The Casino Dealer Math Test: Can You Pass?

Every job requirement is tailored to the duties expected of the person occupying that position. For casino dealers, speed and accuracy in performing basic arithmetic without a calculator are must-have skills. Hence, there is a need for a math test.

The casino dealer math test is an arithmetic assessment used by various gambling establishments as a screening tool to select potential dealers. Any aspiring dealer who understands basic arithmetic or is willing to learn can pass the test.

If your long-term or temporary goal is to become a casino dealer, you may need to refresh or improve your arithmetic skills. This article will help you by explaining the format of the casino dealer math test and provide some sample quizzes.

What to Expect in a Casino Dealer Math Test

Keep in mind that some casinos will give you a written test while other casinos will not. Commonly, a casino dealer math test covers three areas: Basic Arithmetic, Game-Specific Payouts, and Strategy. Depending on the casino, you will have about 20 to 50 minutes to complete the test, with a focus on games like baccarat, craps, blackjack, and roulette.

The basic arithmetic involves foundational operations such as multiplication and addition. This section is important because, in live gameplay, you have to add card values or chips in real time to determine if the hands win or not.

The game-specific payouts can be in a picture test format. The examiners can show you an image of chips on a Roulette layout or a blackjack that needs to be paid and then ask for the payout based on what you see. You will be required to provide answers in either "units" (number of chips) or "dollar amounts” depending on the question.

Here is an example:

From this picture, we can deduce that the player has a natural blackjack (an ace plus a 10-value card, i.e., a 10, Jack, Queen, or King). As the dealer, what would you pay the player on a $25 bet?

At a table that offers a 3:2 Payout for blackjack, the answer is (3/2 or 1.5) ✕ $25 = $37.50. But at a 6:5 table, the answer is (6/5 or 1.2) ✕ $25 = $30.

How to Prepare

Preparing for a casino dealer math test isn’t complex. Commit time to:

1. Card Counting Drills: Take a deck of cards and remove all of the ten-value cards. Place one card down at-a-time, as if you were dealing blackjack, and practice counting past 21.
2. Blackjack Math: When paying 3 to 2, you are paying the bet plus half of the bet. Paying 6 to 5 is a bit harder which is why I recommend paying to the unit when paying out a blackjack wager. This will make it much easier for you than trying to figure out the math. You can do this for both a 3 to 2 game and a 6 to 5 game. If you’re having trouble, you can use our free 3 to 2 flashcards and 6 to 5 flashcards.
3. Basic Strategy Guide: It’s good to have the blackjack strategy guide memorized, in case a player asks you what the book says to do, or if you want to spot a card counter deviating from basic strategy. When learning, sometimes people need a blank worksheet, where they can write the answers out, over and over again. If you would like a blank blackjack strategy worksheet, you can find it here. Here are the answers. If you would like to use our free flashcards, you can find them here.
4. Roulette Multiplication: Learn multiplication tables, particularly the 5, 6, 8, 11, 17 and 35-times tables, as these come up constantly at the roulette table. We provide blank worksheets that you can print out and use, and here are the answers when you check your work. You can also use our free roulette flashcards.
5. Practice: As much as you can. You can use Vegas-Aces free interactive flashcards.

Sample Quizzes

Try to answer these five casino dealer math test questions within 60 seconds.

1. A player at your 3:2 table hits a Blackjack on a $25 bet. How much do you owe the player?

• Option 1: $42.50
• Option 2: $37.50
• Option 3: $70.00

1. A player places a $10 chip on a Street bet, which pays 11:1, and the ball lands on one of the three numbers the bet covers. What payout will you offer to the player?

• Option 1: $110
• Option 2: $120
• Option 3: $330

1. In Baccarat, a player wins a $50 bet on the Banker hand. Following the house commission rule, you have to take 5% on the win. What is the commission amount you need to collect?

• Option 1: $6.00
• Option 2: $2.50
• Option 3: $10.50

1. A player has placed a $20 Pass Line bet, and the shooter rolls a point number 4. Then the player places a $30 Odds bet. If the point is rolled again, what is the total payout for both the Pass Line (1:1) and the Odds?

Note: Odds pay 2:1 on a 4 or 10.

• Option 1: $50
• Option 2: $70
• Option 3: $80

1. A player at your blackjack table wagered $100 and was dealt a pair of 8s. You, the dealer, have an Ace as your up card. The dealer checks the card and does not have a blackjack. The player looks at you and asks, "What does the basic strategy say I should do here?"

Note: You are dealing an 8-deck shoe, where the dealer hits a soft 17, and no surrender is available.

What would be your suggestion?

• Option 1: Stand: 16 is a "strong" hand, and you don't want them to bust.
• Option 2: Hit: 16 is a losing hand against an Ace, so you should take a card.
• Option 3: Split: Always split 8s, as this is the standard basic-strategy play.
• Option 4: Double Down: Put up an equivalent of your initial bet.

Answers

1. Option 2 ($37.50)

2. Option 1 ($110)

3. Option 2 ($2.50)

4. Option 3 ($80)

5. Option 3 (Split)

Conclusion

When the chance presents itself for you to take a casino dealer math test, do not shy away. It isn't difficult. You can pass. Dedicate some time to learn and you are good to go. You can reach out to us at Vegas Aces for further assistance.