With the emergence of casinos around the state, all of a sudden there's a real market for table games dealers. Tioga Downs is helping facilitate the career opportunity by hosting a blackjack dealer school of its own. Camille DeLongis stopped by to see what it takes to make it in the gaming business.
NICHOLS, N.Y. -- An experienced table games dealer makes the job look like a breeze; however, the team at Tioga Downs -- and those in training -- will tell you it's anything but.
"You think you know something when you walk in here and you don't. It's like they said, 'hang your ego at the door.' You think you're a card guy and you're not," said John Wild, a table games dealer in training.
To be a blackjack dealer, you must master the art of multitasking.
"The game itself is a relatively simple thing to learn and pick-up and play, but the nuances of being a dealer are a lot more involved and there's a lot more information that you need to know,” said Aaron Lantz, a table games dealer in training.
You have to be quick of mind, and extremely aware of your body movements.
"Being able to do quick math with the cards, 'OK that's 21, that's a bust,’” Lantz said.
Students taking part in Tioga Downs four week dealer school are learning everything from how to smoothly and quickly deal the cards and count the chips, to the proper way to place them on the table.
"So you've got a bet circle on your left side, you come in at like a five o'clock position with the corner of the card, and your left hand comes out with the first two cards and you just drop the card, drop the card. Then it goes to the bottom right corner of the card, comes into the 5 o'clock position and all the way around through,” Wild said.
And to be the cream of the crop, you need to be tough on the rules, all while creating an exciting atmosphere.
"A good dealer creates a full experience for a customer, for our patrons. Personality really takes a part in what we look for in dealers,” said Tioga Downs Table Games Assistant Shift Manager Michelle McMahon.
While the job might not be an easy one, it's sure to be fun.
"When I first started, I loved it. I was getting paid decent money to play games all day," said McMahon.
If you're interested in making a career out of it too, Tioga Downs is still looking to bring on more dealers.
They'll start another free, four week training class next month, teaching all the basics of blackjack just down the road at the catholic charities outreach center.
Before you can be hired, potential dealers will need to complete the state's gaming application process and background check. If hired, you'll get the opportunity to learn about a larger variety of table games.
For sign-up info, just head to their website.