Getting employed in Las Vegas
Quote: KeyserAs far as I know, casinos get tax breaks for hiring minorities. Speaking English clearly and being white is a big disadvantage. .
I dearly and I mean dearly hate to agree with Keyser on anything, but I was pretty much told this a few years ago by a pit person at Four Queens. I was complaining about an Asian dealer who had an attitude that said 'I hate your guts'. He told me minorities had a better chance of being dealers because its in the law and so casinos tend to over-hire them. He said they were also more dependable, they rarely if ever called in sick or complained or caused problems.
I have an old friend from HS who inherited a construction business from his father. He told me they fought off hiring illegals as long as they could, but gave in 15 years ago. Now he has 90% Mexicans and says they work harder, stay longer, love overtime and Saturdays, and never call in sick. That was his biggest problem, lazy middle class white guys who couldn't bring themselves to work 5 days a week, let alone 6.
"Two things killed these jobs. Technology and outsourcing. Technology killed these jobs just like this list says. After 9/11 and we were all laid off, they put in the cameras, the tickets, the kiosks, and other techy stuff. They never hired us back. It's gotten worse over the years.
Outsourcing came with "the big boys" expanded to Macao, Dubai, and other boomtown places that offer a place to spend their money; like China. Just like the old days, the camp set up at the railroads or gold town and took their money. No different now. California doesn't have the money anymore so the "big boys" moved on. Yes; foreign visitors are coming here on tour trips but not really spending. Only the big places really see cash. The service is for them; not like the old days when everybody got something. Remember when everyone seem to at least get a free breakfast? That's gone. So, the personal touch and servicing isn't here.
This was a place where a women with little education could come and have a decent independant life. No more. Men too.
I wonder if Macao has cig & hat check girls, coin people, keno, and comps?"
Quote: KeyserAs far as I know, casinos get tax breaks for hiring minorities.
Not that I know of. As far as I know, there are no race-based subsidizes. Casinos, like all large employers, do have to substantiate that racial, religious, or ethnic discrimination were not a part of the hiring equation.
Quote: KeyserSpeaking 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.
Complete bullshit. English is required to operate (deal) a game, though some have limited English abilty, true, but speak English more than well enough to deal a game.
I'm a white English speaking casino dealer, and so are legions of other dealers. A number of foreign dealers come from the U.K. or Ireland in addition to Asia.
The most common foriegn languages heard among dealers are Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Thai.
The most common foreign language heard among food service employees and housekeeping staff is Spanish.
But the most common langauge heard in a Most Casinos? English.
Quote: EvenBobI was complaining about an Asian dealer who had an attitude that said 'I hate your guts'.
This might be related to how some dealers simply view some players, or as a personal thing at the table, not as a racial thing.
If that's the case, he is openly admitting his racism. Asian do have a good reputation, true.Quote: EvebBobHe told me minorities had a better chance of being dealers because its in the law and so casinos tend to over-hire them. He said they were also more dependable, they rarely if ever called in sick or complained or caused problems.
I have an old friend from HS who inherited a construction business from his father. He told me they fought off hiring illegals as long as they could, but gave in 15 years ago. Now he has 90% Mexicans and says they work harder, stay longer, love overtime and Saturdays, and never call in sick. That was his biggest problem, lazy middle class white guys who couldn't bring themselves to work 5 days a week, let alone 6.
We have dealers of all colors suit up and show up with no attitide problems, and the come in all colors.
Quote: Paigowdan
We have dealers of all colors suit up and show up with no attitide problems, and the come in all colors.
The single biggest problem all employers have is absenteeism. I called a casino a
few months ago and got a recording in the dept I was contacting that said if I was
a dealer calling in sick, and if it was Friday or Saturday, this was not allowed and I
had to come in anyway. It really cracked me up.
Quote: NicksGamingStuffI do think EvenBob has a point there probably are tons of applications for entry level jobs, but with my great personality I feel I have a good chance.
Tons is probably an understatement. The fact that the Wiz seems to like you
will do more for you than you think. Its like it was during the Great Depression
now. Its not who you are, but who you know, that will get you in the door.
Quote: NicksGamingStuffI 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
Nick, if you would consider Connecticut, both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun will train you for free and they always seem to be hiring. Each casino employs about 10,000 and there are a variety of jobs besides dealing.
You'll see forests instead of desert and yes, it gets cold in the winter.
