Regardless of the slot machines, payouts, cocktails, and card tables, gambling is all about entertainment. Casinos are in the service business, often including a restaurant, a bar, hosts, and housekeeping. Without the hospitality workers, the whole place would no longer run smoothly and be inviting to guests.

There are quite a number of career opportunities in a big casino… everything from general manager to the floor workers and maintenance crew. Regardless of your job, there are challenges. Casinos operate 24/7 and shifts can be long, including nights, weekends, and holidays. It can be stressful handling a lot of cash, dealing with unhappy or inebriated guests, and working around loud noises and smoke. 

But many people love the action and interacting with people from all over the world. Las Vegas is the hot spot in the U.S. as well as Reno, Atlantic City, and Lake Tahoe.  Outside the states, there are large gaming sites in Lima, Peru, Panama City, Korea, and the Philippines, as well as Monte Carlo. There are plenty of smaller establishments in small towns and remote locations (including Indian Casinos) across the country.

As you consider a career in gaming, don’t discount the smaller casinos. You often wear a lot of different hats, take on more responsibility, and can gain more experience in a shorter period of time. As more states legalize gambling, the number of opportunities is expected to grow. For most jobs, a high school education is sufficient, but you may need a gaming license and attend special training to learn a specific job.

Typical casino jobs include:

• Dealers: Dealers engage directly with guests on a variety of table games. They are responsible for maintaining a fair playing environment as well as creating an energetic and entertaining atmosphere for the players. They are largely dependent on tips, so they must have the people skills to run the table, be experts at the game and engage the guests. 
• Pit Boss: Pit bosses are the managers of the casino floor. Each area of the floor (known as a pit) is like a separate business. He/she is responsible for all gaming operations in their assigned area. They are typically very experienced, former dealers that know all the games and can ensure their area runs smoothly.
• Cashier/teller: These jobs involve accounting and controlling the transactions in the check bank, cage windows, ship bank, and main bank of the casino. They help guests with credit card problems, wire transfers, and other money issues.
• Casino manager: They set the policies and direct the operations of the casino. The manager must have financial as well as great communication skills and the patience to handle disputes. They supervise employees, hiring, and training with the ultimate goal of ensuring each customer has the most enjoyable experience possible. 
• Floor staff: This term is used to describe a variety of positions at a casino. These team members are constantly on their feet keeping the casino looking sharp and meeting the needs of guests. They include waitresses, bartenders, and custodians as well as maintenance crews.
• Slot Supervisor: This person is in charge of the entire casino slot collection. All slot attendants and other employees report to the supervisor who also oversees the maintenance of all slot machines. They often perform “hand-pays” from slot wins which gives them a lot of face-time with happy customers.
• Security/surveillance: These jobs involve monitoring what’s going on in the casino. They use audio and video equipment to ensure no one is cheating or stealing and that all activity is lawful. Typically, they have previous surveillance experience and may be licensed by the state.
• Casino Hosts: These people work with the high-rollers and set up VIP and loyalty programs. Their mission is to get whales to spend even more money than they planned on gambling. It’s often the most glamorous of the jobs where they act a concierge, best friend and salesperson. They are typically very attractive people who make it their job to satisfy every need.

Many casinos are owned by Native American communities and have their own laws and regulation that may differ from state-run casinos. Be sure to understand any differences when applying for jobs at various casinos. 

Job seekers who move into management and administrative roles typically will have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in business, economics, sales, or hospitality. For many other positions, a high school diploma or GED may be all that’s needed. Of course, the best candidates are outgoing, customer-service-oriented people who are knowledgeable about casino games.   A background in the military or law enforcement can help you excel in a security role. Many casinos will provide on-the-job training programs as needed for specific jobs. It’s a dynamic work environment with never a dull moment and for the right person, it’s an exciting career option.

Find open opportunities in casinos here