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In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in speaking with patrons to explain rules of games; and in assisting patrons experiencing difficulties with machines
Interest in compiling information to ensure that patrons follow game rules; and in accepting keno wagers and issuing computerized tickets for selection
Interest in handling equipment to fill slot machines with coins and in performing minor adjustments to slot machines
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
In general, casino dealers:
Specific duties vary depending on the game:
Blackjack dealers stand at a table and deal cards. They may deal from 4 or more decks, from a shoe (a box that dispenses cards), or an automatic shuffler. After all the players have decided how many cards they want, dealers compare their own hands (cards) to each player’s hand to see who wins and loses.
Baccarat dealers may work in teams of up to 3 people, depending on the size of the table and number of players. When they work in teams of 3, 1 person deals cards and the other 2 pay off and collect bets.
Craps (dice game) dealers work in teams with a box person, a stick person, and 2 dealers. The box person supervises the game, solves disputes, and controls casino chips. The stick person pushes dice to shooters (people who throw dice), retrieves thrown dice, and calls the game. The dealers pay off and collect bets, depending on the outcome of the throw.
Poker dealers shuffle and deal cards. They evaluate players’ hands to assess winning bets, take the house percentage from the pot, and pay winners.
Roulette dealers sell casino chips, spin the roulette wheel, release the ball, and pay off and collect bets. During busy periods, 2 dealers may work 1 roulette table.
Casino dealers may also deal other games. Examples are Let it Ride, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, 3- or 4-Card Poker, and Pai Gow Tiles.
There is a great deal of supervision in gaming. Everything is watched and filmed by surveillance cameras. This is to protect the casino, players, and staff from cheating, theft, and mistakes.
Most dealers work in groups of tables called pits. They change tables regularly and have a 15-minute break every hour as business volumes allow. They must remain alert, cheerful, and helpful at all times. Many dealers are on their feet all the time except at breaks.
Dealers work shifts. They are expected to work late nights, weekends, and holidays. They may work full time or part time.
Depending on the casino, they may need to wear specific types of clothing (such as tuxedo shirts and pants, casino uniforms, or vests) as well as an apron and nametag.
Casinos often are crowded and noisy. Dealers may sometimes encounter difficult patrons, such as players who become angry when they lose.
Casino dealers need:
Craps dealers must be able to keep up an enthusiastic patter during games.
Casino dealers should enjoy:
Casino dealers must be of legal gambling age. They should have no criminal record, but there may be an exception for a minor offence.
There are no standard education requirements, but employers most often prefer those who have a high school diploma. Knowledge of the community and local tourist attractions is an asset.
Dealers must have a complete working knowledge of games, casino rules, and security procedures. Most casinos have in-house training programs. Newly hired dealers are usually given 40 to 60 hours of training over 2 to 6 weeks. After they are experienced with basic games, they may be trained for more advanced games. The number of training hours needed depends on the game.
Casino dealers must also complete the following training from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC):
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
To work in a casino in Alberta, dealers must register with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). Applicants must submit a completed application form and government-issued identification. ID could include a:
All casino dealers must undergo a criminal records check (CRC).
Casino dealers must renew their registration with AGLC every 2 years. This involves submitting a new criminal records check and keeping training up to date.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Casino dealers work in casinos in cities, or in communities on Indigenous land.
Advancement is usually in the form of working at more advanced games or moving into supervisory positions. For example, dealers may start out dealing blackjack and later learn craps or roulette. Then they may advance to floor supervisor, a position in which they oversee table games and dealers in a pit. Floor supervisors may become pit managers who make sure games run smoothly, schedule dealers’ breaks, watch for cheating, solve disputes, open and close table games, and do paperwork. Taking on a management role may require related post-secondary education.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 6533: Casino occupations occupational group, 99.1% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6533: Casino occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.4% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
There is a relatively high employment turnover rate in this occupation so demand for new workers is fairly steady. However, there often are many applicants for vacant positions.
Hourly wages for casino dealers start at or just above minimum wage. They increase with experience and as dealers learn how to conduct more games.
Tip money is shared equally among dealers, managers, and supervisors working a shift. On average, dealers receive $8 to $10 per hour in tips (2018 estimate).
Casino dealers are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 6533: Casino occupations.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Casino occupations occupational group earned on average from $15.16 to $16.13 an hour. The overall average was $15.29 an hour. For more information, see the Casino occupations wage profile.
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis website: aglc.ca
Tourism HR Canada website: tourismhr.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 21, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
