Everything you Need to Know About Passing an Audition

Dealer's Audition Checklist: Part 1

Written by Daniel Odeyemi

Becoming a casino dealer isn't an easy task. Everyone can get a chance, but not all will secure a spot. According to Recruiters.com, demand for casino dealers is projected to increase by 7.16% percent annually, and about 43,370 positions will need to be filled by 2029. Therefore, if you intend to become a gambling dealer, either a temporary or long-term goal, it is time to prepare by learning how to ace an audition.

This article highlights a quick checklist, i.e., the i's and t's, you need to cross to pass a casino dealer audition.

1. Secure an Audition Spot

With the increasing need for casino dealers, apply for an open position in a casino that matches your profile and get an audition. Apply to as many places as possible to increase your chances of getting auditioned. And when filling out your application form, be truthful. There is a high chance that the casino managers will audition you on the games you listed on your application. Therefore, be honest on your application.

2. Prepare for an Interview

Some casinos prefer to schedule interviews for candidates selected before proceeding to the audition stage. The main reason is to get to know you in person and learn more about you: your personality, are you friendly, are you personable, whether you attended a casino school, the games you can deal, and your previous experience. Casinos hire dealers based on their personality. Provide accurate answers to their questions. Also, it doesn't matter whether you are a break-in dealer. You stand an equal chance as someone who went to a casino school. If you have a successful interview, you will get an audition spot.

3. Work on your Appearance

Appearing clean at an audition is crucial. For guys, your hair must be well cut, and your beard well-groomed. For ladies, wear moderate makeup and ensure your hair is neatly done. No braids or buns, as this will not be allowed on the casino floor, due to game security and table protection.

The appropriate attire for a casino dealer audition is black pants, a white long-sleeved button-down shirt, black shoes, and black socks. The aim is to look good. You don't have to buy an expensive outfit.

4. Practice

Having secured an auction, it's time to prepare. Ask a few of your friends to ask you questions, or you can face a mirror. Try to answer questions to see how well you can flow when speaking. The goal is to avoid stuttering as much as possible and to provide concise answers. One cannot be too prepared, but it doesn't hurt to try.

If it's been a while since you dealt a game, then practice dealing at home as well. You don't need a casino table to practice, just a deck of cards and some coins.

5. Engage Your Dealing Skills

During the audition, the managers may ask you to deal on a live game. Their decision may depend on your experience, as indicated in your application or during the interview. The floor man, the shift manager, and the existing dealer will be watching you. Their main goal is to see your personality, your interaction with the players, and your dealing skills, which don't have to be exceptional on the first try.

If you happen to be a break-in dealer, they would not rule you out for being inexperienced. Most casinos are willing to take you through the dealing process. Teaching you how to deal is easier than breaking bad habits. However, coming prepared by practicing how to deal major games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat would be highly beneficial. The more games you know, the more valuable you are as a dealer. You can watch relevant YouTube videos to learn and prepare ahead.

Some casinos have a preferred method for handling chips and cards. However, they understand that you don't know the house policies and procedures and will not knock off points if you do the house shuffle differently. You are allowed to ask questions. Keep a good dealing pace. Not too slow that you lose hands-per-hour, but not too fast where you and making plenty of mistakes.

6. Have a Personality

One of the key traits casino managers want to see in you during an audition is your personality, especially your social skills. How well can you engage in a conversation? Can you smile without looking awkward? How patient are you? How well can you answer questions? Are you personable and friendly?

Table games attract all kinds of players, and one of the casino's priorities is to ensure they have the best gaming experience. Therefore, the person who will be in close contact with the players, which is the casino dealer, must not be haughty, impatient, or huffy.

A casino dealer with great social skills can keep players engaged at the table for longer, and this is what casinos want. If it's your first audition, you can let the manager know you're a little nervous, but wear a smile and be friendly. Casinos expect dealers to be nervous during their audition.

The casinos are looking for someone players would always look forward to meeting the players on the table and can stay in control of any situation that may arise without losing composure. Therefore, build your personality.

7. Be Ready

It's okay to be nervous, it's okay to make mistakes during an audition. Just give it your best shot. Don't take any audition for granted, whether it's for a big or small casino. Be confident, work on your communication and dealing skills. You are going to do well!

Conclusion

There you have it: seven checklists for passing a casino dealer audition. There may be a wait before you get a chance to audition, but it will come. If you are currently in a casino school, ask the relevant head of the casino school for opportunities. If you are a break-in dealer, don't hesitate to reach out to casinos you would like to work at. You can contact the casino without the dealer school involved, if they are taking their sweet time setting up an audition for you. There may be an opening. And if you are looking to level up to bigger casinos, aim for the best chance you can get.

If you need help to get hired as a casino dealer, reach out to us at Vegas Aces. Good luck!