A casino dealer is anyone who works at a “table,” be it poker, blackjack, craps, baccarat, or roulette. Conducting these games can be both exciting and challenging. Dealers must have a thorough mastery of a game and be able to explain the rules to casino patrons. The ability to concentrate while working in a noisy and distracting environment — handling payouts, collecting losing bets, and making change — is crucial. So is the skill to deal with angry or unruly customers tactfully and efficiently. Most casinos prefer to hire people who have attended a dealer training school and have earned a “Certificate of Professional Croupier”or similar document. Some casinos require FBI fingerprint clearance, and many insist that employees be bonded. It may also be necessary to obtain a state license for a specific job position. Whether in the Nevada deserts, on a riverboat on the Mississippi, or on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, the growing popularity of legalized gambling has created a bright future for trained, trustworthy casino dealers.