Getting employed in Las Vegas
August 11th, 2011 at 3:42:51 PM
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Hi,
I know the unemployment rate in LV is really high, but with the low cost of housing there I would like to relocate there. I have been searching through monster and craig's list, but I was wondering if anybody knew anyone in the HR department of casinos or other places that might be able to take a special look at my resume. I have a B.A in Psychology, 6 years customer service experience and an amazing 5 months casino experience. I applied through the ACEP (stratosphere parent company) as an HR generalist (a type of position I would like to do). Anybody have any advice on how to get a dealer audition? I have some dealer training through the card room, but I fear this is not sufficient and will probably have to take the class at a gaming school and hope I can get into a break in house. Thanks for any advice or information.
I know the unemployment rate in LV is really high, but with the low cost of housing there I would like to relocate there. I have been searching through monster and craig's list, but I was wondering if anybody knew anyone in the HR department of casinos or other places that might be able to take a special look at my resume. I have a B.A in Psychology, 6 years customer service experience and an amazing 5 months casino experience. I applied through the ACEP (stratosphere parent company) as an HR generalist (a type of position I would like to do). Anybody have any advice on how to get a dealer audition? I have some dealer training through the card room, but I fear this is not sufficient and will probably have to take the class at a gaming school and hope I can get into a break in house. Thanks for any advice or information.
August 11th, 2011 at 4:11:07 PM
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Have you checked into the local community colleges rather than the proprietary dealing schools? I'm told its cheaper and also better. Some of those schools have inadequately trained personnel and are taught by those with very little experience. Be sure the classes are taught in English.Quote: NicksGamingStuffbut I fear this is not sufficient and will probably have to take the class at a gaming school and hope I can get into a break in house. Thanks for any advice or information.
Have you considered the various tapes,CDs etc offered via the web for dealer training? WHICH games do you want to learn... usually you need more than one since dealers want the freedom to move you wherever they want to and to schedule you whenever they want.
I would not apply for a Human Relations position if you want to be a Dealer.
August 11th, 2011 at 4:13:42 PM
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Nick,
I went the dealer route:
1. Got a place in LV with 6 months of rent/utilities money.
2. Went to a dealer's school and learn BJ, Craps, and Pai Gow. Very well. Practice at home. See: Learn to Deal Good school, plenty of audition contacts.
3. Got a job in Laughlin, worked there for a few months, and applied and was accepted at Fiesta Henderson.
Salaries aren't high now, except on the strip, which are next to impossible to get in to.
I went the dealer route:
1. Got a place in LV with 6 months of rent/utilities money.
2. Went to a dealer's school and learn BJ, Craps, and Pai Gow. Very well. Practice at home. See: Learn to Deal Good school, plenty of audition contacts.
3. Got a job in Laughlin, worked there for a few months, and applied and was accepted at Fiesta Henderson.
Salaries aren't high now, except on the strip, which are next to impossible to get in to.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 11th, 2011 at 4:17:30 PM
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Quote: FleaStiffHave you checked into the local community colleges rather than the proprietary dealing schools? I'm told its cheaper and also better. Some of those schools have inadequately trained personnel and are taught by those with very little experience. Be sure the classes are taught in English.
A couple of proprietary school are very fine.
Quote:Have you considered the various tapes,CDs etc offered via the web for dealer training? WHICH games do you want to learn... usually you need more than one since dealers want the freedom to move you wherever they want to and to schedule you whenever they want.
Dealer training videos are on youtube.
Quote:I would not apply for a Human Relations position if you want to be a Dealer.
Why not? We have a college educated dealer transfer to Corporate as a financial analyst.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 11th, 2011 at 4:20:12 PM
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Hi Dan, I remember that email you sent me awhile ago about that. I just want to make sure if I put out the money for the classes it will actually land me a job, I would hate to get stuck out there broke. I don't mind working in a break in joint as long as I make enough money to cover my rent and food. I would rather have an office job than work directly on the gaming floor. I was just hoping someone had some information or contacts I could speak to.
