Top 10 Casino Dealer Certifications

Certifications are important for casino dealers in the job market because they demonstrate that the dealer is knowledgeable, experienced, and skilled in dealing casino games. Having a certification from an accredited institution or program shows employers that the dealer has completed specialized training in dealing casino games and has a level of proficiency that is necessary to be successful on the job. Certified dealers are more likely to get hired by casinos since they have already proven their ability to perform well on the job. Additionally, having certifications can help dealers secure higher salaries, as casinos often reward certified dealers with higher pay than those without certifications.

The purpose of the article is to review some of the top certifications for Casino Dealers and explain how they can help advance a casino dealer's career.

What are Casino Dealer Certifications?

Casino dealer certification is a comprehensive program of study that prepares individuals to work as casino dealers in both live and online casinos. The program typically includes courses in gaming regulations, customer service, game rules, and dealing techniques. Upon completion of the coursework, students often take a final exam to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities.

Having a casino dealer certification can be beneficial for those looking to enter the gaming industry. It provides an individual with the necessary qualifications and training needed to work as a professional casino dealer. It also serves as proof of an individual’s expertise in the field, which can be helpful when applying for positions at casinos or other gaming establishments.

In addition, having a casino dealer certification can open up more opportunities for career advancement within the gaming industry. With this certification, individuals may gain access to higher-level positions such as shift supervisor or pit boss. These positions often come with better pay and benefits than entry-level jobs in the industry.

Overall, having a casino dealer certification can help individuals get their foot in the door of the gaming industry by providing them with specialized knowledge and skills required to become successful dealers. It also demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their craft and allows them to stand out from other job applicants.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a casino dealer, make sure to research the different certifications and requirements for each state. Different states have different licensing requirements for casino dealers, so it's important to ensure that you meet all of the necessary criteria before embarking on your career.

Related: What does a Casino Dealer do?

Top 10 Casino Dealer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Casino Dealers today.

1. Casino Dealer Certification from the American Casino Institute

The American Casino Institute (ACI) offers a Casino Dealer Certification program that provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful casino dealers. The certification program consists of four courses, each focusing on a specific area of casino dealing. The four courses are: Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Craps. Each course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the game they will be dealing as well as the rules and regulations associated with it.

The ACI’s Casino Dealer Certification program typically takes about eight weeks to complete. During this time, students must complete all four courses in order to receive their certification. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a certificate from the ACI verifying their knowledge and ability as a casino dealer.

In order to enroll in the ACI’s Casino Dealer Certification program, students must have completed high school or its equivalent and be at least 18 years old. Additionally, applicants must pass a background check before being accepted into the program.

The cost for the ACI’s Casino Dealer Certification program varies depending on location but typically ranges between $1,500-$2,000 USD per course. This fee includes tuition for all four courses as well as any additional materials needed for each course such as textbooks or study guides.

2. Certified Casino Dealer Program from the National Gaming Academy

The Certified Casino Dealer Program from the National Gaming Academy (NGA) is a comprehensive training program designed to prepare students for a career as a casino dealer. The program covers all aspects of dealing, including game rules, procedures, and etiquette. It also includes customer service and problem solving skills.

The program consists of two parts: the online course and an in-person practicum. The online course is self-paced and can be completed in about 8 weeks. It covers topics such as game rules, chip handling, customer service, math basics, and more. After completing the online course, students must attend an in-person practicum at one of NGA’s partner casinos. During the practicum, students will learn how to deal various casino games under the supervision of experienced dealers.

To enroll in the Certified Casino Dealer Program from NGA, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. There are no other prerequisites or qualifications necessary to enroll. The cost of the program varies depending on which casino you attend for your practicum; however, it typically ranges between $1,500-$2,000 USD.

3. Professional Casino Dealer Certificate from the International Gaming Institute

The Professional Casino Dealer Certificate from the International Gaming Institute (IGI) is an online training program designed to provide aspiring casino dealers with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in a gaming establishment. The program consists of two courses: Casino Dealer Fundamentals and Advanced Casino Dealer Training. The program covers topics such as game rules, dealing procedures, customer service, and more.

The program takes approximately 12 weeks to complete. It is self-paced, so students can move through the material at their own speed. To get started, students must register for the program by completing an online application form and paying a registration fee of $395 USD.

Once registered, students have access to all course materials including videos, podcasts, quizzes, practice tests and more. In addition to the course materials, students also gain access to IGI's network of experienced casino dealers who are available for mentoring throughout the duration of the program.

