casinos across the state are still struggling to get back up to par.
“We have seven card rooms down here in a 45-minute area, and every room is short,” Calder Casino floor manager Ralph Brandt told USPoker. “We’re the smallest room. We only currently offer Florida-style table games at the moment, and it’s tough to get dealers and supervisors.”
Upping the dealer pay ante at the WSOP
Anyone looking to get into the casino industry currently has some nice opportunities to get into a property of their choice. Casinos are offering competitive wages to entice workers to come back after the post-pandemic poker world.
The World Series of Poker upped the ante this summer and shared a new enhanced pay structure. WSOP organizers increased pay and bonuses for people willing to deal.
WSOP Vice President Jack Effel offered some insight on the struggles many properties and series are facing.
“It has become very difficult because there are many more events these days,” Effel told USPoker this summer. “Texas andFlorida have opened up poker and traveling expenses have increased everywhere. Due to the pandemic a lot of poker rooms shut down and the dealers moved on to other jobs, and just like in every other industry those workers haven’t come back like before.”
Other casinos, poker series, and card rooms are facing similar difficulties.
Northeast still slow to rebound
Once considered a powerhouse and debatably one of the best regions for competitive poker, the northeast is slowly trying to rebuild that status. At one time the area held some of the biggest events around.
Properties like Borgata, Parx, and Rivers casinos help multiple WSOP live circuit series in the northeast and mid-Atlantic region. Players could expect multiple major events each month.
Rivers Philadelphia has found some stability when it comes to dealing staff. But it’s still a struggle and the property is always looking for more.
“We’re holding steady with the number of dealers and supervisors working in the Rivers Casino poker room,” Philadelphia poker operations manager Jim Moore said. “Things are running smoothly for both tournaments and cash games, but we’re always looking to hire talented poker dealers who are interested in joining our team.”
Massive Las Vegas job fair, big bonus offers
Any quickInternet search for “casino hiring” will bring numerous results. Even in Las Vegas, casinos and poker rooms are looking to attract as many people back to the field as possible.
According to Jobertising.com, a huge job fair is set for Nov. 2 at the Palms Casino Resort. Properties will Interview potential candidates on site and plenty of gaming jobs will be part of the mix.
Most casinos are offering enticing bonuses and making it easier than ever to get into the industry. Places like Delaware Park are offering $500 bonuses, paid training classes, and virtual interviews.
Those interested in manning the poker tables from the dealer’s seat have numerous opportunities. And it may not be too early to plan for some work at the 2023 WSOP. Those looking to deal in Las Vegas next year can apply by visiting the Caesars employment portal or emailing [email protected].