August 11th, 2011 at 4:30:07 PM
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Quote: NicksGamingStuffHi Dan, I remember that email you sent me awhile ago about that. I just want to make sure if I put out the money for the classes it will actually land me a job, I would hate to get stuck out there broke. I don't mind working in a break in joint as long as I make enough money to cover my rent and food. I would rather have an office job than work directly on the gaming floor. I was just hoping someone had some information or contacts I could speak to.
It worked out for me. I was hired before I had finished dealers' school, and learned to deal craps at the casino I was at. (Not the way to do, better to go in with "hands.")
You will get a job if you:
1. Work hard. You deal well - and it shows - you're hired, at least at a break-in place.
2. Suit up and show up reliably once working. Casinos are very strict about attendance and lateness.
3. Good attitude. We had a couple of dealers who'd occasionally bicker with co-workers and players, and they were out real quick. Any table problem or issue, call the floorman, he makes a call, and you carry it out without an argument or a care in the world. Simple. Ignore all back-biting and pissing contests, suit up and show up and deal.
4. Keep over head low. I have a one-bedroom condo on Trop, mortgage and utilities are about $600. Drove a 15-year-old Acura around for a while, no AC but no car payments. Right now prices are awesome, either to buy or to rent.
5. Watch your own gambling, you're in play-land.
Edit: we have contacts. Also, dealing doesn't stop you from getting an office job if you have the resume, but office work is tight in this town, service industry jobs are available. When I got a new car in 2008 (Hyundai, now my wife's car), I worked a second job as a cook/delivery guy for a pizza outfit.(I actually worked one term as a High School teacher because of my education and background, and hated it. Service jobs were more pleasant at times, and I didn't take work home.)
And all this was after working 20 years in an office job in New York as a systems programmer on mainframe computers.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 11th, 2011 at 4:30:10 PM
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Quote: NicksGamingStuffHi,
I know the unemployment rate in LV is really high, but with the low cost of housing there I would like to relocate there. I have been searching through monster and craig's list, but I was wondering if anybody knew anyone in the HR department of casinos or other places that might be able to take a special look at my resume. I have a B.A in Psychology, 6 years customer service experience and an amazing 5 months casino experience. I applied through the ACEP (stratosphere parent company) as an HR generalist (a type of position I would like to do). Anybody have any advice on how to get a dealer audition? I have some dealer training through the card room, but I fear this is not sufficient and will probably have to take the class at a gaming school and hope I can get into a break in house. Thanks for any advice or information.
Here is my $.02 on this. Are you on LinkedIn? If not, get on it. If so, join every possible group on gaming or Las Vegas. People will usually let you add them as a contact and may even reply to a request for help or information. I once asked a person at a local casino if he could put in a word to just look at my application. Nothing came of it and pay would have been low anyways. A friend said I really "must have some stones" to ask someone I never met for that. But all I asked was to have someone look.
There is the key. You can't add someone one day then the next ask for an interview. Set a goal of 5-7 contacts adds a week. Participate in the "groups" feature. In no time at all you should have 100-300 people to get inside info from by the time you have some money saved for the transition. I so wish they had this when I was in and just out of college.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 11th, 2011 at 6:08:22 PM
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The constable's office here is on track to do 40,000 evictions. 6000 more than last year. Most are employment related. I'm paraphrasing the CBS report (just now) on their evening news where they featured Las Vegas.
Okay, but anyway, I think I may know as many people here working more than one part time job as full time. This is for "get by" for the moment type work. There are low level jobs (like security) that probably open up here all the time, in order to last longer on the employment scene here. Years ago, I helped my neighbor get through a 2 week bartender course, and she promptly got hired at a dive bar. Then in a month, she was hired down on the Strip in an lounge in the a plaza between hotels (I'm not even sure what it is now). It was where those mechanical tropical birds are in trees nearby. (I haven't been down to the Strip in almost a year now).
It's possible to get work at 14% unemployment, but good to have some backup plans.
