RBC Dealer Institute Trains Over 100 Table Dealers for Live! Casino Virginia

Partnership between Richard Bland College, City of Petersburg, and Live! Casino Virginia expands workforce opportunities in the region.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In collaboration with the City of Petersburg and Live! Casino Virginia, the Richard Bland College (RBC) Dealer Institute has already trained more than 100 table dealers, representing a significant segment of the casino's current and projected workforce. The early success has led the RBC Dealer Institute to launch a fourth training cohort focused on casino table games such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat.

Why it matters

This partnership between RBC, the City of Petersburg, and Live! Casino Virginia is building a skilled, well-prepared workforce to meet growing demand in the casino industry. As Live! Casino Virginia looks ahead to the opening of its larger permanent resort in 2027, this collaboration will play an even greater role in expanding workforce opportunities and driving long-term economic vitality across the region.

The details

Over 12 weeks, RBC Dealer Institute trainees learn customer service, game integrity, industry regulations, as well as responsible gaming practices to prepare for careers in the casino industry. Graduates of the RBC Dealer Institute are eligible to apply for positions not only at Live! Casino Virginia, but at gaming establishments across the globe.

  • The RBC Dealer Institute launched its first training cohort in January 2026.
  • Live! Casino Virginia opened in January 2026.
  • The RBC Dealer Institute has already trained over 100 table dealers as of February 2026.
  • The RBC Dealer Institute is launching a fourth training cohort focused on casino table games in February 2026.
  • Live! Casino Virginia's larger permanent resort is expected to open in 2027.

The players

Richard Bland College (RBC)

A college that is rapidly emerging as a leader in addressing the unique and evolving workforce needs of the Tri-Cities region, including through its RBC Dealer Institute and RBC Workforce & Career Readiness Center.

City of Petersburg

A city in Virginia that is collaborating with RBC and Live! Casino Virginia to build a skilled, well-prepared workforce to meet growing demand in the casino industry.

Live! Casino Virginia

A casino that opened in January 2026 and is partnering with RBC and the City of Petersburg to build a skilled workforce, with plans to open a larger permanent resort in 2027.

Penny Parayo

The Senior Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino Virginia.

Babette Hammond

The RBC Work-Based Learning & Career Readiness Manager.

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What they’re saying

“Our partnership with the RBC Dealer Institute is building a skilled, well-prepared workforce to meet growing demand.”

— Penny Parayo, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Live! Casino Virginia

“The RBC Dealer Institute is a powerful example of how strategic collaboration can directly strengthen our regional workforce.”

— Babette Hammond, RBC Work-Based Learning & Career Readiness Manager

What’s next

As Live! Casino Virginia looks ahead to the opening of its larger permanent resort in 2027, the partnership between RBC, the City of Petersburg, and the casino will play an even greater role in expanding workforce opportunities and driving long-term economic vitality across the region.

The takeaway

This partnership between RBC, the City of Petersburg, and Live! Casino Virginia is a model for how strategic collaboration between educational institutions, local government, and industry can directly strengthen a regional workforce and support economic growth in emerging sectors.