How invasive a job is it? I know you talked earlier about having to show your empty hands at certain times, but how serious is the security on casino staff? Background checks? Drug tests? Is it really, really obnoxious?
I definitely love the “up” idea! The thing is, our poker room IS super busy, but they won’t open up a new table unless there are around 20 people on the list… stupid right? So there can be lists for every limit, and a bunch of bored dealers. I would have loved to keep my own tips in the poker pit… at least $1 a hand, and about 35-40 hands an hour = happy me (I know my speed because one of the chronic players timed me once).
They know EVERYTHING. I mean everything, at least in Ontario. When you apply, they check your record, your finances, your credit rating, allllll that jazz. Then they fingerprint you. You have to fill out this application, and then be interviewed by a couple of guys about what you wrote on your application. I remember on my initial application, I said that I didn’t have any traffic infractions. Because, well, I don’t. The interviewer paused, stared me down, and asked if I was sure about that. I falter… what have I done?? Yes, I’m sure. Then he mentions a parking ticket I got last summer. A PARKING TICKET. I paid it within a week of getting it, and promptly forgot about it, but COME ON!!!
Each year they reassess your employability, by checking your police, and financial records, and every five years you have to go through the interview process all over again. After the first time, it’s not so bad though!
One of the first things I learned how to do was to ignore the other patrons (often by agreeing with their advice and thanking them but not changing my play), and only show annoyance and leave when the table gets cold.
OK, I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about – Let it Ride, Spanish 21, etc. I know Blackjack, basic poker and Texas Hold-em. But here’s my question, with a little background first.
When I was just out of high school, first year of college, I had a chance to go with a buddy to Las Vegas – his mom’s brother (whom I’d met and knew actually existed) was a “pit boss” at a casino there and promised to get us jobs as dealers. My buddy needed a ride (I had the car and gas money, he had entre’ to Vegas) but at the last minute I backed out. I loved to fantasize about adventure, but I was too chicken to actually have one. So, my question is, is it really as glamorous as the movies make it? I mean, when you’re off-duty, can you indulge in the booze and the girls and stuff?
OK, I have no idea what the hell you’re talking about – Let it Ride, Spanish 21, etc. I know Blackjack, basic poker and Texas Hold-em. But here’s my question, with a little background first.
When I was just out of high school, first year of college, I had a chance to go with a buddy to Las Vegas – his mom’s brother (whom I’d met and knew actually existed) was a “pit boss” at a casino there and promised to get us jobs as dealers. My buddy needed a ride (I had the car and gas money, he had entre’ to Vegas) but at the last minute I backed out. I loved to fantasize about adveture, but I was too chicken to actually have one. So, my question is, is it really as glamorous as the movies make it? I mean, when you’re off-duty, can you indulge in the booze and the sex and the good times?
I’ll lay double odds on Sunrazor, that he didn’t preview. 
Tripler
Yeah, that’s behind my pass line.
Being a straight girl myself, I rarely partake in the girls. Maybe on special occasions, but very, very rarely. 
I guess it all depends. Keep in mind that I deal in a casino that in no way mirrors Vegas. That being said, patrons hit on you a lot, as well as coworkers. I think the coworkers thing is simply because you both work shift work, keep bizarre hours, and it’s really hard to go out at 6 am, at the end of your shift to meet people. I’m sure it’s like this at every other place of employment that employs over a thousand people, but at my casino there is no shortage of dealers having affairs with each other, cheating on each other, and the whole casino knowing except for the unsuspecting SO. I just hang out with a small amount of dealers, and generally steer clear of the clique talk, and gossip. It’s really the only way to not become a target.
Oh, and one of my pit bosses has asked me if I liked to party, and based on our conversation was asking if I did coke. I awkwardly declined, and uncomfortably went to my table.
I’m sure there’s more sex, drugs, and money in Vegas… I choose to believe the movies on this one!
Around my area it’s much like Northern Thalia describes too.
The job tends to, for various reasons, attract young people, often because it’s a way to earn very very good money with no education requirement. So what happens when you put a lot of young people who are making a lot of money together in one place? Exactly, lots of drinking, partying and hooking up.
I went to a party yesterday (no drugs but plenty of booze). A friend I know that dealt in Vegas said that yes, in fact a good amount of his time was working, getting off shift, getting lit on free drinks, friends/coworkers/roommates share cab home, sleep off, wake up, repeat.
Now I’m sure the idea of massive casino parties sniffing coke off a hooker’s ass on a weekly basis is an exaggeration, but drugs, sex and booze aren’t foreign by any means.
Holy crap, I coulda’ gone to Vegas and made worse mistakes than double-posting on SDMB! This is called a “regret.”