Casinos need several things in order to operate successfully, like money, cards and slots. But perhaps most important is the dealer — without a team of dealers, casinos would crumble.
Dealers are an integral part of the casino industry. But where in the U.S. is the best place to work as a dealer?
A recent study by GamblingSites.com ranked which states are the best for working in a casino, based on job availability, wages and lifestyle opportunities.
Here’s how Washington state fared.
Best states for casino workers
Despite what one might assume, Nevada (which has hundreds of casinos) was not named the best state for casino dealers to work. In Washington state, there are 29 Class III casino facilities, plus six Class II venues, according to 500Nations.
GamblingSites looked at the average wages, tip rates, job availability and the cost of living in each state. Each of these factors was given a weighted score, resulting in a total “Dealer’s Jackpot Index Score,” which determines each state’s final ranking.
Nevada ranked third, while Washington took the top spot.
According to the report from GamblingSites, casino dealers are most likely to succeed in these five states:
- 1Washington
- California
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Montana
On the other end of the spectrum, the five states with lower wages, more limited opportunities and other factors impacting the possibility of a stable career as a casino dealer are:
- Kansas
- Delaware
- North Carolina
- Alabama
- Virginia
WA top state for casino dealers
Washington had high ratings in each category, securing the number one spot for casino dealers.
While some of the bottom five states have less than five casinos within their boundaries, Washington exceeds the national average of 30, boasting 35 casinos.
The average dealer wage is more than $12,000 higher than the national average. Plus, Washington is one of few places with no state income tax.
In Washington, tribal enterprises like casinos are often a top employer in their community.
“Washington tribes ranking number one for dealers in the country makes great sense,” Rebecca George, executive director of the Washington Indian Gaming Association, said in a phone interview. “Tribes in Washington are committed to providing a career path with well-paid jobs, great benefits, and a holistic approach for their employees.”
