Gambling Dealers
Operate table games. Stand or sit behind table and operate games of chance by dispensing the appropriate number of cards or blocks to players, or operating other gambling equipment. Distribute winnings or collect players' money or chips. May compare the house's hand against players' hands.
Also called: Baccarat Dealer, Big Six Dealer, Black Jack Dealer, Blackjack Dealer, Card Dealer, Card Game Operator
Median pay
$34,320
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$24,040 – $77,090
People employed
83,910
Holland code
CER
Conventional · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 6.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 7.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 8.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Gambling Dealers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (34 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What gambling dealers do
- 01Pay winnings or collect losing bets as established by the rules and procedures of a specific game.
- 02Greet customers and make them feel welcome.
- 03Exchange paper currency for playing chips or coin money.
- 04Check to ensure that all players have placed bets before play begins.
- 05Inspect cards and equipment to be used in games to ensure that they are in good condition.
- 06Deal cards to house hands, and compare these with players' hands to determine winners, as in black jack.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Social Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from gambling dealers
- Gambling Cage Workers90% · +9%
- Cashiers89% · −4%
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers89% · +86%
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers87% · +6%
- Tellers85% · +25%
Change into gambling dealers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Gambling Cage Workers87% · $37,580
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers84% · $36,220
- Cashiers82% · $32,880
- Retail Salespersons78% · $35,410
- Bartenders77% · $34,340
Majors that lead here
- Casino Dealing
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.