Casino Player November 2022

PLAYING POKER

HELP WANTED: DEALER SHORTAGES CONTINUE

STORAGE LOCKER TO POKER TABLE F ans of the long-runningA&E show StorageWars may recognize series regular Rene Nezhoda.Apparently,when not bidding on abandoned storage lockers, the businessman is a bit of a poker player as well. In October,Nezhoda took the top spot in the $1,100 championship as part of the Enjoy PokerTour at the Enjoy Casino Resort in Punta Del Este,Uruguay. Nezhoda topped a field of 340 players on his way to victory.The win brought theTV personality an extra $70,455,which should provide some nice funds for more storage auctions.The win brings Nezhoda’s career lifetime winnings to more than $106,000.Nezhoda has become a regular at the tables when not reselling items purchased on the show.He even streams some of his online play on Twitch. Before hitting it big onTV, Nezhoda was a regular cash game player in Las Vegas.

L ive poker has come back in a big way in recent months and like many businesses around the country,casinos and poker rooms are struggling to find employees.That goes for poker dealers as well.The problem isn’t just a lack of employees,but there is also more competition among states now offering live poker. For example, the opening of theTexas market as well as hot poker states like Florida have made attracting poker dealers more of a challenge for many properties.TheWSOP even raised pay for the summer series in an attempt to attract more people to jump in the dealer’s box. “We have seven card rooms down here in a 45-minute area,and every room is short,” Calder Casino (Florida) floor manager Ralph Brandt told USPoker.“We’re the smallest room.We only currently offer Florida-style table games at the moment, and it’s tough to get dealers and supervisors.” And while some casinos may have found some luck in staffing, many won’t turn away potential employees willing to pitch cards. “We’re holding steady with the number of dealers and supervisors working in the Rivers Casino poker room,” Philadelphia poker operations manager Jim Moore said. “Things are running smoothly for both tournaments and cash games, but we’re always looking to hire talented poker dealers who are interested in joining our team.” Many properties are offering excellent pay and bonuses for those needing a job. Most properties are finding anything but a full house when it comes to dealing staff and it might be a great time for those looking to begin a career in the poker industry. Sean Chaffin is a freelance writer and senior writer for Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazines. Follow him on Twitter @PokerTraditions or email him at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net for story assignments.

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