Okay, but anyway, I think I may know as many people here working more than one part time job as full time. This is for "get by" for the moment type work. There are low level jobs (like security) that probably open up here all the time, in order to last longer on the employment scene here. Years ago, I helped my neighbor get through a 2 week bartender course, and she promptly got hired at a dive bar. Then in a month, she was hired down on the Strip in an lounge in the a plaza between hotels (I'm not even sure what it is now). It was where those mechanical tropical birds are in trees nearby. (I haven't been down to the Strip in almost a year now).
It's possible to get work at 14% unemployment, but good to have some backup plans.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
August 11th, 2011 at 6:29:27 PM
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Security jobs pay 10-14 an hour. The average pay on the strip for a standard hotel employee is around 14-15 as well. Unless you're upper management you're not going to make a decent living here. Many hotels are eliminating middle management as a cost saving measure. The only exception are the tipped positions. Women tend to have a muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuch easier time getting jobs in those type of positions. Casino jobs are meh. Too much bullshit and ass kissing to deal with. I like hanging out in casinos so I cant bring myself to work in one(tried it.) Spending 24 hours a day in that environment just isn't fun.
August 11th, 2011 at 6:45:24 PM
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Quote: gofaster87Spending 24 hours a day in that environment just isn't fun.
Eight hours a day isn't bad.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 11th, 2011 at 6:52:19 PM
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.....
August 11th, 2011 at 7:06:06 PM
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Las Vegas is so transient there are always open positions. But such a transient market means businesses are mostly going to offer lower pay with limited room for advancement
I first tried two years ago. Found something with my old title right away. Truly horrible. Found something similar in medical field within another month that was ok. Stayed one year and spent the past year not working. Looking again and have something that might work out. If not I'll keep looking
Like anywhere, it's what you make of it. Though because of the nature of the market, tips, tourists, sales, hustling, et cetera, there is an even greater need to apply yourself, especially in non-traditional ways and often with lower returns than elsewhere
No idea about interviewing as a dealer, specifically, but for anything the best way is almost always to keep pushing and keep asking. In person is far better than online
Wishing you the best
I first tried two years ago. Found something with my old title right away. Truly horrible. Found something similar in medical field within another month that was ok. Stayed one year and spent the past year not working. Looking again and have something that might work out. If not I'll keep looking
Like anywhere, it's what you make of it. Though because of the nature of the market, tips, tourists, sales, hustling, et cetera, there is an even greater need to apply yourself, especially in non-traditional ways and often with lower returns than elsewhere
No idea about interviewing as a dealer, specifically, but for anything the best way is almost always to keep pushing and keep asking. In person is far better than online
Wishing you the best
August 11th, 2011 at 7:35:45 PM
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Quote: gofaster87Everyone is different. I dont know how much time you spend in a casino outside of work but if it works for you more power too you. Dealing is meant for some and not others. Ive met many people on both sides of the coin. Some love it and wouldn't have it any other way. Some wish they could get out but say they have no other options.
I'm in-between. I have seen a lot of "stuck" dealers who hate the job, can't get out, lack options, and deal with life by getting drunk after work every day, just miserable. There are some miserable bosses and miserable players, it's part of the job, and the way to deal with it is to have outside interests far away from it all. Close the bottle and open a book, I say.
I see others who have a full life outside of gaming, run side businesses successfully, have outside interests and hobbies, and are well-adjusted as a result. I forced myself to have a two-week vacation away from the casino.
I am more found of the industry from a game designer's point of view than I am as a dealer. One is good, "okay;" - the other very good.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 11th, 2011 at 8:11:29 PM
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I'll ask around for you. I'm not sure I would recommend the dealing route. With a college degree I think you could do better for yourself. Maybe get a foot in the door with a front desk job and see where that leads you.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 11th, 2011 at 10:26:18 PM
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If you're not set on dealing or working in a casino, you might want to look into some of the companies that support the gaming industry. Slot and table manufacturers, consulting companies, casino supply distributors, that sort of thing. Many are based in Las Vegas and you could find something for which you could use your degree. It may not seem as glamorous, but those companies can be more stable because they support the industry world-wide. Business may be down here but there are other markets that are growing. You would still be in the gaming industry and could enjoy the perks of living here as well. Good luck to you!
