Meet JoAnn LoBracco | Table games instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with JoAnn LoBracco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JoAnn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have been in the casino business for 25 years. I have always loved helping my co-workers grow in their dealing skills while I was a supervisor. I decided to open my own school when the new gaming compact allowed Craps and Roulette. There were not a lot of dealers in the Valley that knew those games, so I was constantly helping them learn. I enjoyed teaching and realized that this might be a new path to go down. I love seeing my students as they grow in their new career. I also looked around the casino and didn’t see many young faces so it was definitely time to see if I can help train the next generation of dealers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was managing a roller skating rink in Florida when I was 19. We offered hockey lessons to kids and adults. Sal (my boyfriend at the time) was coaching a boy whose parents were opening a casino boat in Miami. They allowed us to take the dealing courses for free and the rest is history. I always enjoyed dealing, I have a very sarcastic sense of humor, so when someone was losing and getting upset, I always found a way to make them at least laugh about it. There was always room for improvement in my dealing skills and I was always doing drills to improve. Here at DICE U, we strive to make you the best dealer you can be! We teach you all the tricks I have learned over the last 25 years of dealing. Biggest lesson I teach…ALWAYS do your hand stretches, it prevents carpal tunnel.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like hockey and hiking. The outdoors are my favorite place to be. I always take out-of-town visitors to Sedona to do some hiking and then we would head to a hockey game in Phoenix. I haven’t been to any games since the Coyotes moved but I am really looking forward to having them here in Tempe! I like to go bowling at Main Event and mostly we hang out at local bars to listen to live music. I would definitely end the week with a trip to one of my great friend’s new cupcake shop in Gilbert called Bada Bling!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would dedicate my shoutout to my husband (Sal). He always has my back when I come up with different ideas. He is A LOT more cautious with decision making and really balances my risk taking. I heard this in a show once and use it all the time to explain our marriage….”He is the string to my kite”. Our two boys are also a big help! When I was doubting myself here and there, they were always quick with words of encouragement. This is definitely a “family business”. There is absolutely no way I would have been able to do any of this on my own. I would also like to say thank you to the casinos I have worked for and the managers who, without their help, I would not be able to offer job placement assistance upon graduating from our school.

Website: diceuaz.com

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