4 minute read
When people think about working in a casino, the first thing that comes to mind is a croupier, the person standing behind the gambling tables, dealing the cards, handing out the dice or spinning the roulette ball. It’s a job that appeals to the imagination, including that of young Katarina Pantic. A few weeks ago she launched her own croupier school: KAPA Casino School. Her story reads like a fairytale.
How it all started
Her fascination with the world of casinos stuck with Katarina throughout her school life, even during her studies to become an art historian. Once she reached that magical age of 21, she set a course for Las Vegas, the mecca of casinos. Around the same time, more specifically in April 2010, a glamorous entertainment temple opened its doors in Brussels: VIAGE. Unsurprisingly, the young lady wasted no time in exploring this establishment.
Shortly after, the incredible happened: VIAGE organised a rare and unique training course for aspiring croupiers. Naturally, Katarina didn’t hesitate a single second. The course changed her life completely.
It was the last time the intensive six-week training programme was organised. This is where she learned the ropes for two of the most popular casino games: blackjack and roulette. Upon completing her training, Katarina was immediately hired by VIAGE as a croupier, where she worked for no less than 11 years.
More than a decade’s worth of memories
VIAGE, Belgium’s largest casino, provided her with the ideal environment to grow as a croupier. The large number of tables, the varied clientele and the dynamics of the game allowed her to develop on both a professional and personal level.
It’s an atypical world, filled with atypical people. – Katarina Pantic
For Katarina, her fondest memories are not just the exciting moments at the gambling tables but especially the relationships she built. “It’s an atypical world, filled with atypical people”, she says. “The colleagues and the friendships I’ve built will last a lifetime. The most memorable part of this job is the people.” Working in a casino is not just about the game but also about learning to deal with a variety of characters and customers, a skill Katarina acquired effortlessly.
Sharing her love
Although her job at VIAGE was fulfilling, she realised it was time for a fresh challenge. “I wasn’t planning to quit but it felt like a now-or-never moment to start my own school”, she says, referring to the KAPA Casino School. Combining both tasks was simply impossible so she decided to cherish her fondest memories and part ways with VIAGE. Her own fascinating and inspiring journey into the world of casinos gave her the experience and the passion to help others embark on the same path.
KAPA offers a high-quality training course for croupiers, something that is hard to find in Belgium these days. The programme lasts eight weeks and comprises training modules for blackjack, roulette and poker. With the first two the croupier mainly animates the game whereas with poker it’s the croupier’s job to supervise the game and ensure the rules are followed. What makes KAPA Casino School so unique is not just Katarina’s extensive knowledge and experience but also the possibility for students to do a four-week internship at VIAGE upon completing the course, giving them the opportunity to put their newly acquired skills to the test in an actual casino.
A new road, a new future
As soon as the school opened its doors, three students enrolled in the course. Nevertheless, Katarina’s ambitions don’t stop there: she aims to grow and ultimately gain recognition as Belgium’s leading croupier training programme, not just because of her personal experience but also thanks to the high quality of the training at KAPA. With her drive and the experience she’s built it should be just a matter of time before she reaches her goals.
Katarina’s story is a source of inspiration for anyone willing to pursue their passion, even if it means venturing from the safe path to find a new path of your own.
Go to KAPA Casino School for more details.
