ROCK HILL, NY — So, just how much money can a casino dealer earn? The answer, according to representatives of Resorts World Catskills, depends on something called tokes. A toke is short for token of appreciation, or another word for a tip. With tokes and a base salary, new dealers working at gaming tables when the casino opens in March of next year can earn about $40,00 to $45,000 per year, but they will also be able to get healthcare, and a match for a 401k.

That was among the information dished out at an information session at the Ramada Inn in Rock Hill where over 200 possible applicants came to hear information about taking courses on becoming a dealer.

The casino has announced that it will open three schools in the coming weeks to teach students to become casino dealers. The schools will be located in the former Radio Shack store in Monticello in Sullivan County, at Stewart Airport in Orange County and in Ellenville in Ulster County.

A press release from the organization says, “All table-game classes will be free of charge.” Classes will run from four to 10 weeks. Resorts World advises that signing up for a course does not guarantee a job, but it does allow the organization to view candidates’ “passion and dedication.”

Resorts World says it plans to hire about 600 dealers before it opens to the public, and all casino dealers must receive a license from the state before they can get behind a table.

Charles Degliomini, executive vice president of Empire Resorts, Inc., parent of the owner and operator of Resorts World Catskills, said, “I’m pleased to note that we have great workforce development support from Sullivan County Legislative Chairman Luis Alvarez and Orange and Ulster County Executives Steve Neuhaus and Mike Hein as we begin the process of providing information regarding job opportunities at our resort casino.

“Creating well-paying jobs was the initial objective of the Upstate NY Gaming Economic Development Act, and after years of waiting we are close to realizing this important goal.”

“Resorts World Catskills is fulfilling its promise to the people of Sullivan County to provide jobs and boost the local economy,” said Luis Alvarez, chairman of the Sullivan County Legislature. “I encourage everyone to sign up and take advantage of the opportunities created by the casino project.”

Two more informational sessions

Two more informational sessions are scheduled. One in Goshen on August 14 at 7 p.m. at the Orange County Emergency Services Center, 22 Wells Farm Road, Goshen, NY 10924.

The second will be in Ellenville Wednesday, September 6 at 7 p.m. at the Ellenville High School Auditorium, 28 Maple Avenue Ellenville, NY 12428.

Visit rwcatskills.com for more information about the resort casino.