Upon successful completion of both courses within 12 weeks, students receive a Professional Casino Dealer Certificate from IGI that is recognized by many casinos worldwide. The certificate serves as proof that they have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge required to become a professional casino dealer.

4. Certified Table Games Dealer Program from the Gaming Training Institute

The Certified Table Games Dealer Program from the Gaming Training Institute (GTI) is a comprehensive training program designed to teach students the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful table games dealer. The program consists of three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

Level 1 of the program covers basic dealing skills such as shuffling, cutting cards, dealing from a shoe, paying out winnings, and other related topics. It also includes an introduction to casino game rules and regulations. This level takes approximately 8 weeks to complete.

Level 2 builds on the skills acquired in Level 1 by introducing more advanced techniques such as chip handling, managing customer transactions, and more complex game rules. This level takes approximately 12 weeks to complete.

Level 3 is the final level of the program and focuses on teaching students how to deal specialty games such as Pai Gow Poker, Baccarat, Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21, Let it Ride Poker and Caribbean Stud Poker. This level also covers customer service skills and casino procedures for dealing with difficult customers or situations that require special attention. This level takes approximately 16 weeks to complete.

In order to become certified by GTI as a table games dealer, students must successfully complete all three levels of the program. The cost of the program varies depending on which school you attend; however it typically ranges from $2,500 - $4,000 USD for all three levels combined.

5. Certified Casino Dealer Program from the Las Vegas Dealers School

The Certified Casino Dealer Program from the Las Vegas Dealers School is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a successful career as a casino dealer. The program consists of 180 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction, covering all aspects of casino dealing including gaming regulations, customer service, game protection, chip handling, table management and more.

The program takes approximately 8 weeks to complete and is offered in both day and evening classes. Students are required to attend all classes in order to receive their certification upon completion.

To get started with the Certified Casino Dealer Program from the Las Vegas Dealers School, students must first complete an online application form or contact the school directly for more information. Once accepted into the program, students will be required to pay tuition fees which range from $3,000 - $4,500 depending on the type of course they take.

In addition to tuition fees, students may also need to purchase textbooks or other materials related to their coursework. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion that can be used when applying for jobs at casinos throughout Las Vegas and beyond.

6. Professional Blackjack Dealer Certification from Blackjack Apprenticeship

Professional Blackjack Dealer Certification from Blackjack Apprenticeship is a certification program designed to help aspiring blackjack dealers learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a professional dealer. The program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person training session.

The online course is self-paced and takes approximately 15 hours to complete. It covers topics such as card counting, basic strategy, game rules, dealing techniques, customer service, and more. The cost for the online course is $99.

The in-person training session takes place at one of Blackjack Apprenticeship's partner casinos. During this session, students will receive hands-on instruction from experienced dealers and supervisors on how to deal blackjack professionally. This session typically lasts between 8 and 10 hours and costs $199.

Once both the online course and in-person training have been completed, students will receive their Professional Blackjack Dealer Certification from Blackjack Apprenticeship. This certification is recognized by many casinos around the world as proof of a student’s ability to deal blackjack professionally.

7. Roulette Certification from Roulette Training Academy

Roulette Certification from Roulette Training Academy is a certification program that provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful at playing roulette. The program consists of an online course, which takes approximately 10 hours to complete, as well as an in-person training session. The course covers topics such as roulette rules, betting strategies, probability and statistics, bankroll management, and more. Upon completion of the course and passing the final exam, students receive their Roulette Certification.

To get certified, students must first register for the Roulette Training Academy's online course. After completing the course and passing the final exam, they will be eligible to attend an in-person training session. During this session, students will receive additional instruction on how to play roulette successfully. Once they have completed both parts of the certification process they will receive their Roulette Certification.

Roulette Certification from Roulette Training Academy costs $199 USD for both the online course and in-person training session.

8. Craps Certification from Craps University

Craps Certification from Craps University is a comprehensive program that provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become professional craps players. The program includes instruction on the rules, strategies, and etiquette of craps as well as hands-on practice in a simulated casino environment.

The certification process takes approximately 8 weeks to complete and consists of both online and in-person instruction. During the online portion of the program, students will learn about the game of craps through interactive lectures, quizzes, and simulations. The in-person portion of the program consists of two days spent at a real casino where students will receive hands-on training from experienced craps instructors.

To obtain Craps Certification from Craps University, students must first complete an application form which can be found on their website. Once accepted into the program, students must pay a tuition fee which varies depending on whether they are registering for one or two days of in-person instruction. The cost for one day is $499 while two days costs $799.

