$600 Million Casino Resort Offering Free Table Game Training, Higher Wages
Table game dealers are needed for an upcoming casino. For those who are interested, the $600 million resort is providing free training and just raised compensation.
Last month, the Cordish Companies launched a makeshift casino in Petersburg, Virginia. There are 30 live dealer table games and 900 slot machines in the 75,000-square-foot pavilion tent gaming structure.
The tentative Live! On the location where Cordish is spending $600 million to build a permanent casino resort, Casino Virginia operates. Live! With 200 rooms, a resort-style pool and fitness center, ten eateries and bars, and a casino featuring 1,600 slots, 65 table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook, Casino & Hotel Virginia is scheduled to open in late 2027.
Live! needs to hire skilled croupiers because casino gaming is still relatively new in Virginia. Cordish is expanding its collaboration with Richard Bland College by operating a second Dealer Institute, following a free program last year.
Free Training for Dealers
Like the show from the previous year, Live! Richard Bland College and Casino Virginia are collaborating to provide the Dealer Institute at no cost. A range of table games will be taught to the students.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old to be eligible. Although there is no tuition for the seven-week class, students must pay $50 for a blackjack kit. The lessons are available from 7 to 11 a.m. or 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The RBD Dealer Institute is situated in Suite 4A of the RBC Workforce & Career Readiness Center at 3333 S. Crater Rd. Certified casino table game dealers instruct the classes.
"As Petersburg’s economy continues to evolve, Richard Bland College is proud to contribute to workforce development, preparing the next generation of professionals for high-paying jobs in one of the most dynamic industries in the country,” said RBC President Dr. Debbie Sydow.
In addition to teaching students how to deal cards, the Dealer Institute teaches aspiring dealers on responsible gaming, game integrity, and customer service.
Graduates of the Dealer Institute are qualified to apply for jobs at any casino, including Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia. Although Live! stated in 2025 that first-year, entry-level dealers should anticipate earning $50,000, the casino has subsequently increased the beginning compensation to $60,000 in salaries and tips.
Live! Virginia Casino & Hotel
Cordish intends to launch the permanent Live! Virginia Casino & Hotel in 2027. The Baltimore-based gaming and hospitality company has more plans for Petersburg than that.
A further phase of development is planned by Cordish and its local development partner, Bruce Smith Enterprise. If everything goes according to plan for the hotel and casino, Cordish and Smith want to invest an additional $800 million to add a mixed-use component to the site, which will include homes, shops, restaurants, bars, offices, and a grocery store.
