Poker Dealer Jobs for OPT Students
Poker dealer jobs on OPT are available at casinos, cruise lines, and gaming resorts that regularly hire international students. Your OPT authorization covers full-time dealing work, and many employers in gaming are familiar with EAD cards. STEM extension does not apply to this role.
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Get Access To All JobsSpringfield, Massachusetts
The SHOW comes alive at MGM Resorts International
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in a place full of excitement, diversity, and entertainment? Are you enthusiastic about being a team player in one of the most fascinating industries in the world? At MGM Resorts, we seek individuals like YOU to create unique and show-stopping experiences for our guests.
THE JOB:
Join our lively and thrilling Poker Room as a Poker Room Dealer and become a key part of creating unforgettable gaming experiences! In this role, you'll skillfully deal cards and deliver friendly, attentive service that keeps players engaged and satisfied. Your professionalism and keen attention to detail will uphold the integrity of the game, ensuring a fun, fair, and exciting environment for all guests, and helping to make every poker night a memorable event.
STARTING PAY: $6.75 per hour plus tips
THE DAY-TO-DAY:
- Conduct and assist with operation of poker games
- Get players checks and help maintain poker table banks (CHIP RUNNER)
- Ensure accuracy of table bank, table pot, and table rake
- Communicate verbally with supervisors of unnatural or irregular play and dispute on the game
- Verbalize player instructions, rules, or any other information as required in the procedures of the game
- Develop customer relations and facilitate the use of the MGM Rewards Card
- Maintains a helpful, courteous, safe, and clean environment of the game
- Promote and maintain the highest level of service to all guests while staying alert to their needs and respond effectively to guest inquiries
- Notify supervisor and/or Security of all unusual events, circumstances, missing items, or alleged theft
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
- Has high school diploma or GED
- Has 1+ years of prior relevant experience in customer service or hospitality experience
- Preferred 6+ months of prior relevant experience in poker dealing experience
PERKS & BENEFITS:
- Free meals in our employee dining room.
- Free parking on and off shift.
- Access to company hotel, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment discounts as well as discounts with company partners on things like travel, electronics, online shopping, and more.
- Professional and personal development through programs and networking opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities in the community.
Pay Rate
The rate for this role is:
$6.75
This rate represents a good faith estimate of the wage rate that MGM reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire.
The estimated annual tips this role could reasonably be anticipated to receive is: $0 - $21,500.
Pay will not be below any applicable minimum wage.
Should overtime be worked, employees are paid overtime pay in accordance with state requirements.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plans, and time off plans. Specific program offerings vary by eligibility factors such as geographic location, employment status, and union membership.
Are you ready to JOIN THE SHOW? Apply today!
Springfield, Massachusetts
The SHOW comes alive at MGM Resorts International
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in a place full of excitement, diversity, and entertainment? Are you enthusiastic about being a team player in one of the most fascinating industries in the world? At MGM Resorts, we seek individuals like YOU to create unique and show-stopping experiences for our guests.
THE JOB:
Join our lively and thrilling Poker Room as a Poker Room Dealer and become a key part of creating unforgettable gaming experiences! In this role, you'll skillfully deal cards and deliver friendly, attentive service that keeps players engaged and satisfied. Your professionalism and keen attention to detail will uphold the integrity of the game, ensuring a fun, fair, and exciting environment for all guests, and helping to make every poker night a memorable event.
STARTING PAY: $6.75 per hour plus tips
THE DAY-TO-DAY:
- Conduct and assist with operation of poker games
- Get players checks and help maintain poker table banks (CHIP RUNNER)
- Ensure accuracy of table bank, table pot, and table rake
- Communicate verbally with supervisors of unnatural or irregular play and dispute on the game
- Verbalize player instructions, rules, or any other information as required in the procedures of the game
- Develop customer relations and facilitate the use of the MGM Rewards Card
- Maintains a helpful, courteous, safe, and clean environment of the game
- Promote and maintain the highest level of service to all guests while staying alert to their needs and respond effectively to guest inquiries
- Notify supervisor and/or Security of all unusual events, circumstances, missing items, or alleged theft
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
- Has high school diploma or GED
- Has 1+ years of prior relevant experience in customer service or hospitality experience
- Preferred 6+ months of prior relevant experience in poker dealing experience
PERKS & BENEFITS:
- Free meals in our employee dining room.
- Free parking on and off shift.
- Access to company hotel, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment discounts as well as discounts with company partners on things like travel, electronics, online shopping, and more.
- Professional and personal development through programs and networking opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities in the community.
Pay Rate
The rate for this role is:
$6.75
This rate represents a good faith estimate of the wage rate that MGM reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire.
The estimated annual tips this role could reasonably be anticipated to receive is: $0 - $21,500.
Pay will not be below any applicable minimum wage.
Should overtime be worked, employees are paid overtime pay in accordance with state requirements.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plans, and time off plans. Specific program offerings vary by eligibility factors such as geographic location, employment status, and union membership.
Are you ready to JOIN THE SHOW? Apply today!
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Poker Dealer
Target casino groups with HR infrastructure
Large casino operators like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment have dedicated HR teams familiar with work authorization documents. They're more likely to onboard EAD holders without confusion than smaller independent card rooms.
Present your EAD card clearly upfront
Many gaming employers have limited experience with OPT. Bring your EAD card and I-20 to every interview. Explaining your authorization category and end date directly removes hesitation and speeds up the hiring decision.
Track your OPT end date against casino hiring timelines
Casino hiring can take four to eight weeks due to background checks and gaming license approvals. Start your job search at least three months before your OPT expires to avoid gaps in work authorization.
Get your gaming license application started early
Most states require dealers to hold a gaming license before they can work on a casino floor. Apply as soon as you have an offer, since processing can take several weeks and may run close to your OPT start date.
Highlight dealer school training or table game certifications
Employers treat formal dealer training as a strong differentiator. If you've completed a dealing program covering blackjack, poker, or baccarat, list it prominently. It signals you can start contributing quickly, which matters to casino floor managers.
Consider cruise line casino roles as an alternative
Cruise line casino departments hire international dealers and may have more flexibility around work authorization than land-based casinos. Contracts are typically four to six months, which can align well with remaining OPT time.
Poker Dealer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a poker dealer on OPT?
Yes. Poker dealer work is permitted under OPT as long as the role is full-time and within your authorized period. The position doesn't need to be directly related to your degree field for pre-completion OPT, but for post-completion OPT your employment should be in a job that relates to your degree program.
Do poker dealer jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
No. Poker dealer is not classified under a STEM-designated field, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension does not apply. Your maximum OPT period is 12 months. If you want to stay in the U.S. after that, you'll need an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B or another nonimmigrant visa category.
Will casinos hire OPT students, and do they understand EAD cards?
Large casino operators generally have HR staff experienced with I-9 verification and various work authorization documents, including EAD cards. Smaller card rooms may be less familiar. Bring your EAD card, I-20, and a brief written explanation of your OPT status to every interview. You can browse poker dealer roles open to OPT students on Migrate Mate.
Can I get a gaming license as an international student on OPT?
In most states, gaming license eligibility is based on background check results and residency requirements, not immigration status specifically. However, requirements vary by state. Nevada, New Jersey, and Mississippi each have their own licensing boards. Contact the relevant state gaming control board early in your job search, since processing can take several weeks.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my casino job ends?
Post-completion OPT allows up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment. If your casino contract ends or you're laid off, that grace period begins immediately. You don't need to report each day, but you must find new qualifying employment before you hit 90 total unemployed days, or your OPT authorization is considered violated.
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