(What to Do Before You Arrive)
Moving to Las Vegas works best when you treat it like a planned transition, not a leap of faith. This checklist covers the essentials to have in place before you arrive — especially if you’re entering hospitality, gaming, or service-based work.
Before You Move
✅ Employment Plan
- Have a job offer or
- Have savings for 3–6 months
- Understand that Vegas hiring is competitive and seasonal
- Be prepared to start below your previous role temporarily
If you’re moving without work lined up, plan for flexibility.
✅ Required Work Cards (If Applicable)
If you plan to work in hospitality or gaming, budget time and money for:
- Health Card (Southern Nevada Health District)
- TAM Card (alcohol awareness)
- Sheriff’s / Gaming Card (role-dependent)
Many employers will not schedule you without these.
✅ Housing Strategy
- Avoid long-term leases before stable income
- Consider:
- extended-stay hotels
- short-term rentals
- month-to-month options
Vegas rentals often require proof of employment.
✅ Transportation
- Reliable car highly recommended
- Public transit is limited and slow
- Factor in heat — walking long distances is not practical year-round
✅ Documents & Setup
- Nevada driver’s license (required within 30 days)
- Vehicle registration
- Health insurance (especially important in hospitality)
- Emergency savings buffer
✅ Mental Prep (This Matters)
- Expect a transition period
- Expect competition
- Expect to build local experience first
- Don’t compare Vegas to other cities — it’s different
First Month After Arrival
- Get all required cards immediately
- Apply in person where appropriate
- Accept stepping-stone roles if needed
- Build local references
- Learn which properties hire internally
Momentum builds faster once you’re “known” locally.
Final Checklist Reminder
Moving to Las Vegas rewards:
- preparation
- patience
- flexibility
Not perfection.
Best Starter Jobs in Las Vegas
(If You’re New to the City)
Many people move to Las Vegas with strong résumés — and are surprised to learn that local experience matters more than titles here.
These starter jobs help you get your foot in the door, build references, and position yourself for better roles.
Hospitality & Service Starter Roles
Local Bars & Neighborhood Restaurants
- Easier entry than Strip properties
- Great way to build Vegas experience
- Flexible schedules
- Often lead to better opportunities later
Many Strip employees started this way.
Off-Strip Casinos
- Less competitive than major resorts
- Still offer casino experience
- Internal mobility once hired
Off-Strip experience counts.
Barback / Support Roles
- Faster hiring
- Learn Vegas systems
- Build relationships with managers
Often leads to bartending or serving roles.
Gaming & Casino Entry Paths
Dealer School / Gaming School
Helpful if:
- changing careers
- entering casinos for the first time
- committed to a specific game
Not a guarantee — but a real entry point.
Casino Support Positions
- player services
- cage cashier
- security
- guest services
These roles provide casino credentials and internal access.
Non-Hospitality Starter Options
Warehousing & Logistics
- Steady demand
- Less customer-facing
- Good for quick income
Healthcare & Support Services
- Growing sector
- More stable schedules
- Often less seasonal
Gig & Temporary Work
- Event staffing
- Convention support
- Seasonal roles
Helpful while searching for permanent work.
A Realistic Expectation Reset
Even if you:
- worked in top NYC restaurants
- bartended at elite venues
- managed high-end hospitality teams
You may need to start locally in Vegas.
This is normal — and temporary.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas rewards people who:
- show up prepared
- respect local systems
- stay adaptable
- build relationships
Starter jobs are not setbacks — they’re on-ramps.