New Online Program Trains Card Dealers
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If the glamour and glitz of working in Las Vegas appeals to you, or if you just want to find yourself on the other side of the card table in your local casino, the Pierce College Extension program can help you realize that dream.
In a partnership with Gatlin Education Services, the college is now offering its online Casino Gaming program (www.gatlineducation.com/pierce) intended to train students for a career in the casino industry’s table gaming.
Currently the program boasts three courses for Casino Poker, Blackjack and Baccarat dealers that range from 75 to 100 hours of course work. All courses are taught online using a combination of video e-mails and interactive multimedia, and all three are open enrollment. Students can begin training when they are ready and don't have to wait for a new session or semester to begin.
Courses in the Casino Gaming program are open to anyone over 18 years of age who has received their high school diploma or GED, however, it should be noted that anyone who has been convicted of a felony is not eligible to work in a U.S. casino. As well, those who wish to work as a casino dealer must have full use of their hands and no severe visual impairments.
Johnny Chan, a ten-time winner of the World Series of the Poker and member of the Poker Hall of Fame, has provided the basis for the program by sharing lessons, tips and insights gained over the more than twenty years he's spent playing in casinos throughout the world.
During each course students develop the proper mannerisms and methods of a professional casino dealer as they learn the fundamentals of shuffling, handling cheques, limits, and betting procedures for Poker, Blackjack and Baccarat. After they complete the program the Johnny Chan Academy provides students with job placement information and support, including posting the students’ profile on their website for employers to view and giving students the chance to make a streaming video to show off their new skills to potential employers.
"We are proud to be in partnership with Pierce Extension to offer the Casino Gaming program. Now, students can learn the skills necessary to be successful in their dream job," said Stephen Gatlin, Gatlin Education Services Founder, "With the popularity and growth of casinos in recent years, students in the program will be training for some of the most glamorous and well-paying careers available."
According to the American Gaming Association the casino work force increased by more than 79 percent over ten years, going from 198,657 employees in 1990 to 354,921 in 2005, and is still continuing to increase. In 2005 alone, casino employs earned more than $12.6 billion in wages including tips and benefits, and generally have higher average salaries than their counterparts in the hospitality , motion picture and other amusement and recreational industries.