Gambling Dealers
SOC code 39-3011 · O*NET-SOC 39-3011.00 · Little to some preparation needed
Gambling Dealers pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$34,320
a year
Hourly
$16.50
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$42,550
$20.46 per hour
Middle 50%
$25,810 – $49,180
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$24,040 – $77,090
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
83,910
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $24,040
- $11.56/hr
- 25th percentile
- $25,810
- $12.41/hr
- Median percentile
- $34,320
- $16.50/hr
- 75th percentile
- $49,180
- $23.65/hr
- 90th percentile
- $77,090
- $37.06/hr
What does a gambling dealer do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Pay winnings or collect losing bets as established by the rules and procedures of a specific game.
- Greet customers and make them feel welcome.
- Exchange paper currency for playing chips or coin money.
- Check to ensure that all players have placed bets before play begins.
- Inspect cards and equipment to be used in games to ensure that they are in good condition.
- Deal cards to house hands, and compare these with players' hands to determine winners, as in black jack.
- Stand behind a gaming table and deal the appropriate number of cards to each player.
- Apply rule variations to card games such as poker, in which players bet on the value of their hands.
How to become a gambling dealer
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 69% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)69%
- Less than a High School Diploma15%
- Some College Courses6%
- Post-Secondary Certificate5%
Common questions
How much does a gambling dealer earn?
The national median is $34,320 a year. The full range runs from $24,040 at the 10th percentile to $77,090 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a gambling dealer without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.4/5
- Speaking3.4/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Mathematics2.8/5
- Critical Thinking2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.2/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Public Safety and Security2.8/5
- Law and Government2.8/5
- Sales and Marketing2.7/5
Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination, Persuasion.