I Quit School...(long)

[primetime 0]

i quit dealing school after going 5 times.....it cost about 400$ dollars to be trained as a poker dealer and if you want to add another game like blackjack or another table game, it cost 100 more a game...craps is another animal... its not that dealing school is hard(its harder then i thought), you can get a certificate in about a month if you go everyday for atleast a few hours... the school itself does not guarantee a job after completion...they tell you that upfront..they say they have casinos call them to see if they have dealers that are ready but again no guarantee... the hardest thing about dealing is not about knowing the rules(rules of the games and dealer button etc..) or knowing how to cut the deck or even knowing how to handle chips...these things could be taught in the first day...the hardest thing for me is the right way to deal cards(pitching) and the rake.. dealing card to players is called "PITCHING"..and done the right way, takes some practice..i see most people pitch with their index finger on the corner of the card..but the right way is pitching with your middle finger(watch your local poker dealer) and get that helicopter effect...when you get to the school they have you pitch for about 30 minutes to start your session... the rake is the hardest...its easy when the casino has a 1 dollar at 10, 2 dollars at 20, 3 dollars at 30 and 4 max when the pot reaches 40 dollars..and some casinos have 1$ for a side jackpot....even a standard 10% rake is ok...10% is easy to figure out.. 27 dollar pot you rake 2 dollars and 50 cents(quaters only..and you cant take 2.75 because you never overrake).some casinos(the ones you will first start out at), the smaller ones, have a 5% rake..now stay with me..kinda gets complicated.... 2/4 limit game..1/2 blinds...3 callers..6 dollars in the pot...you change 1 dollar chip to quaters and rake 5%..30 cents..since you cant overrake..you take a quarter and put it in the rake spot..you have to remember you have 5 cents left to rake at the turn..3 players play the flop..6 more dollars..5%, you take another quarter..now you have 10 cents left more to rake on the turn...you get the idea?procedure...you cant cover the cards with your hands to straighten the deck after you shuffle..use you right thumb with the deck in your left hand and push the back end to straighten the deck....how to collect the pot and push to the winner..where to put the mucked cards.. after some time..it becomes second nature because you do it like 300 times a day...but it does take some practice....once you finish dealer school(this is the reason i quit)...you have to go to almost every nasty casino to get a audition..no highend poker room will audition a dealer with no experience(unless you have a connection)..even middle grade cardrooms(small rooms on the strip and off strip) require atleast 6 months to a year experience(unless you have a connection)..you have have to work at a breaker poker room usaully in downtown or way off strip where the action is small and maybe they have 3-5 tables...you might have to work graveyard shifts and if there are no players they send you home. pay starts at 5.15$ an hour and all the tips you keep(great for poker dealers because table games like blackjack have a share the tips by shifts rule in vegas.....but shiite..5.15 an hour with no tips for 8 hours is only about 40 bucks a day...working for tips and if its a shitty game or even no game..then what??after passing the audition, you have to get a gaming licence..and any kind of theft record you are screwed..if you have past charges not related to theft..you are ok because if they only hire people clean records..half of vegas dealers would be gone..theft..they dont want...i personally dont have any recordi heard one dude didnt get hired at the statosphere because during his audition the manager thought his shuffle(riffling 2 halves of a deck together) was too loud(wtf is that..lol)i have been playing for the last 4 months and have made average 4000 a month...thats about 200 aday ave playing 2/5 nl ...for 20 days ..2 days off a week..so ill keep playing until i hit a monster cold streak and see what happens i guess...good thing i do have a deep bankroll..hopes this helps you guys looking into dealing...if you have any more questions post and ill try to answer

[JaNnN 0]

Looks like me you want to make a career with not to much hassle. Just invest some time and money so you atleast have the basic skills to fall back on. Why don't you just go work parttime as a dealer. If you do the graveyardshifts it often is a quite time so you can get your experience dealing a soft table and-so-forth.Jan

[primetime 0]

Looks like me you want to make a career with not to much hassle. Just invest some time and money so you atleast have the basic skills to fall back on. Why don't you just go work parttime as a dealer. If you do the graveyardshifts it often is a quite time so you can get your experience dealing a soft table and-so-forth.Jan

i will eventually finish the school.....they said the money i paid doesnt have a expire date on it so i will finish it....i also learned having connections to dealers and poker room managers are even better..so while i play i will try to get to know the dealers and the managers and more importantly they get to know me better so when i do go for a audition..they will look more favorably to me...connections are gold.....hope i can keep up my ave monthly totals...as lof right now my career is playing not dealing..and it has been a great hassle to get to this point of finally winning on a monthly ave...

