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AT LEAST four private schools are betting on Singaporeans wanting an early start in learning the ropes for a job in the upcoming casinos.
They are offering courses costing thousands of dollars to eager students hoping their new knowledge and skills will land them jobs as croupiers and casino managers.
The schools' actions have raised some eyebrows.
Industry observers said casinos are known for hiring people and then training them on the casino's own unique betting system or 'house style'', in say, the way cards are shuffled or winners paid.
Casinos do this for security reasons, to ensure their staff do not collude with the customers, they added.
Paper qualifications also do not matter as much, said Mr Jonathan Galaviz, a partner in Las Vegas-based gaming consultancy Globalysis.
A person's attitude and personality are more important.
'They want people who pay attention to detail, are ethical, and can create a fun and enjoyable experience for the players,' he added.
The two integrated resorts (IRs) with casinos, which will open in about three years, were circumspect about the courses. When contacted, their officials stopped short of dismissing them.
Ms Seah Ee Boon, director of human resources at Genting's Resorts World at Sentosa, told The Straits Times: 'Without the benefit of reviewing the curriculum of such programmes, we are unable to comment on how adequately the courses prepare students for specific roles in our resort.'
Marina Bay Sands' general manager George Tanasijevich said his company will consider a 'mix of candidates, both with and without direct industry experience'.
The four that have started their casino courses are International Club Games Training Centre, Asian Centre for Professional Excellence, Shines Education Group's School D'Hospitality and the EASB Institute of Management.
They are unfazed by industry players' cool reaction.
Said manager Eileen Goh of International Club Games: 'There may be differences in how the games are played across casinos, but the general rules applies everywhere, and that's why our students have an advantage.'
Likewise, Mr Andy Ong, Asian Centre's chief executive, said: 'When the IRs start hiring, who will they pick? People with relevant training, or those with no training?'
Mr Chia Tuck Keong, School D'Hospitality's managing director, said his diploma and degree courses do not prepare students only for casinos.
'Subjects like hotel or general service management are built into our casino courses, so students can get jobs in other areas of the hospitality industry as well.'
Course fees range from $4,950 to be a certified croupier in four months, to $24,500 for a two-and-a- half-year bachelor's degree, majoring in casino management.
Response is good, said the schools interviewed. Over 80 people are attending the courses at School D'Hospitality, while more than 500 have completed courses at International Club Games.
Despite some reservations, Mr Vikrant Maruthanuthu, a part-time customer service officer, is confident the courses on dealing and supervising casino games he took at International Club Games will give him an edge.
Said the 22-year-old, who spent $6,400 in all on two courses: 'Regardless of their individual culture, casinos will welcome people like me.'
Although no IR-approved training programme are in sight yet, Mr Galaviz recommended that those keen on casino work should first acquire a general qualification like a bachelor's degree in hospitality management.
Later, they can take casino-specific courses, he added.
klin@sph.com.sg
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