Poker Dealer License and Audition
The state credential and the live test that stand between training and your first shift.
Choosing a SchoolIn the United States, the legal right to deal in a casino or card room comes from a state gaming regulator (or, at tribal casinos, a tribal gaming authority), not from a school. The process differs by state, but the broad steps are similar almost everywhere.
How Gaming Licenses Usually Work
- You audition and receive a conditional job offer from a licensed casino or card room.
- You, or the employer on your behalf, file an application with the state regulator.
- You provide identification, personal history and fingerprints for a background check.
- You pay the fees the regulator sets. We do not list fees because they change; check the regulator’s site.
- Some states let you start work on a temporary credential while the background check is processed.
- You renew the license or registration on the schedule the state sets.
Background checks look at criminal history and, in some states, financial history. A past conviction does not always disqualify someone, but you should ask the regulator before you invest in training if you have concerns.
Examples of State Regulators
Nevada
The Nevada Gaming Control Board requires gaming employees, including dealers, to register before they work. State law sets the minimum age for gaming employees at 21.
Florida
The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, part of the Florida Gaming Control Commission, issues cardroom employee occupational licenses for dealers at card rooms.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement requires dealers at Atlantic City casinos to hold a casino employee registration.
Other states have their own gaming commissions or control boards. Search for your state’s name with “gaming commission” and use the official .gov site.
What Happens at an Audition
An audition is a short live test. A floor supervisor or dealer supervisor sits you in the box, often with staff or other candidates as players, and watches you deal. Expect to be asked to:
- Shuffle using the house procedure, or the standard procedure you were taught.
- Pitch cards to every seat accurately at a steady pace.
- Run several hands, announcing action and collecting bets.
- Build a side pot when someone goes all in.
- Handle a mistake or a difficult player calmly and call the floor when appropriate.
Supervisors usually care more about clean, consistent mechanics and composure than raw speed. Speed comes with experience; bad habits are harder to fix.
Audition Tips
- Arrive early, dress neatly and keep nails and hands tidy — your hands are on camera all day.
- Deal a little slower than your best speed so you stay accurate.
- If you make an error, say so, fix it the right way and carry on.
- Be friendly but neutral with the players; no commentary on their play.
- Ask about schedules, tip structure and the licensing timeline at the end.
21+ note: Most U.S. casinos and many card rooms require gaming employees to be at least 21, and Nevada law sets 21 as the minimum for any gaming employee. Some states and venues set different ages, so check with your state’s gaming regulator before you enroll anywhere. This site explains a job; it does not promote gambling. If gambling is causing harm for you or someone close to you, the National Council on Problem Gambling lists free, confidential help.
Find the Right School
Before you pay for training, use our checklist of questions to compare any poker dealer school near you.
Questions to Ask a School