Hired!

[HurricaneMikey]

Ok gang...

Did a little scouting around tonight. Decked out in my new white shirt, I showed up at the Plaza around 6:30. I ask the floorman who I needed to talk to about an audition, and they pointed me to one of the guys in the next pit.

I introduced myself, told him I was looking for an audition as a dice dealer, and the first words out of his mouth were "Man, you have perfect timing. We need 'em bad!" We got to talking, but he couldn't find any record of my application which was submitted online two nights ago. After several phone calls from there in the pit, it turns out that now that the Plaza is no longer a 'family business' and is corporation-owned, they do things a little bit differently. First of all, he found out, they only download applications once a week, then it gets screened by HR, then they have to forward it along to the casino hiring manager's screening process, etc etc, then they finally get the applications into the hands of the pit crew who are looking for help. The bottom line was, "Sorry man, I'd like to give you an audition right now, but I have to wait for approval, it could take another week..."

So we shook hands and I wandered across the street to the Golden Gate.

I stopped at the dice pit, and asked for "Joe" like my instructor told me. They referred me to another guy who said that Joe was his backup. I again introduced myself, told him that I had been in school for the last month and that I'd like to schedule an audition sometime soon.

His first words were, "Ok, go tap out the stickman".

D'oh! graemlins/eek5.gif

Ok! So the table was completely packed, ten players or so, and I jump on stick in the middle of this guys roll. He had just made a point, so everyone started tossing chips at me and making all of their prop bets and hardways. Luckily the boxman was placing them faster than I could pick them up, so I didn't run into any problems there.

I made all the right calls, didn't mess anything up, and got all the payoffs right for about three or four different shooters.

Then I got tapped out and he had me go deal base--of course on the heavy end of the table.

First thing, two players tossed me two red chips each and said "Nine dollars inside!"

:confused: WTF?

ooooooh....it's a three dollar game. Ok. I learned this once. After that, no problem at all, I did really well and my only messup was knocking over a stack of chips. Otherwise, not to shabby for a complete rookie. I felt like I was completely tossed in the deep end of the pool with no life jacket. Sink or swim, baby! Luckily I did fine.

I got tapped out again, and was told to go to the cage and get an application, fill it out, then come talk to the pit crew again.

So I went to the employee lounge, filled it all out, and went back to the dice pit. Two guys looked over my application, the second one extended his hand and said "Congratulations--you're hired."

So now I'm working for these fellows...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v330/HurricaneMikey/1973partners.gif

Anyhow, tomorrow morning I go into HR and get my gaming license squared away. I probably won't work until sometime next week, unless they are shorthanded between now and then. I start on whats called the 'extra board', meaning, no set shift, no set hours, just on call. Maybe a day or two here and there but he said that within a month I'll be working five days a week. No problemo, I still have a little bit of an income. He also said he didn't expect me to hang around long, that once I get fairly good and fast, I'll leave for greener pastures just like everyone else does.

In celebration of my new status as a contributing member of society, I went to the snack bar at Binions where rumor had it that they put the grill back in. The rumor is true. I ordered a cheeseburger, a bowl of chili with cheese and onions, and a rootbeer, just like the last time I was there a couple years ago. It was still excellent, greasy as ever, and I got my new white shirt dirty! :D

So tomorrow I'm gonna go down and take care of all the legalities, then of course just go to school and deal the mock games until they call me with a schedule. I could be working days or swing shift next week (and they have 3 different starting times on each, so my schedule could vary wildly for the first few weeks), I just don't know.

I don't care. This first stop is just for the experience, I'm sure I won't get rich there. But I think I'll have a lot of fun!

Mikey graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[ April 07, 2005, 12:23 AM: Message edited by: HurricaneMikey ]

[sanonofresurfer]

FREAKIN' A, BABY! Go get 'em Mikey! Nice job my man. graemlins/nworthy.gif graemlins/nworthy.gif

Let me be the first to congratulate you on a job well done. I'm sure you were nervous...but for a Craps God like you, I'm sure it was a piece of cake. graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

I'll step aside now, and let everyone else pat you on the back. Again...Congrats buddy! graemlins/wiggle.gif graemlins/wiggle.gif graemlins/beerchug.gif

[Dougie]

Congrats, Maestro! Will you go to the Praza should they call?

