FireKeepers Casino Expected to Open in August

"So far I'm getting used to these chips."

Steve Feltner is on his first day of what he hopes will be his new career. He was laid off from his exterminator job and jumped at the chance to become a dealer.

"The way I see it, this job's gonna be here for a really long time," said Feltner. "Plus the bare fact that I absolutely love being around people, I just figured this would be a good career to undertake."

All four hours of the first day and part of the second will be all about the chips.

Cutting, stacking, pushing-- they're the foundation of the job.

Mark Agabashian is pretty good with the chips-- he's been a dealer for 10 years-- but was laid off from Motor City Casino in Detroit last month. Dealer school is a formality for him.

"It's like work, but it's not easy," says Agabashian. "The procedures are really precise."

Both Feltner and Agabashian have easy going, friendly personalities that would seem to make them excellent dealers from a gambler's perspective.

"I like this a lot," Agabashian continues. "It's entertaining. The players are amazing."

They are both after the same thing-- a career at the new Firekeepers Casino just off I-94 in between Marshall and Battle Creek. It's 45 miles South of Lansing-- which is 15 miles closer than Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant.

Construction is moving along well and doors are now expected to open in early August.

For the complete story, please see Jason Colthorp, New Casino Opening in August, WILX.com, May 18, 2009.