Published on: February 7, 2026, 08:22h.
Updated on: February 7, 2026, 08:22h.
- Live! Casino Virginia is hosting a free dealer training program
- Classes are available at Richard Bland College
- The new Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is anticipated to open in Petersburg by late 2027
A new casino is actively seeking table game dealers. This $600 million resort is providing complimentary training and has recently enhanced pay for interested candidates.
Last month, The Cordish Companies launched its temporary gaming venue in Petersburg, Virginia. This 75,000-square-foot pavilion tent hosts 900 slot machines along with 30 live dealer tables.
The temporary Live! Casino Virginia is situated on the site where Cordish is investing $600 million to establish a permanent casino resort. The opening of the Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia is scheduled for late 2027, featuring a 200-room hotel, a resort-style pool and gym, 10 dining establishments, and a casino with 1,600 slot machines, 65 table games, a dedicated poker room, and sports betting facilities.
With casino gaming being relatively new in Virginia, Live! is on the lookout for trained dealers. After successfully running a free training program last year, Cordish is expanding its collaboration with Richard Bland College by launching a second Dealer Institute.
Complimentary Dealer Training
Mirroring last year’s initiative, Live! Casino Virginia and Richard Bland College are jointly offering the Dealer Institute at no cost. Participants will master various table games.
To apply, candidates must be at least 21 years old. Although the seven-week program incurs no tuition fees, students will need to buy a blackjack kit priced at $50. Classes are scheduled from Monday to Thursday, either 7-11 am or 5-9 pm.
The RBD Dealer Institute is located at the RBC Workforce & Career Readiness Center at 3333 S. Crater Rd., Suite 4A. Classes are facilitated by certified table game instructors.
“As Petersburg’s economy grows, Richard Bland College is excited to play a role in workforce development, empowering the next wave of professionals for lucrative career opportunities in one of the nation’s fastest-evolving industries,” stated RBC President Dr. Debbie Sydow.
The Dealer Institute not only trains students on card dealing skills but also imparts knowledge about customer service, game integrity, and responsible gambling practices.
Upon finishing the Dealer Institute, graduates can apply for roles at Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia or any other casino. While the casino announced a starting salary of $50,000 for first-year dealers last year, this has since increased to $60,000 in base salary plus tips.
Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia
Cordish aims to unveil the permanent Live! Casino & Hotel Virginia in 2027. This is just the beginning for the Baltimore-based gaming and hospitality giant in Petersburg.
Cordish, along with its local development partner Bruce Smith Enterprise, has outlined plans for an additional development phase. If the casino and hotel perform well, they intend to invest an extra $800 million to introduce a mixed-use development that encompasses residential units, retail spaces, dining venues, office facilities, and a grocery store.