Finding a job?
Living costs are reasonable in Las Vegas but you need to unterstand everything is relative. For a decent area expect to pay about $900 a month for a decent apartment rental.
Quote: AshlyEven with 9 years experience my husband's pay is in the 20-25k range, and most decent apartments where we live are in the $850 range. Are there any decent Casino's to work for off the strip, that might be easier to get hired with?
My opinion (I don't live there) is that there are dozens, if not a hundred or more, decent to great non-Strip casinos. And several dozen not so decent. No idea what the hiring situation is currently, except that it's better than when it bottomed out in 2008-2011.
People talk about getting non-stops from your area for under $300 RT; no idea what your household income is, but it seems like you could both come out for a couple days and scope it out for under $1000.
Best casinos on strip to work for are Wynn/Encore, Aria, Caesars, Cosmopolitan, and Bellagio. I'm sure places like Planet Hollywood, Mirage, Venetian/Palazzo are also good [but not "top tier"]. Then there are places like Luxor, Mandalay Bay, NYNY, Excalibur, that are probably about $20/hour after tips/taxes/etc.
Off strip, I believe Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock are pretty good, better than the Luxor/MB/etc. casinos.
No idea about downtown (Fremont area).
Boulder highway casinos aren't too good from what I remember.
Housing is relatively cheap (I think?). I'm in a weird situation regarding housing/rent. But I believe most good/decent places are gonna be $800-$1000 / month. You could live in ghetto-ish areas and probably pay $500-700/month.
Getting a job on the strip isn't easy. For the top tier casinos, you pretty much have to get juiced in (ie: know someone) or pay someone off to get you (err...your husband) a job. Getting a job at an off-strip casino, it should be quite a bit easier. When I applied for a job dealing, I basically told the casino manager I got about 6 months or so of experience and we talked for a few minutes. He said OK come back tomorrow with your ID and SS card, go to HR, they'll set you up with everything and you can start next week.
Other places (Caesar's properties), I've heard you gotta apply (online), wait forever, maybe have a chance at a 1-on-1 interview, if you pass the interview you gotta do a group-interview where they basically want to see if you're outgoing and talkative so they'll have you do something like dress up in a costume, dance in front of the group of interviewers, and sing your favorite song.
Admittedly, at least in the case of MGM National Harbor, I just signed a lease paying $1150 per month for a one bedroom in the ghetto (as ghetto as it gets in Northern Virginia, which isn't much).
Quote: RSI hear there are awesome dealing jobs in Southern California. I heard one dealer turned down a position at the Wynn so he could deal at Pechanga (Temecula, CA).
A Strip dealer friend told me about six years ago, that he earned 65K the year before and that he knew dealers and bosses who moved to California where dealers keep their own tips and were making $130K.
He stayed in Vegas, and when I saw him a few months ago, he told me the new owner brought in even more money to the casino, so I assume his income is higher today.
No City or State income tax in Nevada. Another plus.
Make sure your husband doesn't quit his job before he has a new one.
If you do come for a scouting trip be sure he has black pants, black socks, black shoes, white shirt,... no pockets!
Never be without the required uniform. If they say "step in to table xx at such and such a game" in five minutes...make sure he does it even if he has never heard of the game.
temecula is a very rich enclave in california. One guy even works in vegas but commutes from Los angeles, so anything is possible.
In vegas, you will pay for electricity.
Poker dealer? the M went from a great place to a bad place then back to a good place...and then they closed the poker room completely. No job security at all. Poker dealers in florida... needed by teh seminoles.
Quote: AshlyEven with 9 years experience my husband's pay is in the 20-25k range, and most decent apartments where we live are in the $850 range. Are there any decent Casino's to work for off the strip, that might be easier to get hired with?
How do you feel about New England, Ashly? MGM has begun construction in Springfield, Ma and Wynn is building in Everett just north of Boston. Wynn has said they will be hiring 4000 permanent workers and has already had one job fair. The opportunity is there. Best of luck to both of you!
Big plus. That's a lot of extra take home pay. Yes, electricity bills are expensive. The cost of living in Nevada is not that cheap, although it certainly is cheaper than North County San Diego (most expensive place in the country in some parts).Quote: TankoNo City or State income tax in Nevada. Another plus.
Best of luck to you.
Quote: AshlyBut, ive been in the same small town my entire life...
Do yourself a favor and Google 10 reasons
not to live in Vegas, or not to move to Vegas.