What will you do about the shrimp cocktails? Me and my kids like McD's, but after my wife managed one for 13 years, it's pretty low on her fast food to do list.

See you May 9, and a celebration meal of your choice is on tap.

[Gnarlymutt]

Mikey,

I wanted to be the 1st on the board to say congrats, but I guess 3rd isn't bad. The Gate is quite the little dive. The dice table farthest away from the cage was where a stickman made my wife roll for the first time. Very cool experience. Hopefully I'll get to see you there before you move up to someplace like Harrahs. graemlins/laughing.gif

Edit: To change it to 3rd reply.

[ April 06, 2005, 09:11 PM: Message edited by: Gnarlymutt ]

[Vegas Tonya]

AWESOME NEWS! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Looks like I found the table to get rid of this dice virginity.

Hope to see you there soon!

[HurricaneMikey]

Thanks guys!

Ok, Tonya, I'll be more than happy to participate in your 'deflowering' :D

By the way, I just saw your signature....Olivia Newton John @ Buffalo Bills? I'll take Sandy and the points! graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

Mikey

[ April 06, 2005, 09:24 PM: Message edited by: HurricaneMikey ]

[mebedaman]

For a guy who lives vicariously through you, I'm excited! NICE JOB!

[Nevada Kid]

Congrats Mikey!!! Now I'll have to make a stop by the craps table after I finish my shrimp cocktail. I'm sure there will be some fun stories to follow.

[Jacko]

Great Job, Mikey. Good to see things are working out.

[RossW]

Yep,

As I said in the "audition" thread, "Our boy will do fine." graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
Good Job HM, I hope all goes well but remember to avoid the "bilge water shrimp" on the menu at the Gate, get the cocktail sauce on the bottom.

Also, doc_al is probably going to ask, as you are now an employee at the "Gate", can you see about setting up some type of "rent to own" deal on the room he had at MM2? :rolleyes:
I know he was quite impressed with it, especially the nice view he had as well as the spacious walk-in shower facility... graemlins/hehehmn.gif

On a serious note, a fellow with your personality, will do fine.... It’s good to know as well, that they "expect" you to be moving on when you become more proficient in the game.
graemlins/beerchug.gif

Right On!!

[Coaster Kikky]

Mikey's Da Man!

Of course, we all knew this all along!

WTG Brotha, we knew you'd do just fine, and so you did. Keep us up to date on where you're working, as you know every one of us will look you up when we're in town.

[wackymama]

That's My Boy! Way to goooooo, Mikey! I never had a doubt!

[Copella]

Congrats, Mikey! I'll be visiting the Golden Gate for some cheap Let It Ride during my June visit. I'll be sure to stop by the craps table and say hello. I've never played craps, but the hubby might be willing to play some. If they give you a work schedule in advance, post when you're working in June. See you then!

[MCM]

Congratulations Mikey. Your dreams are coming true, way to go. I'll stop in and roll a few with you next month.

[Skyy]

Yaaaaay, Mikey!!

[cruiser]

Congrats, Mikey! I'm glad things are working out for you. Looking forward to reading about your experiences as time goes by.

graemlins/beerchug.gif

[birdie88]

Way to go, Mikey-congrats!

I think they are lucky to get you!

[Beach Crazy]

Was there ever a doubt in your mind? ;) Congratulations Mikey...maybe you'll be able to sleep now. You'll be a pro by the time I see you in September. You know you're gonna need that when I show up at your table graemlins/goofy.gif

[ April 07, 2005, 06:09 AM: Message edited by: Beach Crazy ]

[doctor_al]

The Gate! graemlins/nworthy.gif

Can't wait to get out there and throw a bunch of wierd bets at ya.