Quote: NicksGamingStuffWell I am 1/2 hispanic so I guess I can use that to my advantage. I figure it is worth the gamble, I am going nowhere here in the bay area and I can at least enjoy some time living on my own with the money I will have saved up for the 4 months Dan suggests. If worst comes to worse I can always fall back on my experience at Starbucks or Einstein Bagels. Like I said before if worst comes to worse I can always move back to the SF Bay area (it is only a 9 hour drive). I am only coming with whatever will fit in my car and not acquiring anymore furniture until I have an established job. I do think EvenBob has a point there probably are tons of applications for entry level jobs, but with my great personality I feel I have a good chance. If I do go I have to figure out what to do with that airline ticket I bought to go to G2E, maybe Virgin will give me a flight credit for it?
What you might want to do is get on at Starbucks or wherever locally while you save (help you save?) then see if you can get a transfer. I've been on both the employee and supervisor side of transfers and they often work great. Even with 15% unemployment the manager at SBUX would prefer a person who can come on ready to work whose "training" consists of a store tour and updates on local conditions. As the employee you get to just agree on the day and time you start, ask for some basic driving directions, then show up.
I don't know how old you are but I do wish I relocated this way somewhere when I was 25 instead of 37. The Internet makes it easier of course. PM me if you want any ideas on some "survival jobs" or misc relocation tips.
Quote: benbakdoffNick, if you would consider Connecticut, both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun will train you for free and they always seem to be hiring. Each casino employs about 10,000 and there are a variety of jobs besides dealing.
You'll see forests instead of desert and yes, it gets cold in the winter.
To that point, if you really want to get into dealing, you should check out Iowa casinos. They are required to hold classes every 8 weeks and you can cut your teeth before getting out to Vegas. It's MUCH MUCH MUCH cheaper to live in Iowa, and if you can get on in Council Bluffs or Davenport, you'd be in a relatively large metropolitan area. Iowa is also surprisingly liberal in certain aspects of life.
Another interesting fact about Iowa casinos: 18-year old people can deal, so many who want to be dealers full-time go there and get three years under the belt before going to larger markets.
Quote: AZDuffmanWhat you might want to do is get on at Starbucks or wherever locally while you save (help you save?) then see if you can get a transfer.
Funny you should mention that. In fact, he used to work there.
Quote: EvenBobTons is probably an understatement.
No - believe it or not it's an overstatement. The line of applicants is not that long. We sometimes has to search for good dealers.
The fact that the Wiz seems to like you will do more for you than you think. Its like it was during the Great Depression
now. Its not who you are, but who you know, that will get you in the door.
Mike doesn't work in front-line casino operations, and does not hold operators in the highest regard. He gets barred from places. There are a lot of different specialties in this field of Gaming.
He does, however, know what they're looking for, and if he knows Nick, and in his regard thinks Nick is a good fit, then his chances improved 1000%.
Quote: PaigowdanMike doesn't work in front-line casino operations, and does not hold operators in the highest regard. He gets barred from places.
Dan, you make me sound like such an ogre. Do I sense some hostility carried over the "friendly bet dispute" thread?
I hold operators in about the same regard as most types of people, some I like, and some I don't. Maybe I complain too much about corporate decisions I don't agree with. However, I've met lots of high executives through the years and find most of them to be good people who want to give the player an honest shot of winning and leave happy.
None of them owe me anything, so it isn't like I say the word and Nick has a job. However, I may be able to put in a good word and see what becomes of it.
Quote: TiltpoulTo that point, if you really want to get into dealing, you should check out Iowa casinos.
come to think of it, to get a job dealing somewhere in the Midwest or the East makes sense. Which makes me wonder: how many Vegas dealers have headed east?
Quote:Not that I know of. As far as I know, there are no race-based subsidizes. Casinos, like all large employers, do have to substantiate that racial, religious, or ethnic discrimination were not a part of the hiring equation.
You could have a point now that I think about it, because...clearly, right now, they are ONLY hiring people that have tUP nutch cUmmuniKashun Kills an dat can spek EngRRish crearry. And those home towns, like Chechnya, Ethiopia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Saint Pierre and Miquelon are probably just small towns in Nevada up near Elko somewhere.
No, I'm pretty sure that they do get additional tax breaks for hiring minorites. I'd like to see the prove that I'm wrong
Quote: KeyserNo, I'm pretty sure that they do get additional tax breaks for hiring minorites. I'd like to see the prove that I'm wrong
I have no idea, one way or the other, but if you give us the source of the information from which you made your statement, maybe no one will have to look it up to prove anything.
We can go, oh yeah, it's right there in some tax code, or report...or whatever.
