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<< Previous   of   Next >> Kevin Nortz / The Herald  (click to enlarge) Maryn Hampton, 19, of Lynnwood, deals a game of Pai Gow while practicing at Ace in the Hole dealer school in Everett on Tuesday. Hampton says she hopes the job will help her pay her way through college. Kevin Nortz / The Herald  (click to enlarge) Ace in the Hole, a casino dealer school in Everett, is having trouble keeping up with the rising demand for dealers. Despite the slow economy, new casinos continue to open their doors to those looking to escape the gloomy weather and economy.   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Mike Benbow, Business Editor benbow@heraldnet.com   Published: Monday, December 1, 2008 Gambling's growth prompts casino dealer school in Everett By Yoshiaki Nohara Herald Writer EVERETT -- All the gloom and doom of the tough economy has yet to reach Ace in the Hole Casino Dealer School on Broadway in Everett. While many industries cut jobs, local casinos appear to be looking for dealers all the time, said Rick Soderberg, who owns the dealer school. "I can't seem to get them out fast enough to fill the jobs," Soderberg said. Snoqualmie Casino opened earlier this month in Snoqualmie, taking away many dealers from casinos in Snohomish County, said Soderberg, a former dealer. Four or five students finish training at his school every month; they are finding jobs without any problem. Historically, gambling businesses tend to be recession-free, Soderberg said. Some people want to bet their money even if -- or because -- the economy is bad. The gloomy weather in winter months also prompts people to go to casinos and socialize with others indoors. "It's kind of funny," he said. "I don't know why people do that. When they got nothing, they have to enjoy life somehow." Snohomish County has nine active card-room casinos without including tribal ones, said Melinda Froud, lead staff attorney for the state Gambling Commission. In October, the commission issued licenses to 146 card room employees including dealers in the county. That was up from 61 in September, due to Aces Casino & Sports Bar, which opened in October in Arlington, Froud said. People also continue to drink, said Brian Smith, a spokesman for the state Liquor Control Board. State liquor stores saw a 5 percent increase in sales in September compared to a year ago, Smith said. "Even during the downturn, people are buying up," Smith said. People come to Ace In the Hole Casino Dealer School from different walks of life, said Soderberg, who started the school last year. He teaches his students how to oversee games, handle tips, cards and money, and entertain customers. The school charges a student $1,200 for the entire training program, Soderberg said. Students can learn at their own pace. It usually takes them about 150 hours of training before they get ready for a real job. Maryn Hampton, 19, has been learning the ropes since August, while attending Shoreline Community College. "I have friends who deal," Hampton said. "They have fun and make good money. And that's what I need, good money. College is expensive." Hampton said she is trying to get an audition to become a dealer at a Shoreline casino. "I know all the games," she said. "It's just practice, practice, practice for me." Most dealers make minimum wage plus tips, Soderberg said. They need to serve customers well because they depend on tips. For the first year, a dealer could make $30,000 to $40,000, he said. "A lot of people are coming into this business because most of them are gamblers and they want to get to the other side," he said. Mark Phung, a cook, started training in September to become a dealer. "Cooking is hard when you get old," said Phung, 53, of Mountlake Terrace. The budding dealer is learning a lot about games, customer service and math. It's challenging, but at least he doesn't need to carry heavy things, Phung said. "This may be easier," he said. Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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