No matter where you work, along the Strip, at a downtown Vegas casino, or somewhere in between, you will need one to three special work permit cards, depending on your position. The following is a brief description of each one and where to go to apply for it. Remember, too, that if you are offered a job, your employer will also be able to help you get all the proper paperwork in order.

If you have any questions at all on licensing, be sure to ask the hiring manager.

Sheriffs Card

Nevada state law holds that all gaming employees - that means any person connected directly with casino operations, such as dealers and other games operators, cashiers, hosts, machine mechanics, security personnel, managers, ticket writers, and cage personnel - be licensed. However, you may not apply for a sheriffs card (Work Card) until you have what is called a "promise of work" notice or a referral form from your employer. So, after you are hired by a casino, but before you actually start working, you must go to the local sheriff's office and fill out all the necessary application forms. Applicants will be asked a series of questions pertaining to arrest records and any previous "gambling offenses." The process also requires two pieces of identification such as your driver's license and your Social Security card. If you are under 25 years old, you will also need to bring your birth certificate. The work card costs $45, and if you need to be fingerprinted (some casino jobs require fingerprints to be on file at the sheriff's office) it's an additional fee of approximately $40. Be sure to bring cash as no checks are accepted. The card is good for three years and most applicants receive theirs the same day. In Las Vegas, with the volume of new employees being hired each day, this office has become quite busy. Be prepared to stand in line or sit in the waiting area for some time as your paperwork is processed.

The sheriff's office is located in downtown Las Vegas, at 601 E Fremont Street, and is open Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm. They ask that you don't phone them with your questions, but rather that you show up in person. They will direct to where you need to go and tell you what is required from you at that time.

Health Card

All persons working around food must carry a health card. Getting one requires you to come in person to the Health Card Office and fill out an application. The card costs $50 (bring cash, no checks are accepted) and is good for two years. The office is located at 625 Shadow Lane, near downtown Las Vegas, and is open 8am-4pm, Monday through Friday. Unlike the sheriffs card, you may apply for a health card at any time, with or without the promise of a job. For additional information call (702) 383-1226.

Alcohol Awareness Card (TAM)

Similar to a health card, an alcohol awareness card or TAM (technical alcohol management) card is required for anyone serving or working around alcoholic beverages. To receive a card, you are required to attend a four-hour educational class, after which you will be given a test to pass. The card costs $35 (bring cash, no checks are accepted) and is available through the TAM of Nevada, located at 557 E Sahara Avenue, Suite 223, Las Vegas. To register, simply show up ten minutes before the start of a class. They are offered at various times Monday through Saturday. For specific class times and additional information call (702) 369-0399.

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