Quote: WizardDan, you make me sound like such an ogre. Do I sense some hostility carried over the "friendly bet dispute" thread?
No - not at all, not in the least, seriously. I got that impression a litle bit from some of the sites that you've linked to; they were pretty much of the tone "Watch out for those low-life Casinos!...Here's out you keep those guys in check!" or, "The player wins his case against the casino - A Miracle!"
Quote: WizardI hold operators in about the same regard as most types of people, some I like, and some I don't. Maybe I complain too much about corporate decisions I don't agree with. However, I've met lots of high executives through the years and find most of them to be good people who want to give the player an honest shot of winning and leave happy.
Many are good, and know that happy and returning players are loyal players. Yet a mixed bag, the casino operators - totally agree. Players are also a mixed bad, and a rough crowd, and too need some policing as well as pampering.
Quote: wizardNone of them owe me anything, so it isn't like I say the word and Nick has a job. However, I may be able to put in a good word and see what becomes of it.
Yes. Me too. Nick would still need to go through the "Fair-is-fair" HR process (background check, audition, interview, work history) once he goes through the door, but pointing him to an open door isn't really juicing someone in, old-school style. It's more like, "Let me make you aware of this open dealer's position here...here's the info" and might know he's coming.
Quote: KeyserNo, I'm pretty sure that they do get additional tax breaks for hiring minorites. I'd like to see the prove that I'm wrong
I never saw any anything in years of casino operations that paid companies additional cash from tax breaks via racial hiring practices. Can't prove it to you, don't need to. Believe what you want. Race was never an issue, management doesn't care about the color of the hands, they don't want to see anyone's hands pinching any casino chips, - regardless of color - that's all.
Maybe they get Chinese Yuan under the table that we don't know about.
The casino I work at is 60% Asian, 40% white, a few hispanics (English speaking white from Argentina), except for our shift manager, who is Pure Michoacan.
Quote: PaigowdanI never saw any anything in years of casino operations that paid companies additional cash from tax breaks via racial hiring practices. Can't prove it to you, don't need to. Believe what you want. Race was never an issue, management doesn't care about the color of the hands, they don't want to see anyone's hands pinching any casino chips, - regardless of color - that's all.
Maybe they get Chinese Yuan under the table that we don't know about.
The casino I work at is 60% Asian, 40% white, a few hispanics (English speaking white from Argentina), except for our shift manager, who is Pure Michoacan.
I can't speak for Nevada, but there are states where businesses have to report minority quotas. In doing so, there are tax breaks that are added for having a certain percentage of racial diversity. However, I don't think that applies to workers who shouldn't be in this country, it's only for citizens (Don't quote me on this, since this information was given to me by a friend who owns a construction business in Ohio and West Virginia.)
By the way, these are STATE laws, so there isn't anything federally provided by doing so (to my limited knowledge). Given the diversity of many of the jobs in Vegas, I'd be surprised if they offered that tax break in Nevada.
Quote: Paigowdan
The casino I work at is 60% Asian, 40% white, a few hispanics
And do you think thats an accident?
And Nick, save your cash, come to Vegas, and live the dream baby! I have been here for a couple of months now and it has been great. And if it doesn't work out, big deal, you move on to something else. But you seem to have drive, and brother, that will get you farther than anything else. The guys on this board are supposed to be gamblers...but don't seem to have much in the way of stones, they want you to take the safe route. Sounds like you don't have much to lose, so put it on the line man. The least you will gain is a free dinner from my wife and I when you arrive. And like the Wiz...and early welcome!!!
Quote: EvenBobAnd do you think thats an accident?
I know it is cultural.
Quote: Paigowdan(On the Asian presence in Gaming...)
I know it is cultural.
How is it that 60% are Asian and they only
make up about 15% of Vegas's population?
They get hired because they make better
dealers, and they have a better work ethic.
Thats the only explanation.
Quote: EvenBobHow is it that 60% are Asian and they only
make up about 15% of Vegas's population?
They get hired because they make better
dealers, and they have a better work ethic.
Thats the only explanation.
Bob, you gotta think about how racist that comment is. Saying "Asian are better" is like saying "Blacks and Mexicans are not better (worse)"
This isn't the case.
Some Asians are good, some are minimal compliance, and some are worthless.
Some Whites are good, some are minimal compliance, and some are worthless.
Some Blacks are good, some are minimal compliance, and some are worthless.
Some [now fill in the ethnic/racial group of your choice] are "... ... ..."
I'm not looking at it on a quality/racial worthiness/"master race of gambling" kind of thing here.
