400 applicants came to the Delaware Park Casino in Dover for a job fair Friday. They were competing for 175 jobs.
"I've been downsized three times in my 20 year career. It's tough," said Diane Skilton of Elkton.
First, applicants have to pass a simple dexterity test.
"I choked, horribly!" said Rich Mowczan of Wilmington. "But that's okay. It was fun."
Still, these applicants are serious. Chris Fowler was laid off from Chrysler after 15 years.
"It's a big change. The money is a big change, for one," said Mowczan.
Dealers make only five to seven dollars per hour, but they hit the jackpot in tips, which range from 12 to 25 dollars per customer.
"If they're good they'll make good money. If they're not, they won't fare so well," said Shannon DeLuicia of Delaware Park.
Most of these applicants knew by the end of the day if they made the first cut, but even if they did it's just the first step. Every applicant has to go to "dealer's school" which, depending on the game, could take eight to 14 weeks.
Furthermore, classes cost up to $2,000, which is why state labor officials were on site to offer financial assistance.... Because it's all a gamble.
