With all the talk recently about the current process of three downstate casinos in the Empire State, and the push for New York online gambling, some folks might forget there are four upstate brick-and-mortar casinos operating on a daily basis. With the growing resurgence of retail gaming since the COVID-19 pandemic, many casinos are offering numerous employment opportunities as well as free training for several positions on their specific properties.
Early in November, Rush Street Gaming’s Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady is doing just that by offering training on becoming a table games dealer.
The casino’s next Dealer Academy (valued at about $5,000) is being offered free. The course begins Nov. 6 at the Rivers Casino training center, 220 Harborside Drive (Suite #201) in Schenectady.
Until there are legal, regulated New York online casino apps, these facilities are the best outlet for casino gaming in the state.
Who Can Attend Academy
The program welcomes beginners with no knowledge at all of table games to those with more experience and looking for another opportunity. The dealer academy teaches students a wide range of popular games such as Blackjack and other novelty table games. Once they pass their final audition and obtain their New York State (NYS) gaming license, participants will be offered a part-time or full-time position as a table games dealer on property at Rivers Casino.
Classes will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday for six weeks. All applicants must be 21 or older. Those interested can apply online at the Rivers Casino website. The course is limited to 40 people, according to the website.
The casino and resort feature 1,050 slot machines, 66 live table games, a 16-table poker room and a live, in-casino luxury sportsbook lounge. There is no New York online poker or any other mobile table gaming yet, unlike sports betting.
Speaking of sports betting in the state, the BetRivers mobile platform continued its momentum, posting its largest handle ever with $42.17 million for the week ending Oct. 22, marking a $19.47 million increase from the previous week. BetRivers has gone over the $10 million mark in handle in six straight weeks and seven of the past eight in the state.
