Frequently Asked Questions
Below are student's frequently asked questions and answers. If you have any specific questions that you would like answered, please feel free to contact us at (619) 741-2200.
What are the requirements to enroll at The Casino Institute?
You must be at least 18 years old. You must not have any prior felonies or any misdemeanors related to theft. A High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.
What are the casino requirements to be hired?
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must not have any prior felonies or any misdemeanors related to theft.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Gaming License, which requires fingerprinting and a background investigation.
- Must be flexible in scheduling to work nights, weekends and holidays.
How much money can I expect to make as a Casino Dealer?
An average casino dealer in Southern California makes over $60,000 their first year based on a 40 hour work week. Casinos where dealers keep their own tips have reported to make over $100,000 per year.
What is the difference between Dealers that pool thier tips and Dealers that keep their own tips?
Casinos where dealers keep their own tips are subject to a tip compliance (an agreed upon contract with the IRS that taxes each dealer at a set dollar amount per hour or that may tax the total amount a dealer makes in tips for that specific day). Generally dealers have their own tip box that they carry from table to table and at the end of their shift, the dealer will go to the casino cashier where their tip box is unlocked and the tips for that day are verified, the amount is taxed and returned in a paycheck.
Most casinos support a system where dealers share their tips. Tips from all dealers are combined or "pooled" and distribute back to each of them based on hours worked during a shift or within a 24 hour day. These tips are then taxed and received in a paycheck.
What is the length period for each course?
(Non-Structured Course)
The Table Games Dealer Course is approximately 2-4 months. However, all students are different and it will depend on each individual's study and practice habits. This is an open enrollment course which permits students to sign up at anytime.
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(Structured Course)
The Poker Dealer Course is a 12 weeks course. The Roulette Dealer Course and Craps Dealer Course are 8 weeks each.
Click on the button for more detailed information on pricing and course description.
What are the total prices for each course?
Table Games Course:
Poker Course:
Craps Course:
Roulette Course:
$2,800​
$2,100​
$2,800
$1,800​
Not all courses are required to gain employment in a casino. Call us for more information on what courses are required for the casino of your choice and detailed information on multiple course discounts and casino employee discounts.
We are up front about our course pricing and know that we are more expensive than other schools, but as everyone knows, you get what you pay for! ​ Don't fall for low competitor prices and promises!
​We have been in business for over 18 years and have never tried to under bid our competitors. We have a proven track record with all the casinos that hire from us as being the best casino dealer school in the area and our students prove it at casino auditions.
Do you offer Financial Aid?
Although we do not offer Financial Aid at this time, we do offer easy term payment plans. No credit check required. Call for more details.
Do graduating students receive some form of certification?
Once you pass a mock audition on the required games for the course, The Casino Institute will issue a Certificate of Graduation. Casinos generally require at least 6 months to one year of previous casino dealing experience or a Certificate of Graduation from a casino dealer school to apply for a Table Games Dealer position.
Do you guarantee Job Placement?
The Casino Institute does not guarantee jobs. We do go above an beyond to assist in setting up auditions and on many occasions accompany students on group auditions. Casino Hiring Managers frequently visit our school seeking potential employees as well. We will give you 110% and, in turn, only ask that our students do the same. If a casino school promises you a job, they are breaking the law!! Check out our testimonials from our students and casino managers.
Is The Casino Institute registered with the State of California?
The Casino Institute has filed with the State of California through the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education and currently exercise an exempt status based on the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009, Article 4. Exemptions: 94874. Categories of Exempt Institutions: Section (f). The Casino Institute holds a business license with the City of San Diego and El Cajon.
How do I sign-up for a course?
Call us at (619) 741-2200 or (619) 861-0310 and ask for our administrator Allyson. She will give you all the details you need to start your new career as a Casino Dealer. We would also encourage you to visit us and meet our instructors, sit in on one of our classes and check out our casino equipment. We know you'll like what you see! As always, when visiting us, you are under no obligation to sign-up. Click here to schedule a school tour or to make an appointment to come in and sign up for a course today!