Didn't even tell them you can deal cards?

[RamBill]

SSSSSWWWWWEEEEEETTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Way To Go my man!!!! Before you know it, you'll be over at the Bellagio calling for security to kick Brad Pitt's ass out of the high limit area!

[HoyaHeel]

Whoopee!!!!! What great news!!

[bigalbr]

Congrats, Mikey!

[-KorkedBatz-]

Congrats Mikey...that is very sweet!!

[Thekiller]

graemlins/biggthumpup.gif You made it look easy Mikey.
You deserve a big rootbeer graemlins/beerchug.gif

[SweetP]

You're living the Vegas dream. Awesome. I promise to never show up at your table, cause I would be the one f-ing up the bets! ;)

[LV Terry]

Originally posted by HurricaneMikey:
Anyhow, tomorrow morning I go into HR and get my gaming license squared away. Why did I immediately flash to a future CSI scene, with Mikey's gaming license flashing on the screen next to a computer generated finger print? graemlins/jester.gif

Nice goin' man. I'm pretty sure we're going to need to come up with some T2V Mikey's craps table by-laws...you know, like, no playing with fewer than five cocktails in your system....stuff like that.

Best of luck my brotha.

T.

[Bastardo]

Concrats Mikey

Golden Gate, It's not your regular Casino.

[doctor_al]

You mean grain train to mikey's table?! Have a heart, man... poor sober at-work bugger dealing to a table of slobbering idiots... I'm so in.

p.s. fyi for those who don't know the Gate's history, Mikey is now working for the sons of Italo Ghelfi... take from that what you will.

[ April 07, 2005, 06:09 AM: Message edited by: doctor_al ]

[Coaster Kikky]

How convenient! I mean, La Bayou is practically right next door. See ya in June Mikey! graemlins/cheers.gif graemlins/goofy.gif

[Smarra17]

WHOOOO HOOOOOO!!! GO Mikey Go Mikey! I am so happy for you. Make sure you say hello to Uncle Vito and Uncle Pasquale for me. I am sure all will be great and I never had a doubt that you would land on your feet.

[Vegas Addict]

so when do you apply at the Wynn? congrats

[kitson]

let me be the thirty first to offer my congratulations. looking forward to playing at your table, or beside you at one, when we arrive in may. you really are carrying a lot of us on your back as you go through your own adventures, as a bunch of vegas fanatics, we all wonder what if, but you are actually doing it!

[blackjack]

Nicely done my friend!! Were you wearing your lucky Sponge Bob boxers? graemlins/hehehmn.gif

GG shrimp & craps with Mikey... Sounds like a "must stop" for any Vegas list!!

[landa4071]

CONGRATS MIKEY! I am so happy that things are working out smile.gif . Good luck!

[Dougie]

Mikey, be sure talk to the marketing department. This post has generated more business for the GG than any marketing program they have instituted to date. Make sure you get your cut!

[vegasbound]

Well done graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Congratulations!

[dfense072]

Awesome job, boss! It'll all be about the 2-way Yo's and hardways when I'm at your table...

[milehiman]

Nice

I'm impressed that you jumped in the fire and were able to get it done.

Congratulations

[Vegas Tonya]

Mikey, yes ONJ was HOT as Sandy.

I'll be bringing the "flower" in June. Us girls will drop by to see you. I will get in touch with you before the trip and square away a slow time so you can teach us all the game...

Again Congrats!

[TheDMan]

Way to go Mikey graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Now I'm gonna have to go downtown on my trip in May and stop in and say hey.

[HurricaneMikey]

Hey Gang!

Thanks again for all the congrats and well-wishes and such! graemlins/biggthumpup.gif It's good to know that everyone out there is pulling for me.

This is a break-in type job, and honestly, I don't think I'll be working there very long at all. Once I get a little bit of experience, I'll be moving right along, gonna follow the money. But working the Golden Gate has got to be a pretty cool experience, and sometime down the road I can look back and say, Yep, I started my Vegas career there at the Golden Gate. Which I think would be a cool thing to be able to say someday.