And take each point seriously. I also live in
MI and have been going to Vegas for 40 years.
I want to move there but know I'll be miserable,
so I don't. For more reasons than I want to list.
Look up the Vegas school system, that alone
should make you reconsider because you have
kids.
Quote: FleaStiffNever be without the required uniform. If they say "step in to table xx at such and such a game" in five minutes...make sure he does it even if he has never heard of the game.
No kidding.
If I were looking for a dealer job, I wouldn't even go to talk to anybody unless I was wearing black and whites.
Hi,
When you get closer to your final decision, if you have any interest in Prescott, Arizona, let me know. Much better place to raise kids than Las Vegas or California.
My dealers start at just over $40,000 a year but that includes free health, dental and vision insurance, 11 holidays a year and 2 weeks off a year with base pay and tips.
We are also just starting construction on a brand new casino. It will be the talk of the town and bring in visitors from all over. Tips should go up there, but that will be about 18 months or so.
ZCore13
Quote: Zcore13
When you get closer to your final decision, if you have any interest in Prescott, Arizona, let me know. Much better place to raise kids than Las Vegas or California.
Wouldn't this guy stand a good chance of
getting hired if he can prove he has 9 years
of mostly dealing experience? It's a 100%
better place to live than Vegas.
Quote: EvenBobWouldn't this guy stand a good chance of
getting hired if he can prove he has 9 years
of mostly dealing experience? It's a 100%
better place to live than Vegas.
He'd have a very good chance. I'm always willing to help good people and nice families.
ZCore13
I would also consider Washington State, lots of tribal properties and 40 some odd commercial card rooms. The Card Room market is going through a period of downsizing, but I think they are close to being "right sized"........there are some card rooms that are very successful and I believe are good places to deal as they keep their own tips and our smaller operations. Many times a small shop with the right kind of people at the top make very good work environments.
I have to agree with EB, Vegas with kids isn't the right answer unless you can afford private schooling.
Quote: Paradigm
I have to agree with EB, Vegas with kids isn't the right answer unless you can afford private schooling.
I hear a lot of people say that but it was not my experience at all raising kids in Las Vegas. I think most people are quoting national statistics where Las Vegas does do horribly. When I look at the five different schools our kids matriculated through, I didn't have any concern for the quality of the teachers and curriculum. I would guess their quality of education was equal to that the average child in America gets.
One of the reasons Vegas schools get a bad rap is the dropout rate is very high. I attribute that to the preponderance of service jobs available that pay a fair livable wage and don't require any education.
Quote: DRichI would guess their quality of education was equal to that the average child in America gets.
.
Uh Huh. For the 3rd year in a row, NV was ranked
dead last in education. 50th. Why do you think that
is? It's not just for a high drop out rate. They're
48th for a child's well being! Would I send my kid
to a school that gets a rating like that?
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/education/nevada-education-ranked-last-nation
'A child growing up in Nevada has the lowest chance for academic success in the country, according to a national study released today.' Now there is a sterling endorsement.
http://lasvegassun.com/news/2014/jan/09/nevada-pulls-dead-last-again-magazines/
I'm sure part of the explanation for the poor schools is the abundance of decent paying service industry jobs, but it's not like that nullifies the problem. If a lot of kids and parents don't value education, for whatever reason, the schools will provide a poor education due to low standards, low participation and so forth.
Vegas is a great place for adults to live. No traffic and abundant parking, compared to big cities. Countless great places to eat. Lots of discounts on cool stuff. Low taxes. Super cheap housing. Decent outdoor stuff (so I'm told). Overall, it has a lot of amenities and very little stress.
With kids, harder to say.
Quote: Rigondeaux
Vegas is a great place for adults to live. No traffic and abundant parking,
Jeez, you're easy to please. How about
quality of life sucks, and it's about as
attractive a place as a hairy mans
backside. Vegas is the original plastic
paradise, a great place to visit and defile.
Living there means giving up really
great places to live and settling for
suspending your disbelief on a daily basis.
Quote: EvenBobJeez, you're easy to please. How about
quality of life sucks
Well, I've lived in LA, the Bay Area and some smaller midwestern and southern places. Vegas gives you 24/7 access to a lot of stuff, world class food, solid entertainment, shopping and other big city stuff. But you get the traffic, crowding, hassle, pollution and cost of living of a small city. Also one of the elite people watching cities.
