On Saturday afternoon a group of people will be playing blackjack, craps, poker and roulette in North Hamilton. But they won?t be gambling, they?ll be learning the tricks of the trade in order to work as professional casino dealers.

A 26-year-veteran in the gaming industry, Al Marquez, from Las Vegas is in Bermuda doing a feasibility study on a future casino dealer training programme.

Mr. Marquez, who offers courses in gaming at the Community College of Southern Nevada, is here until April 9 and will be offering an open-house workshop at the Spinning Wheel Entertainment Complex on Saturday afternoon.

From 3 to 6 p.m. this complex on Court Street will be transformed into the temporary Bermuda Croupier Training Centre.

Organiser, Bruce Simons said there was a huge need for casino dealers and the training centre planned to have huge success in placing its students at some of the best casinos worldwide.

?We are dedicated to providing every student with the finest in classroom and personal training to ensure that every graduate possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to be a qualified casino dealer,? he said.

Mr. Marquez said the open-house would be an opportunity for anyone interested in becoming a professional casino dealer to learn more about the industry.

He said work opportunities existed in the US, Canada, many Caribbean islands and on board most cruise ships.

?It?s even a good way for students to make some extra money while studying in the US,? he said. Anyone interested in attending the open-house can contact Steve Simons at 536-1699.