Registration began Wednesday for a new gaming school for people looking to become table game dealers at MGM Springfield's resort casino, which is scheduled to open next fall.
MGM's Robert Westerfield said the classes, run by the Massachusetts Casino Career Training Institute, will cover traditional games from blackjack, craps and roulette to newer, poker-derivative ones.
Westerfield said successful applicants will have a shot at about 650 well-paying jobs on the casino floor.
"But it does require a skill... come to the school and in 20 weeks, we can give you that skill. We're serious when we say if you bring the right attitude, we can give you the aptitude."
Westerfield said those completing classes for at least two different games will be guaranteed an audition to work in the casino.
That intrigued Zulmalee Rivera, who said she initially came to the registration to help someone else sign up for classes.
"And then I'd seen that it was something that caught my eye as well," Rivera said. "So I'm applying for it. I've always wanted to be a dealer growing up."
Training classes for the table games begin in February.