Not the prettiest place, but not the ugliest. I like cooler climates and/or the ocean myself. It's an interesting place though. There's a reason philosophers write about Vegas, but not Kalamazoo.
I guess if "quality of life" means snowmobiling and hunting, it's probably not for you.
Also, most forms of gambling are legal.
Quote: Zcore13Tried to send this to Ashly via Private Message but got an error. Not sure if it went through so I'll post publicly...
Hi,
.....
ZCore13
Which casino do you work at? You're a floor supervisor, right? Just curious.
RS,This kind of question should ONLY appear on PM please.Quote: RSWhich casino do you work at? You're a floor supervisor, right? Just curious.
If Zscore doesn't want the public to know, he won't post it publicly (publically?). If he's OK with me knowing but not the public, then (I assume) he'll send me a PM.
Google "Prescott, Arizona casino."Quote: RSWhich casino do you work at? You're a floor supervisor, right? Just curious.
Quote: RSI was under the impression PMs don't work. I've seen a few posts of people complaining about them not working. And I got no idea how to even send a PM.
If Zscore doesn't want the public to know, he won't post it publicly (publically?). If he's OK with me knowing but not the public, then (I assume) he'll send me a PM.
I agree, Zcore can answer however he wants.
PMs are working fine though. Had a PM exchange just yesterday.
Quote: RSWhich casino do you work at? You're a floor supervisor, right? Just curious.
I'm the Table Games Manager at Bucky's Casino.
Big news coming soon on our new casino and the name. I'm hoping for Granite Mountain Hotel and Casino. Granite mountain is important to the Tribe spiritually and we lost 19 firefighter a few years ago and they were called the Granite Mountain Hot Shots.
ZCore13
Quote: RigondeauxI think some of the peripheral school districts are OK, like in Henderson. That's what people say, anyway. But it costs more to live there.
I'm sure part of the explanation for the poor schools is the abundance of decent paying service industry jobs, but it's not like that nullifies the problem. If a lot of kids and parents don't value education, for whatever reason, the schools will provide a poor education due to low standards, low participation and so forth.
Vegas is a great place for adults to live. No traffic and abundant parking, compared to big cities. Countless great places to eat. Lots of discounts on cool stuff. Low taxes. Super cheap housing. Decent outdoor stuff (so I'm told). Overall, it has a lot of amenities and very little stress.
With kids, harder to say.
Just to back up a bit, "super cheap housing" in Vegas?
There have been quite a few deals since the last meltdown, but I would call the cost of housing for all the owners in the area, averaged out, something higher than "Cheap", definately not super cheap. Just an opinion. 2F
Quote: Zcore13I'm the Table Games Manager at Bucky's Casino.
Big news coming soon on our new casino and the name. I'm hoping for Granite Mountain Hotel and Casino. Granite mountain is important to the Tribe spiritually and we lost 19 firefighter a few years ago and they were called the Granite Mountain Hot Shots.
ZCore13
I still feel the pain of your loss; worked several Fire Towers as ATC over the years, and that had to be the most frustrating and sobering incident in the history of a long and dangerous line of work, even considering other, similar tragedies.
I think it would be an awesome memorial to that crew, as the spirit of risk in performing that job and gambling are so similar at heart, even if dissimilar in other ways. I hope your guys do make it a joint connection with the NA traditions and the firefighters.
Quote: Zcore13I'm the Table Games Manager at Bucky's Casino.
Lovely, but I think the trouble here is a working couple who are unable to make it, however, where they are. I can't fathom a move making any real difference in such a case. I would do some "archaeology" or soul searching before just trying a simplistic move. Something which becomes even more difficult on the fly.
Ice cream must be $10 a bucket now in Vegas. I spent a few winters in Vegas at my leisure. Can't picture trying to make it there as a low-income single, and much less as a spouse trying to support a family. No quality of life is a given.
The simple, day to day truth is as hard to come by there as a $2 bill. The buses are useless after dark because of the gangs who ride.
Vegas has one of the best bus systems in the nation. No question about that. Come ride the Cleveland or Detroit buses if you want to see a real crummy public transport system.Quote: DoubleOrNothing
The simple, day to day truth is as hard to come by there as a $2 bill. The buses are useless after dark because of the gangs who ride.
Quote: teddysVegas has one of the best bus systems in the nation. No question about that. Come ride the Cleveland or Detroit buses if you want to see a real crummy public transport system.