Of course I'll be giving updates and such, but I gotta tell you that if there are two or more drunken T2V types downtown riding the grain train, I won't be dealing to you--I'll be playing WITH you!!!! :D

Mikey

[enterpriser2151]

Way to go Mikey!!! graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Maybe on my next trip (whenever that is) I can also lose my craps-cherry to the master. By the way, you might not want to use the term "break-in" when referring to your casino job. Wouldn't want anyone to misunderstand or make that earlier CSI reference become a reality. :rolleyes:

[sunni]

Mikey,

We all knew you would do it ! ;)

Best wishes

sunni

[Big Tex]

Hey congrats Mikey! Best of luck to you!

[yellfore99]

One more reason to say "I wanna be like Mike". Congrats HM!
:D

[ April 07, 2005, 08:42 AM: Message edited by: yellfore99 ]

[mebedaman]

I am very intrigued about how compensation works with casino dealers. From reading a little on the internet, I was under the impression that all dealers got paid minimum wage and the difference between jobs were in the tips that they made. Is this true? Any insight you'd be able to give would be appreciated! PM me if you have time.

Thanks.

[KathyinNY]

Great news! Good Luck.

[Paka]

Congrats!! smile.gif http://www.jazzopolis.com/~paka/smilies/yay.gif

[daj6332]

Good job, Mikey! I will finally be in Vegas in July and will have to look for you. I have never played craps before. It looks so confusing, but I will have to try it this time. Hopefully by July you won't be working those high limit tables, for my sake!

[vegasdrea]

Mikey,

WELL DONE!! graemlins/biggthumpup.gif Best of Luck! If you're still there in May, I'll stop by. We are all so proud of you!!

Andrea

[VegasDon]

Congrats Mikey! Well done, indeed!

[tylerSA]

Well done, Mikey!

We'll be staying downtown the first weekend of May, so I'll have to come by, throw down some bets at your table, and introduce myself.

I know GG is a 'break-in joint', but like you said, it's a pretty damn cool place to break in, and as such, you'll probably have almost as many stories about the old-school management and 'not-quite-ready-for-the-big-time' dealers as you will about the players you encounter.

Good luck in your new career, us desk-jockeys are pulling for you and living vicariously through your hijinks. Godspeed.

[fruitfizz]

congrats! I'll be in town April 24-30, planning on heading downtown at least once, hopefully I'll see you there, I'm sure I'll recognize you from all the pictures from mm2! Good luck graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[3cats]

WTG Mikey!!!
Now that school is done and you are going to be on some sort of schedule, we can start planning your dinner at my place.
I said "Dice is where its at" all along, didn't I.
You are the bomb Mikey,
3cats

[Jack21]

Black Chip at the MSS......$100
Bottle of Wine Sent at Dinner....$50
Bobble head doll award with a green chip....$35
Seeing Mikey finally pay his own way...priceless

Well done, M. Throw out a two-way $10 hard 8 for me.... ;)

J21

[ April 07, 2005, 01:08 PM: Message edited by: Jack21 ]

[SH0CK]

Congrats on your first gig Mikey.

Time to start the pool on how long until you move up the ladder graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[bubbakitty]

i didn't check the board yesterday (posting day)but do generally daily, and here it is 6:30 CST (daylight that is) and i'm on page 4......what a trip and what support being shown....good luck man and keep the board alive with your work situation so introductions can be made or money lost and / or vice-a versa... congrats and good luck...(psst...with all the pics on the board and the buffoonery...you get hired....makes you wonder if they have an internet connection at the employment window doesn't it?....) go for it man!!

[abner2xday]

Mikey,

Congrats!! I bet you call a good stick. Can't you guys just see Mikey yelling:

Ace Doooooce, Craappppppp!!!
Four, little Joe came hard!!
Twelve Crapppp, double in the bubble!!