August 12th, 2011 at 8:07:10 AM
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Aside from casinos and casino-related businesses, what else is there in Vegas?
I know Robert Bigelow has his Bigelow Aerospace HQ there, and I think also Budget Suites of America. But are there any other large or medium companies?
I know Robert Bigelow has his Bigelow Aerospace HQ there, and I think also Budget Suites of America. But are there any other large or medium companies?
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 12th, 2011 at 8:20:28 AM
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Quote: NareedAside from casinos and casino-related businesses, what else is there in Vegas?
I know Robert Bigelow has his Bigelow Aerospace HQ there, and I think also Budget Suites of America. But are there any other large or medium companies?
If Henderson is close enough:
American Grating
August 12th, 2011 at 8:56:22 AM
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Lots of corporate payables are in Vegas. Many companies large and small operate some of their finance operations out of Nevada in order to avoid paying state tax. For example, the company I currently am contracted to has their head office here in California, but have an office in Reno where all of their outlays come from.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
August 12th, 2011 at 10:23:29 AM
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A Word of Caution to you Guys:
****************
You cannot come into this town at this point and say to yourselves: "Yes, I will take the CEO position for generous compensation, - How optimistic I am! Oh! A home in Anthem, with jacuzzi, separate office, and a gym! Lovely! I had to take the BMW today because the Mercedes was in the shop!"
I had to take "da bus" because the Hyundai had a dead battery.
Not happening unless it was already set up going into this town......
I would be nice to nail a fine office job in Las Vegas straight off the bat, but THREE executives I know worked as dealers to pay the bills UNTIL that ship ("corporate yatch") came in.
By all means apply to all sorts of positions, but have a daytime job until the gravy job comes in: Dealer, cab driver, waiter, etc.
The exhalted are humbled, and the humble are exhalted.
A Word of Caution to you Guys:
****************
You cannot come into this town at this point and say to yourselves: "Yes, I will take the CEO position for generous compensation, - How optimistic I am! Oh! A home in Anthem, with jacuzzi, separate office, and a gym! Lovely! I had to take the BMW today because the Mercedes was in the shop!"
I had to take "da bus" because the Hyundai had a dead battery.
Not happening unless it was already set up going into this town......
I would be nice to nail a fine office job in Las Vegas straight off the bat, but THREE executives I know worked as dealers to pay the bills UNTIL that ship ("corporate yatch") came in.
By all means apply to all sorts of positions, but have a daytime job until the gravy job comes in: Dealer, cab driver, waiter, etc.
The exhalted are humbled, and the humble are exhalted.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 12th, 2011 at 11:11:50 AM
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For me, it's very tempting to come and live in Las Vegas because my job takes me to all points in North America. For me, the best place to live would be something close to an airport that pretty much gets me to every major destination without a connection where the housing is cheap and the crime is fairly low (as I am absent most of the time). Las Vegas pretty much tops the list with the exception of crime. A 3-4BR home in Summerlin / Henderson costs how much? Probably less than 1/2 the amount than I am paying for my home in Niagara Falls. And it's close to the airport which connects to pretty much everywhere. And there's no state income tax IIRC. So why not move to Vegas?
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
August 12th, 2011 at 11:26:41 AM
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There is always that guy with a masters from MIT who works unloading luggage at the main entrance of the Montecito.Quote: WizardI'm not sure I would recommend the dealing route. With a college degree I think you could do better for yourself.
August 12th, 2011 at 11:31:13 AM
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And my brother-in-law has a business degree and had a great job at Intel before voluntary leaving to become a grocer (which is what he's been doing for the past 15 years). I don't get it. Some people are well-educated but don't want to deal with the pressure of the rat race.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
August 12th, 2011 at 11:58:51 AM
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Quote: FleaStiffThere is always that guy with a masters from MIT who works unloading luggage at the main entrance of the Montecito.
Yes there is, to nullify any sarcasm from anyone here.
