Duke grad going to deal in vegas?

four eight suited · #1 03-24-2005, 06:42 PM

Alright, so it's less than two months until I graduate from Duke and I have no idea what I want to do with my life. I cant stand the thought of being a corporate whore or a desk jockey for the rest of my life. I spend my days playing, thinking about, reading about, and talking about poker, so why not turn this into a job, for a while at least. From reading posts on this site and many other articles and forums about being a dealer there appear to be many appealing aspects to it, for me.

With that said, what do I do now? I have ordered the professional poker dealer's handbook because as far as I can tell seems to be the best resource out there. Beyond that, I am pretty clueless. I was hoping someone could help point me in the right direction as far as certifications that I might need, dealer school?, how/where to find a job and questions similar to these.

Any information on the topic would be greatly appreciated.

PhatCasino · #2 03-24-2005, 06:47 PM

if you run to vegas before the 30th and find your way around the mgmmirage website, i think you can get a short interview and maybe an audition as a poker dealer at mgm... just say yes you have 6 months exp. . . - which you can say was from dealing home games @ your dorm, etc.
it would be $150-$200 a day tips, but you probably wouldn't get more than 3 days to start. Just an assumption

Im a recent college grad myself, looking in the same exact direction

GreywolfNYC · #3 03-24-2005, 06:50 PM

[ QUOTE ]
From reading posts on this site and many other articles and forums about being a dealer there appear to be many appealing aspects to it, for me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, if you like complete dead-end jobs with low pay and all the abuse you can eat.
If you're going to flush your diploma down the toilet you'd be better off trying to get a job in valet parking in Vegas. The money's better, they are Teamsters and have benefits galore, and you'll stay in shape (or get into it) by running all day long.

betgo · #4 03-24-2005, 07:05 PM

If you are a Duke graduate, you will be bored being a dealer. It is a lot of routine tasks most Duke graduates couldn't take.

If you want to be a professional player, play part time until you are doing well enough to play full time. If you are a Duke graduate, there is a good chance you can make it as a pro.

Dealing may work as an interim towards being a pro for some people, but not for most. It might have a good summer job if you could take it.

wray · #5 03-24-2005, 07:16 PM

I wouldn't say it's constant abuse but you don't just get all the respect in the world either.

A cousin of mine was a trainer with a mster degree at a resort in South Beach. She said once she had to fill in at the pool handing out towels. She said she made over 300 that day....more than her trainer job.

I'd say if you're in a position to do whatever you wanted go for it. I would also suggest two other things. 1) Don't allow yourself to get in a pickle where you're strapped financially. Nothing like being in a job you hate and can't leave. and 2) Think of something bigger than dealing poker. Whether it's playing poker or running a casino. Ask the floor what it takes to get their job. Then once you become a floor person ask that boss what it takes to have their job. Also learn other aspects of a casino. You never know, you might be running a casino one day. Just remember to rip up my markers if you do.

four eight suited · #6 03-24-2005, 07:24 PM

Dad???? Is that you???? I didnt know you posted on 2+2

GuitarMarc · #7 03-24-2005, 07:27 PM

As opposed to a dead-end job in the corporate world.

I love it when someone says you need to think of "bigger" things. Yes, you can deal but only if you imagine some day running the casino. Yes, you're only successful if you're managing big things and a lot of people. How odious.

cwsiggy · #8 03-24-2005, 07:30 PM

Steve Wynn started somewhere I guess.

GuitarMarc · #9 03-24-2005, 07:45 PM

Yep, think about your future in terms of what a billionaire has accomplished. You're gonna be pretty disappointed and miserable that way. Unless you're into being ruthless and nasty with the ego of a Roman Caesar ala Wynn or Trump. By the way, at that level, your undergrad degree is moot.

ceyoung · #10 03-24-2005, 07:50 PM

an important thing to consider is will you be able to use your degree after being a dealer? if you deal for two years, and then decide that you want to get a job using your degree it will be a great deal harder to get an entry level job. who do you think the company would hire: a recent college grad with no experience, or someone two years removed from college with no experience?