Asians are, however, culturally aware of gambling, culturally accepting of gambling,
and so APPLY IN GREAT NUMBERS for dealers' position. Without regard to "being better, being worse, being this, or being that."
Except - in number of job applications.
APPLY...and YE shall [eventually] receive...an entry level job.
Quote: PaigowdanBob, you gotta think about how racist that comment is.
The truth is never racist. My friend hires 90% Mexicans because
they work rings around the white guys. Is that racist? Its the truth.
Quote: EvenBobThe truth is never racist.
Yes, indeed. And the truth is that ability, intellectual capacity, ethics, and a prediliction to gambling aren't color-based. Values are, however, culturally-based, and do influence.
Quote: EvenBobThe truth is never racist. My friend hires 90% Mexicans because
they work rings around the white guys. Is that racist? Its the truth.
I also know a small business owner who hires 0% Mexicans - as a business "loss prevention" basis protocol.
And he too is convinced it's the 100% truth.
Who's right? - no one who is race-based.
Quote: PaigowdanYes, indeed. And the truth is that ability, intellectual capacity, ethics, and a prediliction to gambling aren't color-based. Values are, however, culturally-based, and do influence.
You're saying the same as I said, you're just being PC about it.
I don't do PC.
Quote: EvenBobThe truth is never racist. My friend hires 90% Mexicans because
they work rings around the white guys. Is that racist? Its the truth.
I once had a Ukraniane Jewish guy working for me. Fled TWO countries for a better life. Had him working for me the day 9-11 happened. My landlord asked if "having foreigners working" concerned me. I said if I could find a steady supply as good as him I would never hire an American again.
The guy actually told me not to apologize about giving me a hard job. He also got a USA Flag on his truck after the attacks before I could buy one.
Meanwhile several "native" employees would moan and whine when they were asked to do anything they considered "not worth it."
Quote: EvenBobYou're saying the same as I said, you're just being PC about it.
I don't do PC.
Apparently not.
I'm not PC - I can say and think some politically incorrect shit at times.
But I, in my old age, no longer think skin color relates to character.
Quote: NicksGamingStuffI mean that is a long time, 1/2 a year.
Its a short time, it flies by. 18 months is a long time.
Quote: NicksGamingStuffOne thing that has my a bit scared is going broke and coming back to CA with nothing, no job no more money and no way to pay the 3 bills that I feel will never leave me 1) Student Loan (my degree didn't do me too much good) 2) credit cards (under 3K debt currently) 3) cell phone (can't live without it). I figure I will have 6 months reserve to pay all of these things, but the thought of going bust is a bit terrifying. With hard work I figure I can find some kind of a job within 6 months, I mean that is a long time, 1/2 a year. One option I considered so I would not starve to death is to get food stamps, but unfortunately since I have assets over $2,000 I do not qualify (they count the Kelly Blue Book value of your car, have a savings account, mutual funds, etc. or any money in the bank you are disqualified). I know I am probably going to have to rough it a bit, but what areas of town should I try to avoid if possible? I saw a decent looking apartment near the airport that includes electricity http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/apa/2545745857.html any thoughts of the area?
1) Hardship deferral while you are unemployed?
2) Minimum payments until you are in better shape?
3) MetroPCS...$40 a month, period.
Nick, 6 months is a good amount of time to get set up. It seems like you will work where ever to make your bills. I think you will be just fine bro. I can eat on $20 a week if I need to, beans and rice, raman, you name it man. If this move is something you really want, make it happen! You can't and won't have every single hurdle planned out...so take the plunge...nothing ventured, nothing gained...and all that....
Food stamps are hard to get since Clinton reformed welfare. Some states are easier than others. Where I live it is tough, but one state over it is ridiculously easy; students use them to buy beer.
Quote: thlfOne to consider. Primm Valley is just 30 miles south of Vegas on I 15...
Good suggestion. A friend of mine got his start at the Gold Strike in Jean until he put in enough time to get on the Strip.
Somebody also mentioned Laughlin. About five years ago I was talking with a casino manager there who said he was so desperate for help that he pretty much the only qualification you needed for a job in Laughlin was a heartbeat. I'm sure it is tougher now, but I've always heard it is easier finding work there compared to Vegas.