Times are tough - and even "bearded Ph. D's" need to pay their rent or face eviction to the street.
You drive a cab - that is - if you cannot sell any of your theses.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 12th, 2011 at 12:37:05 PM
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Quote: NicksGamingStuffI know the unemployment rate in LV is really high, but with the low cost of housing there I would like to relocate there.
That's not a good reason, by itself, to relocate to Las Vegas. You can get a foreclosed house in Detroit right now for under $3000. (I'm not kidding - check realtor.com). Point is, you should only move to Las Vegas if you want to live in Las Vegas, not just because housing is cheap.
As far as jobs, when I lived in Las Vegas I worked for a software company. Ironically, it was one of the only companies in town that wasn't gaming-related. If you want to focus on HR, look to the gaming vendors as well as the operators. Every major gaming vendor has a big plant in Las Vegas -- the Bally and IGT campuses are huge and they both have dozens of open positions. Someone else mentioned payments processors, and there are several law firms and other corporate offices around town (e.g. Hughes Center). Plus there are the recruiting firms trying to deal with all the effects of unemployment; perhaps you want to be a headhunter?
It sounds like you're at a career crossroads. You should decide which road you want to take for the next few years, dealing or HR (or something else office-related), and then go with it. HR is a necessary support function for every corporation in the country. It's also often a thankless, 9-5 administrative office job without much excitement. Dealing is almost never 9-5 and has presumably a lot more excitement, but is also not generally necessary (outside casinos) and, as Dan will probably tell you, just as thankless. It all depends on what you want to be doing, and where you want to be doing it, 3-5 years from now. If you want to be a dealer or floor supervisor in Vegas 5 years from now, move to Vegas. If you want to be an HR generalist or other office professional and have the ability to work and live in a non-casino city, cast your net wider.
"In my own case, when it seemed to me after a long illness that death was close at hand, I found no little solace in playing constantly at dice."
-- Girolamo Cardano, 1563
August 12th, 2011 at 1:43:04 PM
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I really do like the city of Las Vegas and find all the things that go on there, plus the low cost of housing a good mix of opportunities. I am not expecting to be living the big life, but all I need is to be able to pay my bills and eat, I don't need a BMW or the latest burberry thing. I am only worried about working in a smoky environment, I think it will be brutal to my eyes. I am working on my linked in profile right now, if anyone wants to add me my email is nickmlopez@msn.com
August 12th, 2011 at 1:47:59 PM
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Go stay and play at a downtown casino for 4 days in a row (lower ceilings, worse HVAC). If you can't handle that smoke, don't work as a dealer...
"In my own case, when it seemed to me after a long illness that death was close at hand, I found no little solace in playing constantly at dice."
-- Girolamo Cardano, 1563
August 12th, 2011 at 2:10:19 PM
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I just checked out some home prices in Las Vegas, and I can't believe how much the prices have fallen. I remember when people at the company I worked for were retiring because of real estate investments. Now people are losing their shirts. As for working there, I know that I'm employable in Vegas, I just don't want to live there.
I heart Crystal Math.
August 12th, 2011 at 2:37:29 PM
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Quote: NicksGamingStuffI am only worried about working in a smoky environment, I think it will be brutal to my eyes.
I expect the availability of working in non-smoking casino environments will probably improve over time, rather than the other way around. How much? Who knows?
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
August 12th, 2011 at 2:50:37 PM
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Quote: rxwineI expect the availability of working in non-smoking casino environments will probably improve over time, rather than the other way around. How much? Who knows?
This is the only good thing about working in a card room in CA, there is no smoking allowed. However after learning to deal their "blackjack" game and their "3 card poker" game, the variations and different rules if a player banks the games just make everything very awkward, it is almost backwards to what I am used to do when playing in Nevada. I have been applying to different casinos, but I don't expect much from the online applications. I am worried they will see I don't live in Nevada and won't want to hire me (these are office jobs). If I want to become a dealer, I have to take a big gamble with my savings move out there attend school and hope with hard work I can get a job I can live off of.
August 12th, 2011 at 4:03:34 PM
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Quote: NicksGamingStuffCA, there is no smoking allowed.
