So, You Want to be a Dealer at the WSOP?

The life of a professional poker dealer is by no means a glamorous affair yet each year hundreds flock to Las Vegas for a chance to shuffle and flip the cards at the World Series of Poker, the most prestigious tournament in the world. Where do they come from and why do they do it? In this article, we’ll examine some of these questions and also look at the hiring process and what is involved in becoming a professional poker dealer to the stars.

The resurgence of poker in America and around the world – along with the inception of two major poker tours, the World Poker Tour and the World Series of Poker Circuit – has resulted in an unprecedented demand for competent card dealers. Usually, when there is a major tournament and one of these tours comes to town, there are not enough dealers on hand in that city to cover the event. This has created the need for traveling poker dealers, those who are willing to take their craft out on the road in order to attend the big events and, in the process, make some decent money.

Last year the annual WSOP tournament at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas required the hiring of an additional 550 dealers. Naturally, many of the established dealers who are based in Vegas worked the event, but yet there was still a surge demand for competent dealers and thus tournament directors went in search of qualified candidates. Each Tuesday for six months prior to the competition, the owners of the WSOP, Harrah’s, held auditions for several of the many vacant spots. For an interested dealer, this was clearly the best way to secure a job, although for many others a trip to Las Vegas wasn’t always a feasible option.

But what are they looking for in a dealer, you might ask? When speaking to one of the dealer coordinators for the massive WSOP championship, we learned that they are after a lot more than just technical know-how. New dealers must also be very knowledgeable about all aspects of poker, as they are usually required to deal for different events other than Texas Hold’em. They must also demonstrate proficiency in Omaha, Stud, Razz, and Draw Poker – and clearly this type of well-rounded dealer isn’t always easy to find.

What else do they look for? For one, a neat outward appearance is a must. The event coordinators are looking someone who is clean-cut and presentable. Keep in mind that a lot of the action will be televised, and none of the interested parties – particularly the sponsors - want to come off looking unprofessional. So get a haircut and look spiffy!

What many inexperienced dealers don’t realize is that it’s a very demanding job. You mustn’t forget about the pressure that comes along with dealing cards in high-profile tournaments and cash games. Keep in mind that you are working with people who are often going on tilt after enduring bad beats. Additionally, dealers are often the only target for players at which to direct their anger and frustration, and although seldom directly blamed for poor performances, they do get their fair share of abuse.

Of course, this piece isn’t meant to talk anyone out of a career as a poker dealer, but the editors here feel a responsibility to present the reality of the situation. It’s a tough and thankless profession, but also one which gives you an eye-opening perspective about the game. Also, it truly offers an insider’s glimpse of the seedier side of the industry and, of course, the perils involved in compulsive gambling. We’ve spoken to many dealers who are recovering gamblaholics themselves, and for them dealing is a crucial part of their therapy. Each day they are reminded of how they came very close to ruining their lives, and by staying close to the game, they are better able to face their demons.

Visit one of these sites for more info on how to become a professional poker dealer:
http://www.dealer-training.com
http://www.ideal21.com/course.htm

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