The Detroit (DDOT) system is horrid but getting better. Many new buses and they're hiring. The suburban system (SMART) is very reliable.
Quote: DoubleOrNothingLovely, but I think the trouble here is a working couple who are unable to make it, however, where they are. I can't fathom a move making any real difference in such a case. I would do some "archaeology" or soul searching before just trying a simplistic move. Something which becomes even more difficult on the fly.
Well since the $40,000+ I mentioned is a bit more than the $20,000 - $25,000 she said her husband is making, that seems to make a difference to me. She didn't mention if she works, but we also have plenty of other jobs with full benefits available if she does. This is not your average casino. It's a good place to work, the Tribe takes really good care of their employees and the local community and the community supports the casino and the Tribe.
Also, she's not doing anything on the fly. She is attempting to get information and is deciding if it's something they might pursue. That's like the opposite of on the fly.
ZCore13
I didn't get the impression they were both looking for work?If they are both "breadwinners", that would certainly improve the odds.Quote: DoubleOrNothingLovely, but I think the trouble here is a working couple...
She mentioned having lived in the same place forever which to me would indicate some form of familial support, such as help with the kids @ the family rate.
That would disappear in Glitter Gulch. Hard to place a $ value on a friend/family support structure. Glitz and glamour are much easier on a 48 inch flat screen than up close and personal. IMO Vegas has always been harsh.
Not even sure if the husband knows he's moving yet? : )
Prescott is nice
Quote: petroglyphI didn't get the impression they were both looking for work?If they are both "breadwinners", that would certainly improve the odds.
She mentioned having lived in the same place forever which to me would indicate some form of familial support, such as help with the kids @ the family rate.
That would disappear in Glitter Gulch. Hard to place a $ value on a friend/family support structure. Glitz and glamour are much easier on a 48 inch flat screen than up close and personal. IMO Vegas has always been harsh.
Not even sure if the husband knows he's moving yet? : )
Prescott is nice
If/when Sparkles tells me "you go now", I'm going to look into Prescott, sounds inviting.....
Quote: Zcore13Big news coming soon on our new casino and the name. I'm hoping for Granite Mountain Hotel and Casino.
Oh, jeez. Now, I need to start thinking about how/when to get back to Prescott to add another new chip to my collection. Already have Twin Arrows Navajo (outside of Flagstaff) on my list of chips to get, so maybe our next visit to Las Vegas will include a side trip to the Grand Canyon and these casinos.
So is this to be a totally new Casino or a reworking of Bucky's? Projected date?
Quote: DoubleOrNothingLovely, but I think the trouble here is a working couple who are unable to make it, however, where they are. I can't fathom a move making any real difference in such a case. I would do some "archaeology" or soul searching before just trying a simplistic move. Something which becomes even more difficult on the fly.
Ice cream must be $10 a bucket now in Vegas. I spent a few winters in Vegas at my leisure. Can't picture trying to make it there as a low-income single, and much less as a spouse trying to support a family. No quality of life is a given.
The simple, day to day truth is as hard to come by there as a $2 bill. The buses are useless after dark because of the gangs who ride.
I know a guy who rides the Vegas buses all the time and he's still alive!
Quote: DocOh, jeez. Now, I need to start thinking about how/when to get back to Prescott to add another new chip to my collection. Already have Twin Arrows Navajo (outside of Flagstaff) on my list of chips to get, so maybe our next visit to Las Vegas will include a side trip to the Grand Canyon and these casinos.
So is this to be a totally new Casino or a reworking of Bucky's? Projected date?
This will be a new location/build. Just down the street from our current two casinos. Both the old (and way outdated) casinos will close when the new one opens. All new chips as well.
Ground preparation over the next month or two. Construction begins around November maybe? 18 months to build.
ZCore13
Quote: Zcore13This will be a new location/build. Just down the street from our current two casinos. Both the old (and way outdated) casinos will close when the new one opens. All new chips as well.
Ground preparation over the next month or two. Construction begins around November maybe? 18 months to build.
ZCore13
Does Doc have all the current chips he needs, or can you save him a couple? He'll come get the new ones....
Quote: djatcI know a guy who rides the Vegas buses all the time and he's still alive!
Yeah, well, after they stuck my tires, I left my car at a friend's place for the last couple of weeks on my last trip. His apt building had indoor parking and security.