I'm surprised they even allow driving cars anymore because of emissions....ugh!! Good Luck with your endeavors.
August 12th, 2011 at 4:19:08 PM
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Quote: MathExtremistGo stay and play at a downtown casino for 4 days in a row (lower ceilings, worse HVAC). If you can't handle that smoke, don't work as a dealer...
I work at a locals casino, and I can't smell the smoke. It's basically gone. Those days are gone.
If second-hand smoke is a problem, live in Farnsworthville Junction, Texas, population 692 from three inbred families - all non-smokers. Go smell the trees.
Simply put, smoking is never an issue unless you smoke yourself. Visit the Bellagio, New York-New York, what have you.
Even the El Cortez has clean air after they cleaned that place up. I never had a smoke issue in any downtown casino. THAT issue is simply "smoke."
Second-hand smoke - as an issue - is a p*ssy red herring issue, really! Sorry for being blunt, but really..."I can't live in a city where people...SMOKE..."
Lived here in Vegas for years. Best thing I ever did.
- Condo for $535 a month mortgage. Crime-free, and 5 minutes from the strip AND Henderson. Damn, home prices are good...try finding a good place in San Fransisco, New York, or Chicago, or Tokyo, or Singapore for twice the price. Best City in America for home prices that's safe and near real night-life action.
- Auto insurance $140 a month - on a new car.
- Free parking EVERYWHERE.
- Prime shows and restaurants all over this town - the shows, the theater, and the restaurants rival anywhere in the world.
- Gambling??!! Boy, do you have choices.
- Scoring? Fuggetaboutit. Fish in a barrel.
- Gaming Industry focus??!! The place to be.
No regrets.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 12th, 2011 at 4:40:44 PM
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I don't know much about living in Vegas myself... I have relocated for various jobs, but all within the same company and they took care of the expenses. It's easy for me as I am single and only have myself to worry about. That being said, from other posts, you have a spouse. If this is the case, it would be best to get his opinion on the matter.
I don't recommend a long distance relationship, unless he has the intention of moving with you. If so, you should probably make sure HE can find work, just in case you have a hard time finding a job. From my understanding, having a support system in Vegas is extremely important. I know moving to Ohio without a support system was a very difficult transition. To a degree, I never really got over it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
I don't recommend a long distance relationship, unless he has the intention of moving with you. If so, you should probably make sure HE can find work, just in case you have a hard time finding a job. From my understanding, having a support system in Vegas is extremely important. I know moving to Ohio without a support system was a very difficult transition. To a degree, I never really got over it. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
August 12th, 2011 at 5:12:37 PM
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Quote: Tiltpoul...From my understanding, having a support system in Vegas is extremely important.
Important, very important, a support system, contacts, and friends.
I moved out here without a support system, - I knew NO One - but I started with:
1. $55,000 cash in my checking account. Severance pay from a office job that I had in New York (Systems programmer). I also got $7,000 in additional unemployment, being outsourced.
2. A fine running car that I bought on a trip the previous month.
3. A condo with less than a $600 mortgage payment, that I bought on that trip the previous month. I looked at three places.
4. Registered and attended dealers' school on my third day in Las Vegas, after buying furniture, a TV, and a phone line. (I got rid of the phone line and went cellular within a month, as the only phone calls I received were marketing calls.)
There was a time you could come to Vegas with $1,200 total in your pocket on a one-way bus ticket, and be working within two weeks, butt-ass naked so to speak. Not anymore.
I'd say you'd need:
1. $8,000 cash/four months cash ($2,000 for four month's rent @$500 for an efficiency studio near UNLV, and $2,000 food/cell phone/auto insurance)
2. A running car - OR be willing to use CAT system transit (~$90 for a monthly pass)
3. Contacts.
4. A valid driver's license and resume.
5. A clean criminal history now. Old school is gone.
6. Working your ass off in dealers school (not a bad way to spend the day) - eight weeks to employment as a dealer (with contacts) is a hard limit.