[Dane 0]

If you think that is hard, then forget about it, when you start dealing you will be getting little pay and lousy work hours.

[Viper_13 0]

"i have been playing for the last 4 months and have made average 4000 a month"you're making $4000 a month and you want to work for $5.15 /hr plus tips ???

[kook04 0]

So what you are saying is that, in order to succeed in this field, you need to start at the bottom and work your way up? You need to pay your dues and work for small wages, with crappy hours? You need to refine your skills and work hard to advance? You need to prove yourself and impress your superiors?Ok, so what's the problem now? Did you expect to be dealing at the Bellagio the day after you graduated?

[WhiteSpade 0]

So what you are saying is that, in order to succeed in this field, you need to start at the bottom and work your way up? You need to pay your dues and work for small wages, with crappy hours? You need to refine your skills and work hard to advance? You need to prove yourself and impress your superiors?Ok, so what's the problem now? Did you expect to be dealing at the Bellagio the day after you graduated?

Exactly.Once something proves to be a challenge you quit? It's a month of your life. Think about the number of people that go to university for 4 years paying 10's of thousands of dollars. Do you think they have it easy when they finish?Sure you'll be making small wages but think about what you'll be making in tips once you get work on the strip. I find it hard to believe that you signed up for the school without doing any research at all. Obviously it's not going to be a cake walk. You're probably looking in the wrong place if you want sympathy. I find it kind of pathetic. I'm sure most people will feel the same that are working hard to get what they want.

[bdc30 0]

"i have been playing for the last 4 months and have made average 4000 a month"you're making $4000 a month and you want to work for $5.15 /hr plus tips ???

2 things I've learned in life...Guaranteed Incomeand Benefitsare both very +EV

[Gibbo 0]

Dealers in the casino I work at in Australia make $22aud an hour flat rate (night time and Sunday bonus additional) plus they get 10min break every hour without fail.

[Naked_Cowboy 0]

If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right, which means a challenge. Every real profession starts like this: public accounting, medicine, law, it's all the same. Starting off in something that has real potential long term sucks hard at the beginning or EVERYONE would do it.

[nell789 0]

Thanks for the post. I've looked into becoming a dealer, and this helps me out a lot. Actually your post almost made me want to do it even more .

[missIdaho 1]

2 things I've learned in life...Guaranteed Incomeand Benefitsare both very +EV

Exactly. It only takes one bad cold streak to make you regret not having a steady dependable income.

[getarealjob 0]

Basically, you're lazy. Stay in school and finish this. Work from the bottom up. It'll build your character, and being employable will be an asset for you in the long run.This poker dealing is not brain surgery buddy.

[iggymcfly 0]

Don't listen to everyone that keeps telling you to deal or go back to school or do whatever other "real job" is considered safe and acceptable. If you're making $4000 a month playing poker, then keep analyzing your game, reading books and forums, and keep playing poker. All the dealers are people that wish they could play for a living anyway; just think of what you're doing as giving yourself a promotion.

[mrdannyg 274]

well i've been in school for 4 years, and i'm currently out "auditioning" at dirty-ass places just to be able to get to a decent place in a few years.so basically its just like everything else. stick to it, get a crappy job, nail all the waitresses, then move on to the bellagio.

[sirch1 0]

Dont start off dealing vegas, move somewhere else and deal and then come back. I know four or five poker dealers and they love hteir job. The work in a small casino and make a lot of money in tokes

[NocturnalRob 0]

Dealers in the casino I work at in Australia make $22aud an hour flat rate (night time and Sunday bonus additional) plus they get 10min break every hour without fail.

That's because Aussies tip for crap. Didn't know about the 10 minute break though.

[Phlatline 0]

Don't listen to everyone that keeps telling you to deal or go back to school or do whatever other "real job" is considered safe and acceptable. If you're making $4000 a month playing poker, then keep analyzing your game, reading books and forums, and keep playing poker. All the dealers are people that wish they could play for a living anyway; just think of what you're doing as giving yourself a promotion.