Tried the bus a few times. Some routes are "hairier" then others I suppose. But it's no fun being stared down the whole way by four big black guys who were wider than they were tall. Curiosity satisfied.
Quote: TwoFeathersATLDoes Doc have all the current chips he needs, or can you save him a couple? He'll come get the new ones....
I have (and have posted in the CCotD thread) chips from both Bucky's and Yavapi.
Quote: Zcore13This will be a new location/build. Just down the street from our current two casinos. Both the old (and way outdated) casinos will close when the new one opens. All new chips as well.
Does Arizona have a "must destroy" rule for old casino chips?
How would you expect a place like Vegas to have good schools or sound values when vice is the god this town prays to?
I've been to San Manuel casino north of Riverside, CA. It has a fairly low income player base than most casinos, and this demographic tends to be less educated about gambling and their bankroll is therefore lost sooner. This casino is a drain on the local economy; draining famlies of essentials while they chase a jackpot.
It's always interesting when casinos advertise how many jobs they have created and how much tax they bring to a community. The truth is casinos do more harm than good.
Quote: MathExtremistDoes Arizona have a "must destroy" rule for old casino chips?
I don't think so, but I've never really had a reason to investigate.
We've turned old $10 chips that we stopped using into key chains at one point.
Not something I have to deal with for another year or so.
ZCore13
I have lived in Vegas since 1990. When I first got here I wasn't even 21 I moved around quite a bit the first 5 years, I lived in some of the worst areas including just down the street from Queen of hearts hotel/casino, 13th street(supposedly there was a 13th street gang) Carson and 11th, Katie arms apartments, the naked city and quite a few weekly apartments. I used the bus and walked for 4 years in sketchy areas.Quote: DoubleOrNothingYeah, well, after they stuck my tires, I left my car at a friend's place for the last couple of weeks on my last trip. His apt building had indoor parking and security.
Tried the bus a few times. Some routes are "hairier" then others I suppose. But it's no fun being stared down the whole way by four big black guys who were wider than they were tall. Curiosity satisfied.
I'm certainty no wallflower or introvert, yet I haven't had any problems aside from a few bar/pool hall fights and problem(one was very ugly) however that's due to location and my own choices. But since 1994 I can only think of one random problem(again at a pool hall). I'm not saying its paradise and there haven't been incidents but it's nothing like some people imagine.
Obviously I know many people who live in Vegas including some family. All my family (except for my mom) has been to Vegas many times, and not just under the security of the casinos. Never has anyone I know of had any problems due to any gangs or unsavory type people.
I would have no problem jumping on a bus at anytime day or night. We know guys who don't drive, and they bus it everywhere, even when given the option of a car, truck or van.
Obviously I suggest people stay out of seedy areas in north town, but that's fairly obvious.
I'm not saying Vegas is a paradise and it's a top family destination(I would choose some place other than Vegas, but not for the reasons some brought up) I think some people are being overly negative and critical.
You probably had some bad variance during your bus rides. Perhaps it's selective memory and paranoia. Them people were probably wondering why this (white guy?) keeps staring at us.
Summerlin, Green Valley, Henderson or the west side of Vegas has lots of parks (water parks to), great shopping, good restaurants, good schools and family activities. Lots of areas are very family friendly and safe.
You forget you're even in the Las Vegas area once you're a few miles from the strip and downtown.
Quote: Zcore13I'm the Table Games Manager at Bucky's Casino.
Big news coming soon on our new casino and the name. I'm hoping for Granite Mountain Hotel and Casino. Granite mountain is important to the Tribe spiritually and we lost 19 firefighter a few years ago and they were called the Granite Mountain Hot Shots.
ZCore13
Sounds nicer than Bucky's to me, no offense to whoever Bucky is.
WOW!! After seeing your offer and looking at some pictures of Prescott, I cant imagine why she wouldn't immediately contact you, put together a resume, and a letter with family pictures.Quote: Zcore13Tried to send this to Ashly via Private Message but got an error. Not sure if it went through so I'll post publicly...
Hi,
When you get closer to your final decision, if you have any interest in Prescott, Arizona, let me know. Much better place to raise kids than Las Vegas or California.
My dealers start at just over $40,000 a year but that includes free health, dental and vision insurance, 11 holidays a year and 2 weeks off a year with base pay and tips.
We are also just starting construction on a brand new casino. It will be the talk of the town and bring in visitors from all over. Tips should go up there, but that will be about 18 months or so.
ZCore13
