The Community College of Rhode Island, as part of its partnership with Bally’s Corporation, is launching its first course specific to the gaming industry, "Introduction to Table Games Dealer Training." The class begins on August 19.

The course is free and will be conducted over six-weeks and 96 hours of in-person training to learn how to deal "Blackjack" and novelty games such as "Spanish 21," "Let it Ride," "Three Card Poker" and "Texas Hold’em."

The course will be held at CCRI’s Lincoln Campus, which features a new, state-of-the-art table games simulated classroom setting to help acclimate students to the daily gaming environment when working as a certified blackjack dealer.

Students will also be taught on topics of customer service, conflict resolution, gaming etiquette, cheque breakdowns, card and currency handling and preparation for live auditioning and licensing to work in the gaming industry as entry-level dealers. Additional information about the course is available online at www.ccri.edu/workforce/technologyonline.

Students interested in applying must fill out the online program inquiry form and attend one of two information session: Wednesday, July 24, from 3–5:30 p.m. or Tuesday, July 30, from 12:30–3 p.m., both at CCRI’s Lincoln Campus.

Session attendees will watch a live demonstration from lead instructor Andrew Toye, a Dual Rate Floor Manager at Bally's Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort, and, if interested in participating in the training, undergo a mandatory math assessment and interview.

In September 2023, CCRI announced it had received a $5 million donation, the largest in the college’s history, from Bally’s Corporation to develop and launch new programming in the gaming, hospitality and security sectors and to support student scholarships. The Introduction to Table Games course is the first step in CCRI’s development of new programming in those fields.

CCRI officials claimed the course aligns with the school's track record of expanding programs and degree pathways for students while meeting the labor needs of the region workforce. Table games dealers in Rhode Island are paid a base wage plus tips, called “tokes,” that has been averaging $20+ per hour for the last several years.

“CCRI's ability to partner with local employers to develop and deliver in-demand training is a testament to our dedication to addressing workforce needs. This new gaming-focused curriculum highlights our commitment to providing students with the skills necessary to thrive in high-demand industries, further enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the local economy,” said Rosemary A. Costigan, Ph.D., RN, Interim President of CCRI.

Added CCRI’s Vice President of Workforce Partnerships Jennie Johnson, “This is yet another prime example of the college assessing a skills gap in a specific industry, partnering to co-design customized curriculum, and delivering world-class workforce training for our employer partners. We are excited to launch this course and look forward to delivering future gaming curriculum to continue meeting workforce needs.”