Once all tuition fees have been paid and all course materials have been completed, students must pass a final exam in order to receive their certification. Upon successful completion of the exam, students will receive an official certificate from Craps University confirming their status as certified professional craps players.

9. Poker Dealer Certification from World Series of Poker Academy

The World Series of Poker Academy is an online training platform that offers a variety of poker dealer certification courses. The WSOP Dealer Certification Program is designed to provide aspiring poker dealers with the necessary skills and knowledge to become professional dealers in the world of poker.

The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Poker, Basic Poker Dealing, and Advanced Poker Dealing. Each course takes approximately 12 hours to complete and includes video lectures, quizzes, and practice dealing sessions. Upon completion of all three courses, students will receive a WSOP Dealer Certification and be eligible for employment at any WSOP-affiliated casino or tournament.

To get certified as a poker dealer from the World Series of Poker Academy, you must first register for the program on their website. Once registered, you can choose which course you would like to take and purchase it through their secure checkout system. The cost for each course is $99 USD.

Once purchased, you will have access to all materials needed for the course including video lectures, quizzes, and practice dealing sessions. After completing all three courses successfully, you will receive your WSOP Dealer Certification via email within 48 hours.

In total, it takes approximately 36 hours (12 hours per course) to complete the WSOP Dealer Certification Program from start to finish and costs $297 USD ($99 per course).

10. Baccarat Certification from Baccarat School of Excellence

Baccarat Certification from the Baccarat School of Excellence is a comprehensive program designed to teach the fundamentals of baccarat, as well as advanced strategies and techniques. The program is offered in two formats: an online course and an in-person workshop.

The online course consists of six modules that cover the basics of baccarat, including rules, betting strategies, bankroll management, and more. Each module includes video lessons, quizzes, and practice activities. The entire course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

The in-person workshop takes place over two days at a designated location. It covers all aspects of baccarat play and includes lectures, hands-on training sessions with professional dealers, and a final exam. The workshop lasts approximately 14 hours total.

To get certified through the Baccarat School of Excellence, you must successfully complete either the online course or the in-person workshop. Once you have completed your chosen format, you will receive a certificate indicating your successful completion of the program.

The cost for the online course is $299 USD while the cost for the in-person workshop is $599 USD.

Do You Really Need a Casino Dealer Certificate?

No, you do not need a casino dealer certificate to become a casino dealer. The primary requirement for becoming a casino dealer is that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge of the game you will be dealing. While it is true that some casinos may require certification as part of their hiring process, most casinos will hire dealers without such credentials.

Having said that, obtaining a casino dealer certificate can provide an advantage when applying for jobs. Such certifications demonstrate to potential employers that the applicant has taken the initiative to learn and understand the intricacies of the job and is willing to work hard at it. Additionally, having such certification can increase your chances of being hired over other non-certified applicants.

Finally, having a casino dealer certificate can also open up a variety of options in terms of advancing your career within the industry. With continued education and training, these certificates may help you land higher paying positions or even move into management roles within gaming establishments.

In conclusion, while it is not absolutely essential to have a casino dealer certificate in order to become a casino dealer, such certificates can provide an advantage when applying for jobs and may lead to additional opportunities down the road.

Related: Casino Dealer Resume Examples

FAQs About Casino Dealer Certifications

1. What is a Casino Dealer Certification?

A Casino Dealer Certification is a certification program designed to teach individuals the skills necessary to become a professional casino dealer. The program covers all aspects of dealing, including game rules, chip handling, money management and customer service.

2. Is a Casino Dealer Certification required to work in a casino?

Yes, most casinos require that their dealers be certified prior to employment. However, some casinos may accept applicants with prior experience as dealers in another casino or other gaming establishment.

3. How long does it take to get a Casino Dealer Certification?

The length of time it takes to obtain a Casino Dealer Certification depends on the individual's experience level and the type of course taken. On average, it can take between three weeks and three months for someone with no prior experience to become certified as a dealer.

4. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Casino Dealer?

Becoming a Certified Casino Dealer provides individuals with an opportunity to increase their earning potential through higher wages and tips from customers. It also provides job security due to the fact that many casinos prefer hiring certified dealers over those who are not certified. Additionally, becoming certified allows individuals to gain more confidence in their abilities when dealing at tables and interacting with customers in general.

5. What type of courses are offered for obtaining a Casino Dealer Certification?

Courses vary depending on the institution offering them but typically include topics such as game rules, chip handling techniques and money management strategies as well as customer service training and how to handle difficult situations while on the job.