Austin, TX

Train to Be a Professional Poker Dealer

Texas's #1 in-person dealer training program. A great fit for service-industry pros and part-timers alike.

5 Students Max

2 Spots Available

Now Enrolling

Texas Poker Culture thanks Shuffle 512 for allowing us to host this Dealer School out of their poker room. Completing the course does not guarantee employment at Shuffle 512.

Everything you need to know is on this pageGive it a quick read, then apply below

How the Course Works

Two parts over 8 weeks

Weeks 1 & 2 · 4 Classes · $500

Everyone Starts Here

These first 4 classes are packed with the most important information you'll need as a dealer: the fundamental mechanics you'll use every day, covering Texas Hold'em and Omaha under fixed limit, no limit, and pot limit, with an emphasis on game protection and professional standards. You'll also learn bomb pots and how to handle side pots with multiple all-ins.

Weeks 3–8 · 12 Classes · $750

Then Continue Building Real Confidence

From there, it's up to you whether to keep going. These 12 classes are where you get enough time in the box to actually get good at the skill: training inside a real poker room, rotating in and out while simulating live games with your classmates. You'll pick up a ton of different games along the way (full list below), plus all the nuances you'll actually run into as a professional dealer. By the time you're done, you'll have real reps under your belt heading into your first official audition.

Games You'll Learn to Deal

You'll get reps in every one of these

Texas Hold'em

Pineapple / Crazy Pineapple

Omaha

Big O

7 Card Stud

Razz

5 Card Triple Draw

Badugi / Badeucey / Badacey

Bomb Pots

How You Finish

Auditions, your certificate, and what comes next

There's a halfway audition to assess your progress and identify any areas that need improvement. It also gives you a real preview of what a professional audition feels like. At the end of the program, you'll take a final audition. If you pass, you'll earn a certificate of completion and be ready to begin your career as a professional poker dealer.

Please note: Texas Poker Culture cannot offer direct employment at poker rooms. However, completing the full course and passing the final audition may open doors to private event work. You'll be able to list your certificate on a resume, and use Michael (the instructor) as a reference. If opportunities arise, you'll be notified, and we'll do everything in our power to help you find work.

Application Process Starts Here!

We will always try to contact you within a few business days. We prefer to communicate through text, so make sure your number is right below. If you haven't received a message from us, please resubmit.

Common Questions

The questions we get asked the most about dealer school

How much does poker dealer school cost?

You start with the beginner portion, which is $500 for 4 classes over 2 weeks. If you continue into the advanced portion, that's $750 for 12 classes over 6 weeks. All 8 weeks together comes to $1,250. Financing is available if you'd rather spread it out over a few months.

Do I have to take the full 8-week course?

No. Everybody starts with the beginner portion, which is 2 weeks and 4 classes. Whether you continue into the advanced portion, another 6 weeks and 12 classes, is your decision once you've been through it. All the way through is 8 weeks and 16 classes. Plenty of people take it one part at a time.

When are dealer school classes held?

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00am to 4:00pm. Each class runs 5 hours, and you'll spend that time rotating through the box and practicing live games with your classmates. It's a daytime schedule two days a week, so it's worth checking your calendar before you apply.

Where is the dealer school located in Austin?

The dealer school meets at Shuffle 512, 6501 S Congress Ave in Austin, TX. You'll train at a real table in a real poker room. It's all hands-on and in person.

How many students are in each class?

We cap each class at 5 students, so you get plenty of time in the box.

Do I need experience to become a poker dealer?

None at all. We start at the fundamentals and build from there. You just need to be 18 or older.

Can dealer school help me get a job dealing poker?

We can't place you in a poker room, but we do what we can. You'll finish with a certificate for your resume, you can use Michael as a reference, and we'll let you know when private event work comes up.

What happens after I apply?

We'll reach out within a few business days, usually by text, to talk through the details and get you scheduled. If you haven't heard from us, send the application again so we don't miss you.

Meet Your Instructor

Hi, I'm Michael. I've been a professional poker dealer since 2012. I got into the industry at just 20 years old, and today, poker has given me a career, a community, and a better quality of life than I ever expected.

When I first moved to Texas, it was to train staff for a poker room as part of a management role. Somewhere along the way, I realized my real passion was teaching, especially working with people who are hungry to learn and improve.

Dealing is more than a job. It's a discipline, a skill, and a way into one of the most exciting industries in Texas. I've helped dozens of students get their start or sharpen their skills, and I'd be honored to help you take your first steps too. If you're serious about becoming a poker dealer, there's never been a better time, and no better place than Texas.