Key Moments:
- Live! Petersburg Casino Resort and Richard Bland College have rolled out a 12-week dealer school ahead of the casino’s debut
- Enrollment has drawn hundreds, with open houses held through Saturday offering a $50 blackjack starter kit for trainees
- The temporary casino is anticipated to open later this year, while the full resort targets a 2027 completion and is projected to create approximately 7,500 jobs
Dealer Training Initiative Begins
As construction advances at the Live! Petersburg Casino Resort, an early pathway into the gaming sector is now available through a newly introduced dealer training program. Launched in partnership with Richard Bland College, the 12-week course is set to begin on September 8 at 3333 Crater Road, Suite 4A, Pinehill Plaza.
Program Details and Community Engagement
According to Brian Dwaileebe, director for table games, this new opportunity is already attracting significant attention, with hundreds reportedly enrolled in the inaugural class. “We have hundreds who are enrolled right now,” he noted.
To familiarize prospective students with the training, open houses are being held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Saturday. Participants can purchase a $50 blackjack kit that contains a dealing shoe, chips, cards, and a practice layout for at-home learning.
“They get a dealing shoe, two stacks of chips, two decks of cards and layout for home that they can use on a kitchen table or dining room table to practice with family,” Dwaileebe explained.
Structure, Requirements, and Career Prospects
The curriculum is designed to begin with blackjack instruction, later expanding to cover additional table games. Classes are held Monday through Thursday, with morning, afternoon, and evening options to suit various schedules. Prospective dealers should be prepared to refresh their math skills in advance of a basic math assessment.
“It’s a very hands-on learning experience. It’s not like your traditional college course where you go and you have to read books and do homework,” Dwaileebe said. The casino expects to hire between 150 and 175 dealers, with an estimated average annual income—including tips—of about $60,000 for these roles.
Completion of the program offers the prospect of immediate employment at the resort as well as a portable certification for broader gaming industry opportunities. “If you are looking into entering this hospitality or casino industry, this is a good first step,” said Penny Parayo, the general manager of the casino.
Casino Launch Timeline and Economic Impact
The temporary Live! Petersburg casino property is expected to open later this year, with the permanent venue scheduled for completion in 2027. Developers forecast the resort will generate nearly $3 billion in regional revenue and create around 7,500 jobs. “It’s a great and exciting time to be part of it as we open live! Virginia here in Petersburg,” Parayo added.
| Key Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| September 8 | Start of Dealer School Program |
| Later this year | Opening of Temporary Casino Facility |
| 2027 | Permanent Resort Completion Expected |
- Author
Daniel Williams