7. Apply as a cab driver/Waiter/Pizza hut driver/Valet/Housekeeping/Slot tech/box office clerk - after eight weeks no dealers' job.
8. Get a job - pay your bills - and apply to better positions, rise up...and..
9. Make it.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 12th, 2011 at 5:20:32 PM
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Quote: Paigowdan
There was a time you could come to Vegas with $1,200 total in your pocket on a one-way bus ticket, and be working within two weeks, butt-ass naked so to speak. Not anymore.
I'd say you'd need:
Better add a good credit rating to your list. Try and find a job
anywhere without one and you're out of luck these days.
Everybody but everybody checks your credit now, nobody
wants to employ or rent to a deadbeat.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
August 12th, 2011 at 5:34:02 PM
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Quote: Paigowdan
Simply put, smoking is never an issue unless you smoke yourself.
I definitely have had people who visit here (and don't smoke) tell me that the casinos smell of smoke.
Maybe it's their imagination, but I don't think you notice it if you're in a casino all the time. Or at least, I don't.
I generally have to get in someone's smoke cloud to notice it nowadays.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
August 12th, 2011 at 5:43:25 PM
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Quote: EvenBobBetter add a good credit rating to your list.
Bob,
Very true. You need a good credit rating for a job at the better casinos, but not at a break-in house - which may mean you'll be stuck there. But one should still be looking for an office job or to start a business, or to be happy with that arrangement.
My credit rating is marginal, so I cannot advance to the strip casinos. (this was sports-book related when I first came to vegas, what can I say. Been there, done that, - ain't doing that again!!...)
But Boyd, Stations, and Cannery hire with a less-than-perfect credit rating, providing absolutely NO criminal record. Break-in Houses hire regardless of credit rating, but again, ZERO Police record.
BUT - I am also a successful casino game designer who has a great table game out, and I am making about as much on it as I make at my full-time dealer's job at this point, and soon to rise higher, G-d willing.
I can't retire now, however, because health insurance expenses are just ridiculous, about $1,200 a month after a couple of heart attacks. With massive premiums. With COBRA [fang] [sic], it's still about $800 a month. :(
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 12th, 2011 at 6:53:38 PM
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Quote: rxwineI definitely have had people who visit here (and don't smoke) tell me that the casinos smell of smoke.
I was at MSS last month and overheard people on multiple occasions complain about it being smokey. I don't like smoke and it does bother me., but I did not think it was smokey at all.
August 12th, 2011 at 10:20:00 PM
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Darn I was hoping I cloud make it on a two months reserve. Probably impossible right?
August 12th, 2011 at 10:26:44 PM
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No,
but cutting it very close. Might be better than in your own town, though.
but cutting it very close. Might be better than in your own town, though.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 12th, 2011 at 10:31:58 PM
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Well if I go broke my parents can always bail me out. I prefer for that not to happen.
August 12th, 2011 at 10:42:26 PM
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I took the jump, with some risk.
No regrets. I made it. Very well indeed, after many years. (Five years.)
But that's me.
If you do come into town, and want to stay:
1. Have a four month bankroll.
2. Be willing to work.
Same as any town.
No regrets. I made it. Very well indeed, after many years. (Five years.)
But that's me.
If you do come into town, and want to stay:
1. Have a four month bankroll.
2. Be willing to work.
Same as any town.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 13th, 2011 at 2:40:45 AM
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Im thinking my spouse and I are both going to go to dealer school, he seems okay with it and I am totally up for it. We saw a place on craigslist for $375 http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/apa/2512856665.html the price is so low I am scared to see how lousy the neighborhood is (or how much of a dump it is). But as long as I don't have to be extra scared of having my place broken into, I can handle an economy place for a few months until I get set up with a job and can move into something nicer.
August 13th, 2011 at 8:02:41 AM
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Quote: NicksGamingStuffIm thinking my spouse and I are both going to go to dealer school, he seems okay with it and I am totally up for it. We saw a place on craigslist for $375 http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/apa/2512856665.html the price is so low I am scared to see how lousy the neighborhood is (or how much of a dump it is)...
