Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island today officially opened its Casino Training Academy, sponsored by Bally’s Corporation, a state-of-the-art home for the college’s newest training offering, Introduction to Table Games Dealer Training.

CCRI Interim President Dr. Rosemary A. Costigan joined Speaker of the R.I. House of Representatives K. Joseph Shekarchi, Senator Frank Ciccone, Bally’s Corporation R.I Operations President Craig Eaton, and others to host a special Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony this afternoon to celebrate the grand opening at CCRI’s Flanagan Campus in Lincoln, which included live demonstrations of the training program and simulated games.

The Introduction to Table Games Dealer Training course, which begins this month, signals the launch of CCRI’s new gaming-focused curriculum, providing students with the skills necessary to thrive in high-demand industries while contributing to the local economy. Introduction to Table Games Dealer Training is a free 96-hour in-person course offering participants the opportunity to learn to deal Blackjack and novelty games such as Spanish 21, Let it Ride, Three Card Poker, and Texas Hold’em.

“Today’s announcement represents yet another commitment by Bally’s to the state of Rhode Island, as well as an expansion of the career avenues in which CCRI prepares its students for success,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “Hundreds of Rhode Islanders already have good paying jobs at Bally’s, and this new Training Academy offering will enable CCRI graduates even more options for fulfilling careers.”

President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio said, “Bally’s is a tremendous partner for Rhode Island, and CCRI is an incredible resource for students and families across our state. This new Training Academy will prepare Rhode Islanders for new opportunities in a fast-growing and highly competitive field, and that will have so many benefits for individuals, families, and communities. I am grateful to all the partners who helped bring this important initiative to fruition.”

“This is an exciting day for CCRI and another step forward as we continue to introduce new programs and degree pathways for all Rhode Islanders,” said CCRI Interim President Costigan. “With Bally’s support and the development of our Casino Training Academy, we’re looking forward to taking this first important step in launching new programming in the gaming, hospitality, and security industries.”

“We're thrilled to see this landmark initiative move forward,” said Craig Eaton, President of R.I. Operations for Bally’s. “It is an honor to partner with CCRI on this $5 million investment and we are proud to play an integral part in offering higher education opportunities for Rhode Island’s workforce which will help to create new jobs and drive economic development. Rhode Island is our home and as such, continued investment in its local communities and workforces is a top priority for us. We look forward to supporting this program for many years to come, creating a legacy of economic opportunity.”

In Introduction to Table Games Dealer Training, students will also learn about customer service, conflict resolution, gaming etiquette, cheque – or chips – breakdowns, card and currency handling, and preparation for live auditioning and licensing to work in the gaming industry as entry-level dealers. The Training Academy helps students acclimate to the daily gaming environment when working as a certified blackjack dealer.

CCRI in September of 2023 announced a $5 million donation from Bally’s Corporation, the largest in the college’s history. The college is working with faculty and staff to build out the course curriculum for degree programs in addition to developing and launching short-term credentials to upskill Bally’s existing workforce and create a robust talent pipeline of new employees. 

About CCRI
The Community College of Rhode Island enrolls nearly 18,000 students in credit-bearing degree and certificate programs and an additional 8,500 individuals in workforce development programs and adult education courses annually. With a passionate commitment to students, CCRI provides Rhode Islanders with an outstanding college education that leads to strong learning outcomes, successful postsecondary credential attainment, and robust labor market outcomes. With four campuses across Rhode Island, CCRI offers online, hybrid, and in-person options for students, meeting them where they are and helping them achieve their educational and career goals. CCRI is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and was named the 2019 Two-Year College of the Year by Education Dive magazine.