JACQUELINE CORRIEA ALWAYS had an attraction to the casino industry, wanting to be in the middle of high stakes and fast play as cards and chips get shifted across tables. Now, Corriea is entrenched in that action at Bally’s Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort after learning the trade at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Casino Training Academy, part of Bally’s Corp.’s $5 million ongoing partnership to build the local gaming workforce. Corriea hopes the opportunity can lead to a long-term career in gaming.
What made you choose casino gaming/table games as a profession? I was looking for something new that offered stability and room to grow. I’ve always liked the casino business. It’s a job where you can develop a real skill and there’s a clear path for advancement if you work hard. I also liked that I could train quickly and get started in a professional setting.
How did the Casino Training Academy at CCRI prepare you for working full time in a casino? It gave me a good understanding of how the casino runs and what’s expected of me as a dealer. I appreciated how hands-on it was and even more how patient the teachers were with each of us. We weren’t just sitting in a classroom; we were practicing every day. That repetition really helped everything sink in. They also taught us how to handle pressure, stay focused and keep things professional. By the time I finished, I felt prepared, not just because I knew the games but also because I understood the mindset you need to work in this environment.
What does a typical day for you at Bally’s look like as a table games dealer? My day starts by checking in and finding out what table I’ll be on. Once I’m at the table, I’m focused on running a smooth game, watching the cards, following procedures and all while interacting with the guests.
What was the most important skill you learned while taking the training courses beyond just understanding the games? Learning how to manage my time and stay focused was a big part of the training. On the table, things move fast and you have to stay alert the whole time. I learned how to keep the game moving at the right pace without making mistakes or rushing. That helped me stay sharp and organized. It’s something I use every day on the job, and it makes a big difference in how smooth things go.
What would you say is the greatest benefit to working in a casino? Honestly, it’s the structure and the growth opportunities. If you show up, stay focused and do your job well, you can move up. It’s not just a job – it can become a real career. You also learn discipline, attention to detail and how to handle pressure. Those are skills that carry over into anything else you do.
Do you see a potential career in working as a table games dealer or is the job more of a steppingstone? Do you plan to pursue a career in the industry? Right now, I see it as the start of a career. I’m still learning, but I’m taking it seriously and thinking long term. I’d like to eventually move up, maybe become a floor supervisor or go into something like training or surveillance. It’s definitely more than just a steppingstone for me.
What advice would you give to someone who seeks to get into the gaming industry? Take the training seriously and be prepared to stay professional at all times. Things won’t always be easy, but if you stay calm, do your job right and follow procedures, you’ll be respected. It’s not just about knowing the games. It’s about how you handle yourself when things get tough. If you can do that, you’ll do well.