Quote: NicksGamingStuffOne thing that has my a bit scared is going broke and coming back to CA with nothing, no job no more money and no way to pay the 3 bills that I feel will never leave me 1) Student Loan (my degree didn't do me too much good) 2) credit cards (under 3K debt currently) 3) cell phone (can't live without it). I figure I will have 6 months reserve to pay all of these things, but the thought of going bust is a bit terrifying. With hard work I figure I can find some kind of a job within 6 months, I mean that is a long time, 1/2 a year. One option I considered so I would not starve to death is to get food stamps, but unfortunately since I have assets over $2,000 I do not qualify (they count the Kelly Blue Book value of your car, have a savings account, mutual funds, etc. or any money in the bank you are disqualified). I know I am probably going to have to rough it a bit, but what areas of town should I try to avoid if possible? I saw a decent looking apartment near the airport that includes electricity http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/apa/2545745857.html any thoughts of the area?
I don't know your current situation, but if you can, hammer down on the CC debt, especially if it's a double figure interest rate. Suddenly not paying interest on credit cards can free up a nice bit of change to do other things with (even if it's a small savings account). It also means you have more room if you do have unexpected outlays you need short term debt for.
Quote: thecesspitI don't know your current situation, but if you can, hammer down on the CC debt, especially if it's a double figure interest rate. Suddenly not paying interest on credit cards can free up a nice bit of change to do other things with (even if it's a small savings account). It also means you have more room if you do have unexpected outlays you need short term debt for.
I agree completely this is a good move, BUT hard to pull off if you are stretched. You must pay cash for everything since you arent charging, while at the same time coming up with cash to pay off the debt. It ain't a snap of the fingers.
Quote: odiousgambitI agree completely this is a good move, BUT hard to pull off if you are stretched. You must pay cash for everything since you arent charging, while at the same time coming up with cash to pay off the debt. It ain't a snap of the fingers.
Indeed, I don't mean to imply it's easy. Been there, done that, got the final 0 pound statement somewhere. And harder the less your disposable income is.
I say go for it, and don't worry *too* much about the worst that can happen. As long as you're prepared with a backup plan (and it sounds like you are), you'll end up just fine, no matter how things work out. Even if you end up going back to CA, think of the experience you'll have had, and how much you'll have learned for the next attempt.
Quote: KaydayLooking back from the ripe old age of 46, I can tell you that the decisions I most regret in life are the ones where I opted for the familiar, secure, comfortable option over the riskier, scarier, but passionately desired option. (Conversely, my proudest moments are the ones where I took a chance to get what I wanted - even when things didn't pan out.)
I say go for it, and don't worry *too* much about the worst that can happen. As long as you're prepared with a backup plan (and it sounds like you are), you'll end up just fine, no matter how things work out. Even if you end up going back to CA, think of the experience you'll have had, and how much you'll have learned for the next attempt.
Gee, a librarian not afraid to challenge life. Bravo! What do you think is the future of books in general? Several Universities have
removed all book and their libraries are all digital. I sell books on amazon but my wife bought me a Nook for Christmas. LOL
Quote: NicksGamingStuffOne option I think I am going to use is a place that includes all utilities. This will be a big savings since electricity is so expensive and it will be a pain to set up the account.
If you're here in June, July, August it will be a significant savings. It doesn't cost nearly as much to stay warm in cold months though. Unless you get particularly cold.
Quote: buzzpaffGee, a librarian not afraid to challenge life. Bravo! What do you think is the future of books in general? Several Universities have
removed all book and their libraries are all digital. I sell books on amazon but my wife bought me a Nook for Christmas. LOL
Well, once in awhile I do surprise myself! Although I guess if I really wanted to challenge life, I'd put my money where my mouth is and move to Las Vegas, like Nick is planning. I can't tell you how long I've been thinking about it.
I'm not sure about the future of books. I know printed books are getting more and more scarce at the law firm where I work, but I do think there will be an audience for the physical objects for awhile yet - at least I hope so. I'm old fashioned that way I guess.
Quote: NicksGamingStuffI did an auto insurance quote between the place I listed before that included electricity and was $525 a month to this other place that is $495 a month but does not include utilities. The auto insurance at the $525 place is twice as much, yikes! I can get minimum coverage at the $495 place for about $50 a month through Geico and the renters insurance is only $175 a year (I think that is what it means for the premium on a 12 month policy) for coverage of $10,000 (I doubt my stuff is even worth that much...). I have never had to buy insurance and know nothing about it so any tips are appreciated. My car is 8 years old and the KBB value is about $4,000 so it is not worth maxing out the insurance on, I just need to figure is it worth an extra $20-$30 a month to have coverage if it is stolen so I can at least get $3,000 to get a used car if mine is ever stolen.
Nick - just curious...what would this cost in S.F., a two hour flight away?.....not that much of a risk, except to continue there...
