Moving to Las Vegas: What You Need to Do Before You Arrive
(Especially If You Plan to Work in Hospitality)
Moving to Las Vegas is not the same as moving to most cities — especially if you plan to work in hospitality, gaming, or nightlife. Vegas runs on a unique system of licenses, experience expectations, and local norms that surprise many newcomers.
This guide walks through what you should realistically have in place before moving, so you arrive prepared — not scrambling.
First: Do You Have a Job Lined Up?
This matters more in Las Vegas than many people expect.
Best-case scenario
- You have a job offer before arriving
- Or you have strong local connections
- Or you’re transferring within a company
Reality check
Las Vegas employers often prefer:
- local experience
- local availability
- familiarity with Vegas systems
Even highly experienced hospitality workers from major cities are often surprised by how competitive Vegas can be.
Hospitality Jobs: What Many People Don’t Realize
Las Vegas hospitality is its own ecosystem.
Even if you’ve worked at:
- top restaurants in NYC
- luxury hotels in LA
- high-volume bars in Miami
…it does not automatically translate to Strip-level jobs.
Why?
- casinos run on union rules
- seniority matters
- internal hiring is common
- local experience is heavily weighted
Many newcomers start below their previous level — temporarily.
Required Cards & Certifications (Hospitality & Gaming)
If you plan to work in hospitality, you’ll likely need some or all of the following:
1. Health Card (SNHD)
Required for:
- servers
- bartenders
- food handlers
Issued through the Southern Nevada Health District.
2. TAM Card (Alcohol Awareness)
Required for:
- bartenders
- servers handling alcohol
This is mandatory and must be kept current.
3. Sheriff’s Card (Gaming / Casino Work)
Often required for:
- casino employees
- security
- gaming-adjacent roles
Issued through local law enforcement channels depending on role.
Important note
Many employers will not schedule you until all required cards are completed.
Getting a Casino Job Without Vegas Experience
This is where expectations need to be realistic.
Common paths for newcomers:
- start at off-Strip casinos
- work at local pubs or neighborhood bars
- take day or swing shifts to build seniority
- accept support or back-of-house roles first
This isn’t a failure — it’s how many long-term Strip employees started.
Bartending School & Gaming School: Worth It?
Bartending School
Can help if:
- you’re brand new to bartending
- you need local references
- you want basic Vegas-style training
But:
- it does not guarantee Strip placement
- experience still matters more
Gaming / Dealer School
Often useful if:
- you’re changing careers
- you want a casino entry point
- you’re committed to learning a specific game
Many dealers start this way — especially for:
- blackjack
- poker
- craps
If You Don’t Have a Job Yet
Be honest with yourself before moving.
Consider:
- savings for 3–6 months
- temporary or flexible work options
- willingness to start locally
- summer slowdown periods
Vegas hiring is seasonal and cyclical.
Housing Before Work: Be Careful
Landlords often require:
- proof of income
- local employment
- strong credit
If you don’t have a job yet:
- consider short-term housing
- extended-stay hotels
- month-to-month rentals
Avoid locking into long leases before income is stable.
Other Essentials Before You Move
- Nevada driver’s license (eventually required)
- Vehicle registration (if bringing a car)
- Understanding extreme summer heat
- Reliable transportation (public transit is limited)
- Health insurance (especially important in hospitality)
A Calm Reality Check
Moving to Las Vegas can absolutely work — but preparation matters.
The people who succeed here:
- arrive with realistic expectations
- understand local systems
- stay flexible early on
- don’t panic if they start smaller
Vegas rewards persistence, patience, and local experience.
Final Thoughts
Las Vegas is a city of opportunity — but not shortcuts.
If you:
- line up work early
- understand required certifications
- accept that Vegas experience matters
- stay open to stepping stones
You’ll be far more likely to build something sustainable here.