BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Plenty of dice and good times were rolling Friday as Wind Creek Bethlehem cut the ribbon at its new and improved dealer school.
It’s a lot closer to the action this time around, bringing free-of-charge, hands-on table games dealer training to the second floor of The Outlets at Wind Creek, 77 Wind Creek Blvd. — moving from its previous location for eight years off East Second Street.
Graduating just next week from the program, David August said he was looking for an opportunity with growth potential that would pair with his other full-time job as a professional caddie.
“I kind of enjoy all the games. They all have different nuances and different odd scales and different bonus plays, but as long as my customers are happy and winning.”David August, soon-to-be graduate of Wind Creek Bethlehem's dealer school
When asked what his favorite games were as a soon-to-be dealer, he instead mentioned that the players are who make it an experience for him.
“I kind of enjoy all the games,” August said. “They all have different nuances and different odd scales and different bonus plays, but as long as my customers are happy and winning.”
The training focuses initially on blackjack, but can expand to craps, roulette, baccarat, Pai Gow tiles and more.
For the folks interested in applying for the dealer school, August said to “definitely be good at math.”
'A desire to learn'
And there’s no dealer experience necessary to apply.
“We’re looking for people with math skills, hand dexterity — but most important, personality,” Dealer Training Manager Pam Thoma said. “We’re looking for people with genuine engagement, positive energy and just a desire to learn.”
The starting salary is $7.75 an hour, and tips average $15-25 an hour, Thoma said.
She said full-time dealers can earn between $50,000 to $60,000 a year.
“We’re looking for people with math skills, hand dexterity — but most important, personality. We’re looking for people with genuine engagement, positive energy and just a desire to learn.”Dealer Training Manager Pam Thoma
With both six- and eight-week courses available, and morning, evening and weekend classes starting soon, those who complete the course and pass an audition and licensing requirements are then offered a job at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
The current class options include: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for eight weekends starting in April; 7 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday through Friday, for six weeks starting in April; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday, for six weeks starting in May.
Anyone interested in attending the dealing classes can attend an upcoming information session, the soonest being 11 a.m. Saturday at the school.
