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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:
| Starting | $15.05 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $16.43 |
| Top | $17.95 |
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
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 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.
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, or from a shoe (a box that dispenses cards), or automatic shuffler. After all the players have decided how many cards they want, dealers compare their 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 tile pai gow.
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 (for example, tuxedo shirts and pants, casino uniforms, or vests) as well as an apron and nametag.
Casinos often are crowded and noisy. Dealers may sometimes deal with difficult players or 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 more minor offence, such as a DUI.
There are no standard education requirements, but employers generally 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 are also required to complete the following training from Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC):
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
To work in a casino in Alberta, dealers must be registered with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC). Applicants must submit a completed application form, a current colour photograph and, if born in Canada, a birth certificate, passport or status card. If born outside of Canada, they must have identification such as a certificate of citizenship, immigration documents, a permanent resident card, landed immigrant documents, or a current work visa. All casino dealers must undergo a police information check (PIC).
Casino dealers must renew their registration with AGLC every 2 years. This involves submitting a new criminal record check and keeping training up to date.
Casino dealers work in casinos in cities or on Indigenous reserves.
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 positions, overseeing 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.
Casino dealers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6533: Casino occupations. In Alberta, 96% of people employed in this classification work in the Information, Culture and Recreation [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Over 1,400 Albertans are employed in the Casino occupations occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 20 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As instrumental musicians form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for instrumental musicians.
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 generally start at or just above minimum wage, and increase with experience and as dealers learn how to conduct more games. (As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.) Tip money is shared equally among dealers working a shift. On average, dealers receive four to eight dollars per hour in tips.
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 2011 National Occupational Classification 6533: Casino occupations.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.05 | $15.00 |
| Overall | $15.00 | $17.85 | $16.43 | $17.32 |
| Top | $15.00 | $18.75 | $17.95 | $18.40 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $25,342 |
|---|---|
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $25,318 |
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 31, 2019. 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.