Mass. School For Casino Workers Is Fined

A Massachusetts school that trains people for casino jobs has been fined $1,500 for alleged violations that include inflating potential earnings for its graduates in advertising material, state consumer protection officials announced Tuesday.

The Division of Professional Licensure announced Tuesday that the fine against North Attleborough-based New England Casino Dealer Academy also resolves allegations that the school failed to maintain adequate student records, and failed to request approval to change ownership.

The school agreed to cease the advertising practices in question, to ensure that all student records were complete and available for inspection, and to notify the agency of all ownership changes.

The for-profit private school provides training for casino dealers, pit bosses, table supervisors and other casino workers.

A call to the school Tuesday was not immediately returned.

The state found during a routine compliance inspection of the school based in the Emerald Square Mall in March that it was improperly advertising a salary that students would receive if they successfully completed the school's casino dealer program. Specifically, investigators found brochures with claims that "casino dealers can make between $30 to $50 per hour including tips," as well as claims regarding when and how many casinos would open in Massachusetts.

State law allows for up to three casinos and one slots parlor in the state.

In June, a sign posted in the window of the school read: "Want to Earn $65K to $90K Per Year? Train to Become a Professional Casino Dealer Today. Inquire Within," investigators said.