HARRISBURG, Pa., March 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvanians interested in training to become casino table games dealers should be wary of unlicensed schools that are operating illegally, state officials said today.

"Before anyone invests their time and money into learning the skilled trade of being a table games dealer, they need to make certain they are learning from a legitimate institution," Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak said.

"The addition of table games in Pennsylvania provides a tremendous employment opportunity for many, but these skilled jobs require training from state-approved schools," said Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt. "Casinos can only hire dealers who are legally certified, so if you want to be considered for a job operating table games, make sure you are being trained by a legitimate institution."

The Department of Labor & Industry, in consultation with the Department of Education and the Gaming Control Board, recently adopted curriculum guidelines and minimum proficiency requirements for gaming school instruction.

"We must be ready to take advantage of the economic benefits available to our workforce through the addition of table games at casinos," Labor & Industry Secretary Sandi Vito said. "The proper establishment of education and training programs will ensure that our workers are fully prepared to meet the current demand for quality table games staff in our gaming industry."

Gaming training can be offered in Pennsylvania at any accredited college or university, community college or private licensed school. Programs at private licensed schools must be approved by the Board of Private Licensed Schools before being offered to the public.

Additionally, before any private, independent gaming school can legally operate, advertise or enroll students in Pennsylvania, it must be licensed or registered by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

"Pennsylvania strictly regulates private licensed schools in order to protect consumers and ensure students receive the quality learning they deserve," Secretary Zahorchak said.

The secretary stressed that licensure is mandatory, and schools found to be operating without a license will be ordered to close.

Secretary Zahorchak said anyone who has concerns about the legitimacy of a school should visit the Department of Education's Web site to search the list of all private licensed schools. The Web address is: https://www.pls.ed.state.pa.us/Login/wfPublicHomePage.aspx

    Media contacts:    Michael Race, PDE, 717-783-9802    Doug Harbach, Gaming Control Board,     717-346-8321    Troy Thompson, Labor & Industry,     717-787-7530

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education