Well, if you do make the move, let me be the first to welcome you to Vegas. I looked at that ad. The place is on Paradise and Spring Mountain. There are lots of shady looking apartment complexes in that area. Still, those are two major streets, close to the heart of town, so it isn't like you're out in ghetto. The apartment looked pretty run down, but for $375 you're probably not going to do much better. I doubt you'll get robbed, you'll just be slumming it a bit.
I have a real blackjack table you can borrow, to practice at home, if you wish.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 13th, 2011 at 9:02:18 AM
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Quote: NareedAside from casinos and casino-related businesses, what else is there in Vegas?
LOTS of check-cashing, payday loan, and predatory lending businesses, if you have any experience in that field.
August 13th, 2011 at 8:10:29 PM
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I made a bj table that came out pretty good for someone who has never used a power tool before. I give myself a 90% chance I will move on 10/1
August 13th, 2011 at 8:37:28 PM
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This thread is confusing to me. So there are casino jobs in Vegas? Every site
I read, the dealer forums, the LV newspaper forums, all say every casino has
a stack of applications 3 feet high of people wanting entry level dealer jobs
and its impossible to get a job if you don't know somebody on the inside. If
thats the case, why would you go to dealer school right now? There's a couple
I was just reading about who both were dealers and one got laid off and can't
find another dealer job anywhere, and their losing their house to foreclosure.
And a lot of the ones that do have jobs complain they're part time and can barely
support themselves on 25 hours a week.
Its not that there are 'no' jobs. Its just that for every job opening, there are hundreds
of people who apply to fill it. Or more, depending on the job. So that makes
getting a job a real crap shoot. Heck, even in other parts of the country, they hold
job fairs and 10's of thousands of people show up, when 5 years ago they were lucky to get
4-500. One of the biggest employers in my area doesn't even have a booth at job
fairs anymore, they can get qualified people by opening the window and hollering. Why
bother with a job fair.
I read, the dealer forums, the LV newspaper forums, all say every casino has
a stack of applications 3 feet high of people wanting entry level dealer jobs
and its impossible to get a job if you don't know somebody on the inside. If
thats the case, why would you go to dealer school right now? There's a couple
I was just reading about who both were dealers and one got laid off and can't
find another dealer job anywhere, and their losing their house to foreclosure.
And a lot of the ones that do have jobs complain they're part time and can barely
support themselves on 25 hours a week.
Its not that there are 'no' jobs. Its just that for every job opening, there are hundreds
of people who apply to fill it. Or more, depending on the job. So that makes
getting a job a real crap shoot. Heck, even in other parts of the country, they hold
job fairs and 10's of thousands of people show up, when 5 years ago they were lucky to get
4-500. One of the biggest employers in my area doesn't even have a booth at job
fairs anymore, they can get qualified people by opening the window and hollering. Why
bother with a job fair.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
August 13th, 2011 at 9:05:15 PM
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Two good recent article on the disappearing casino jobs in Vegas.
Casino Jobs
Disappearing Floor
Casino Jobs
Disappearing Floor
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
August 13th, 2011 at 9:45:09 PM
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Regarding EB's post, I think Nick would have an advantage over the multitude of dealer's downtown who barely speak English and have the personality of a brick wall. I've met Nick a few times and think he has what it takes to beat the competition.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 13th, 2011 at 10:03:03 PM
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Mike is spot on on this.
It's not the number of applicants; it's the number of viable applicants, which are relatively few.
Criminal records, drug problems, - or just being incapable of being engaging - knock out huge percentages.
It's not the number of applicants; it's the number of viable applicants, which are relatively few.
Criminal records, drug problems, - or just being incapable of being engaging - knock out huge percentages.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
August 13th, 2011 at 10:08:49 PM
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As far as I know, casinos get tax breaks for hiring minorities. Speaking English clearly and being white is a big disadvantage. In other words, if you're not here on a green card, or a US citizen from another country, then you're probably not going to get hired by a casino. Your best bet is to pretend that you're a native American. Only then will you likely become a viable applicant.