First off, hello everyone, first post here at FCP!I think this decision, playing or dealing for a living, is really best made after you have assessed how risk averse you really are. Of course, playing has more potential upside, as well as downside, income swings; whereas dealing is going to give you very little income variance. Playing for a living also requires greater money management skills and self discipline, as opposed to working with a steady income stream and predetermined hourly schedule.If you can function well in an uncertain environment and have the discipline to put put a portion of your winnings into a retirement account, purchase medical/dental insurance, invest in some long term equity instruments such as real estate, etc, etc, then I say go ahead and play professionally because dealing will not provide the upside income potential you are after.However, if you are willing to trade a little bit of that upside potential for stability and reduced stress, then seriously consider pursuing the dealing career. A steady income stream, 401Ks, health insurance, free food, etc., are really nice benefits to have, especially in times of negative downswings at the poker table. Knowing that your future income and health are being taken care of provides a good sense of security, allowing you to concentrate more on improving your game, and less on making the monthly bills. Also, dealing fulltime and playing parttime can provide a healthy income once you do your time in the break-in casino trenches and work your way up to the strip casinos. I deal at the Bellagio and play parttime now. I take home $4000+ most every month after taxes, 401K, insurance, etc., just from dealing about 40 hrs a week. My poker earnings are much less than this, but I also play infrequently. I have been dealing for 15 yrs and have slowly climbed the casino ladder. Nobody starts at the top, virtually everyone grinds out the breakin joints, but the end result is a comfortable life and a nice income combining a real job with a great game. Will I ever be a millionaire? Nope, probably not, but I am content with the security of my future. I hope this helps you out with your decision and good luck at the tables.....Phlat_________ PS. LOL, and no Iggy, every dealer does not wish they were playing for a living. We see the swings the pros go through and the stress that is their life!PSS. Most dealers here in vegas get 20 min breaks every 40 to 60 mins, which usually equates to about 2 hours in breaks a day. Its great for studying up on the poker books or whatever.

[WhiteSpade 0]

First off, hello everyone, first post here at FCP!I think this decision, playing or dealing for a living, is really best made after you have assessed how risk averse you really are. Of course, playing has more potential upside, as well as downside, income swings; whereas dealing is going to give you very little income variance. Playing for a living also requires greater money management skills and self discipline, as opposed to working with a steady income stream and predetermined hourly schedule.If you can function well in an uncertain environment and have the discipline to put put a portion of your winnings into a retirement account, purchase medical/dental insurance, invest in some long term equity instruments such as real estate, etc, etc, then I say go ahead and play professionally because dealing will not provide the upside income potential you are after.However, if you are willing to trade a little bit of that upside potential for stability and reduced stress, then seriously consider pursuing the dealing career. A steady income stream, 401Ks, health insurance, free food, etc., are really nice benefits to have, especially in times of negative downswings at the poker table. Knowing that your future income and health are being taken care of provides a good sense of security, allowing you to concentrate more on improving your game, and less on making the monthly bills. Also, dealing fulltime and playing parttime can provide a healthy income once you do your time in the break-in casino trenches and work your way up to the strip casinos. I deal at the Bellagio and play parttime now. I take home $4000+ most every month after taxes, 401K, insurance, etc., just from dealing about 40 hrs a week. My poker earnings are much less than this, but I also play infrequently. I have been dealing for 15 yrs and have slowly climbed the casino ladder. Nobody starts at the top, virtually everyone grinds out the breakin joints, but the end result is a comfortable life and a nice income combining a real job with a great game. Will I ever be a millionaire? Nope, probably not, but I am content with the security of my future. I hope this helps you out with your decision and good luck at the tables.....Phlat_________ PS. LOL, and no Iggy, every dealer does not wish they were playing for a living. We see the swings the pros go through and the stress that is their life!PSS. Most dealers here in vegas get 20 min breaks every 40 to 60 mins, which usually equates to about 2 hours in breaks a day. Its great for studying up on the poker books or whatever.

I must say, one of the best first posts ever.

[FIREonICE 0]

TP/MM

[Brisco 0]

I must say, one of the best first posts ever.

Yea, what he said... Nice post

[primetime 0]

when i signed up i thought it would be a good thing to fall back on and a learning expierence...after a few months of playing and then going to the school maybe once a week..i realised at this point i dont want to go..if i feel later when my bankroll is depleted enough where i dont feel comfortable playing the stakes i play..OFCOURSE i would finish the school...work my way up and play in lower stakes to build a bankroll...BUT at this time of my life..i have a deap enough bankroll and shiitteee..im making a decent amount playing and consistantly amonth...dealing is not hard..once you do it over and over again..its gets to be a routine...just harder then i expected..with the pitching and raking...after 30 minutes just pitching cards to certain spots and it doesnt seem like the last one was better then the first..it was alittle tedious(sp).i love playing and everytime i play....i learn some more...i thought dealing and playing would be even better to learn..because i hear alot of the pros started that way....like i said i am not asking for a refund or anything like that..still a option...