Can't wait to play at your table (whenever that next trip is :( )

[LostHope]

Congrats Mikey!! Looks like I may have to make a trip Downtown after all, didn't figure I would this trip.
Again, best of luck!!

[Jimbucc]

WOW!! I had to work late today. Look what I missed. What a following you have Mikey. Congrats and best of luck.

[rudyswans]

April 7, 2005

Dateline: Lower Fremont St


THE Fremont St Experience adds The Fremont St
Exhuberance!!


Congratulations

[DonD]

The Golden Gate just went from a one star hotel to a two and a half star. graemlins/cheers.gif

[chef]

Mikey,
I'll be flying into town Monday. Send me an e-mail the day before if you know your schedule for the first part of the week. I'll be staying downtown through Wednesday morning and would relish the opportunity to shoot at your table.

[LKN-NC]

Congratulations! You are really living your dream!

[HurricaneMikey]

Wow...just...wow.

I was gone all day, finally got home around 8:30, and I find five pages of Congrats and Attaboys! Made my whole day. Again. You folks are the greatest! graemlins/nworthy.gif

I hope that my stories and experiences live up to the expectations. ;)

Mikey

[HoyaHeel]

Heck Mikey, anyone who can make us excited about Vegas just by writing about eating shrimp cocktail and drinking a draft beer will CERTAINLY be able to keep us entertained with stories about dealing. We all know the freaks that gamble in Vegas, especially downtown. We ARE those freaks ;) graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[barby68]

Way to go, Mikey! I love reading your stories! And, now that you're a dice dealer, I'm sure there will be tons of interesting tales. I'm tellin' ya, man...you need to write a book. You know all of us here would buy it! Me and Hubby will be staying downtown Memorial Day weekend. I'll look for ya! Hubby is dying to start playing craps, but feels a little intimidated by the game. We bought a very informative video off of eBay, and maybe he'll be ready to play by Memorial Day.

p.s. I'm going to Fat Mo's for lunch today!

[Heathcat]

Man, I feel like I'm totally out of the loop.

Sorry I am like the 812th person to get to it, but congratulations to you Mikey, for making a plan and getting it done come hell or high water...I really admire someone who plans to make a big change in their life and actually follows through on it. I wish I had more of that in me, because life is certainly what you make of it, and way too short to be driving in the slow lane for the whole damn trip!

Love the blog, too, which I also just discovered! :rolleyes:

[21wins]

Mikey,
While reading another thread I was just thinking I wonder where Mikey is working and boom I come across the HIRED topic.
Fantastic....I know you will be a success.
I can't wait to read the updates.
graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Yooper]

Congrats Mikey!!!! Will be in town the end of May so be sure to keep us all informed as too where you've advanced to by then......

[earth-3]

The downtown Vegas area just recieved another boost to it's cause. Your presence alone, will garantee close to 4000 visitors a year just from our board. I figure 3 months max before you begin to follow the money. Your dedication to see your goal obtained, is certainly admired. Congradulations!

[LSUONE]

Mikey, congratulations from a newbie on here. I knew part of the story from lurking, but until I started reading past stories I didn't realize what you went through to get there. From reading I can tell what a great group of people post on here.

Anyway, I am going to be in Vegas May-7-10, staying on the strip with the wife this trip, but would love to try and get downtown for a few hours and throw some dice at your table.

Please keep us posted on the schedule and I hope to get a chance to meet you as well as take some of your employers money. And by the way, when I do well, The Boys do REAL well. Good luck.

[MTPocket]

One more WTG

[Dutchguy]

OUTSTANDING! I hope things continue to work in your favor. Sounds like you will have a steady stream of fans coming by to see you in action. And you know all of your new co-workers will be talking behind your back....something like "Who the f*** is this guy and where did he come from?"

[SteveB]

Hey Mikey....
Better late than never.Can't wait to get to Vegas again(maybe June)and play at a table with ya.Congrats.

SteveB