First off, hello everyone, first post here at FCP!I think this decision, playing or dealing for a living, is really best made after you have assessed how risk averse you really are. Of course, playing has more potential upside, as well as downside, income swings; whereas dealing is going to give you very little income variance. Playing for a living also requires greater money management skills and self discipline, as opposed to working with a steady income stream and predetermined hourly schedule.If you can function well in an uncertain environment and have the discipline to put put a portion of your winnings into a retirement account, purchase medical/dental insurance, invest in some long term equity instruments such as real estate, etc, etc, then I say go ahead and play professionally because dealing will not provide the upside income potential you are after.However, if you are willing to trade a little bit of that upside potential for stability and reduced stress, then seriously consider pursuing the dealing career. A steady income stream, 401Ks, health insurance, free food, etc., are really nice benefits to have, especially in times of negative downswings at the poker table. Knowing that your future income and health are being taken care of provides a good sense of security, allowing you to concentrate more on improving your game, and less on making the monthly bills. Also, dealing fulltime and playing parttime can provide a healthy income once you do your time in the break-in casino trenches and work your way up to the strip casinos. I deal at the Bellagio and play parttime now. I take home $4000+ most every month after taxes, 401K, insurance, etc., just from dealing about 40 hrs a week. My poker earnings are much less than this, but I also play infrequently. I have been dealing for 15 yrs and have slowly climbed the casino ladder. Nobody starts at the top, virtually everyone grinds out the breakin joints, but the end result is a comfortable life and a nice income combining a real job with a great game. Will I ever be a millionaire? Nope, probably not, but I am content with the security of my future. I hope this helps you out with your decision and good luck at the tables.....Phlat_________ PS. LOL, and no Iggy, every dealer does not wish they were playing for a living. We see the swings the pros go through and the stress that is their life!PSS. Most dealers here in vegas get 20 min breaks every 40 to 60 mins, which usually equates to about 2 hours in breaks a day. Its great for studying up on the poker books or whatever.

thanks for the response.....and not just flaming....you know what....im gonna finish the school....but one of these days you gonna see me at a final table on TV(i hope)..and everything will take care itself....."""its not a fcuking pipedream"""

[Phlatline 0]

when i signed up i thought it would be a good thing to fall back on and a learning expierence...after a few months of playing and then going to the school maybe once a week..i realised at this point i dont want to go..if i feel later when my bankroll is depleted enough where i dont feel comfortable playing the stakes i play..OFCOURSE i would finish the school...work my way up and play in lower stakes to build a bankroll...BUT at this time of my life..i have a deap enough bankroll and shiitteee..im making a decent amount playing and consistantly amonth...dealing is not hard..once you do it over and over again..its gets to be a routine...just harder then i expected..with the pitching and raking...after 30 minutes just pitching cards to certain spots and it doesnt seem like the last one was better then the first..it was alittle tedious(sp).i love playing and everytime i play....i learn some more...i thought dealing and playing would be even better to learn..because i hear alot of the pros started that way....like i said i am not asking for a refund or anything like that..still a option...thanks for the response.....and not just flaming....you know what....im gonna finish the school....but one of these days you gonna see me at a final table on TV(i hope)..and everything will take care itself....."""its not a fcuking pipedream"""

Hey, go for it then, and I sincerely hope you crush the game (well as long as I am not at your table ) I would hate to be the one trying to talk the next Phil Ivey into dealing. I think most everybody takes a shot at the bigtime at somepoint in their life, whether it be business, investments, or whatever they may dream of. The important thing to remember is to have a plan B just in case things don't work as planned. If you love poker, then dealing makes a great plan B. I would have to agree that its probably best you finish up the school and then go from there.Take Care,Phlat________

[finztotheleft 0]

Phlatline..great first post and welcome to FCP ! Check out the strat section for more "serious" poker discussions.Primetime......I hope you can continue at your current winrate (I'm envious of that ! I would encourage anyone to have their "plan B" firmly in place as soon as possible. For you this would be finishing dealer school and starting to work your way up. Benefits and regular employment are definitely +EV. Unless you are banking a lot of cash, mortgage companies will prefer to see steady employment when you want a loan. So will most companies that provide disability insurance. I loved my career as a nurse, but now I can't work because of a back/neck injury. Without disability insurance/worker's comp and social security quarters paid in (in case I need that too), I could be in big financial trouble. When you are young, you don't often think of those things, but you need to make sure you are protected. Good Luck.

[primetime 0]

Hey, go for it then, and I sincerely hope you crush the game (well as long as I am not at your table ) I would hate to be the one trying to talk the next Phil Ivey into dealing. I think most everybody takes a shot at the bigtime at somepoint in their life, whether it be business, investments, or whatever they may dream of. The important thing to remember is to have a plan B just in case things don't work as planned. If you love poker, then dealing makes a great plan B. I would have to agree that its probably best you finish up the school and then go from there.Take Care,Phlat________

dealing for 15 years...wow....you must have some great stories...what is your greatest? funniest? wierdest? bellagio? you deal the big game?