Pros and Cons of a Career in Casino Management
As a casino manager, you make sure that patrons are having a pleasurable experience. Continue reading to learn more of the pros and cons of becoming a casino manager.
| Pros of Becoming a Casino Manager |
|---|
| Higher-than-average salary of $75,000* |
| Enjoyable industry to work in (85% of gaming employees satisfied with their jobs)** |
| Postsecondary degree not required* |
| Possibility for a flexible schedule (many casinos are open 24/7)* |
| Cons of Becoming a Casino Manager |
|---|
| Geographical limitations to work (22 states have commercial casinos**, 28 have Indian gaming***) |
| Exposed to cigarette smoke and loud noise* |
| Need to be on feet for long periods of time* |
| Need to manage stress when dealing with frustrated customers* |
Sources: *The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **The American Gaming Association, ***National Indian Gaming Commission.
Career Info
Job Description
Casino managers direct gaming operations and watch over personnel. As a casino manager, you might circulate on the casino floor to keep an eye on staffing numbers and other details of the games. You should have an eye out for customers who aren't following the rules of the casino, and you should also be able to handle any customer complaints about service. You need to be familiar with all of the games so that you may assist customers by explaining the house rules. As an administrator, you'll likely hire and train new employees. Depending on the size and scope of the casino, you might manage a specific aspect of the business, such as customer relations or security surveillance.
Casino managers usually work full-time, and the hours may be irregular because many casinos are open 24 hours. You could work in a variety of gaming environments, such as a standalone casino, a combined casino-racetrack betting venue or a cruise ship with gambling facilities. Exact regulations for gambling vary by state, and not all types of casinos are legal in every state. No matter where you work, you may have to work in loud environments with secondhand smoke.
Salary Info and Job Growth
In May 2014, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicated that the median annual wage for gaming managers was about $67,000. The highest levels of employment for the profession were found in gambling facilities, and Nevada was the state with the highest levels and concentrations of employment. The BLS indicates that employment opportunities for these individuals were expected to increase 7% from 2012-2022.
What Are the Requirements?
To become a casino manager, you'll need a high school diploma or GED and you should take classes in management. While a postsecondary degree or certificate is not required, prospective casino managers may study hotel or gaming management. Supervisors and managers usually have a few years of previous experience in casino work. It's also possible to move into casino management after managing a similar business, such as a hotel.
All gaming service workers must be licensed by a state agency. Licensure usually involves paying a fee, along with passing a background check and drug test. Specific requirements may vary by state. Casino managers typically have the following skills:
- Customer-service
- Leadership and organizational abilities
- Good communication
- Knowledge of business principles
What Employers Are Looking for
Employers often look for managers to work within specific departments, such as sales or customer relations. Previous customer service and casino experience is usually necessary and a postsecondary degree in a business-related field can be beneficial. The following job descriptions were listed in April 2012:
- A casino in Nevada advertised for a floor supervisor with relevant previous experience. Candidates should have good customer service skills and be goal-oriented.
- A Colorado casino group posted for a surveillance manager needed to monitor the premises and oversee the maintenance of surveillance equipment. The job requires at least a 1-year certificate from a postsecondary institution, 3-4 years of relevant experience and a Colorado gaming support license. Pay is listed at $50,000-$60,000 per year. Candidates should be familiar with state gaming laws as well as the rules of blackjack, craps, roulette and poker.
- A gaming and entertainment management company is seeking a player development manager for a New York site. The position is customer service-oriented, with duties that include cultivating relationships with premium players, as well as explaining services and marketing to customers. Applicants should have at least 5-7 years of experience, some of it in a supervisory position, and a bachelor's in marketing preferred. Base pay is listed from $51,000-$64,000 per year.
- A California casino advertised for a group sales manager to acquire new accounts and determine room rates, among other responsibilities. Applicants should be at least 21 years old and with 3-5 years of sales or customer service experience, preferably at a 4- or 5-star hotel. A high school diploma or GED is necessary, as is a drug test and background check.
How to Make Your Skills Stand Out
Continuing Education
A degree is not always a requirement for a job as a manager, but you could make yourself more marketable by taking classes in management or other professional development courses. You could earn a certificate or an associate's degree in casino management, or a bachelor's in hospitality management or a related field. These programs may include coursework in gaming or club management and gaming policy. Some programs are available online.
Develop Related Skills
You'll have more luck finding a job as a casino manager if you have an extensive background in customer service, especially related to hotels, resorts and similar businesses. It's possible to be promoted from within a casino, so you could start off by working as a game dealer or a customer service representative and advancing upward.
Alternative Fields
Gaming Surveillance Officer
For a different position in the gaming industry, you could look into working as a gaming surveillance officer. You'll be responsible for monitoring the premises, conducting security checks and detaining possible criminals. By using security cameras and walking the casino floor, you would keep an eye out for possible cheating and other rules infractions. The BLS reports that an average job growth of 18% is predicted from 2010-2020 and the median annual wage was $30,000 in May 2011.
Customer Service Representative
If you enjoy working with customers to solve their problems, consider becoming a customer service representative. You might work from a call center or at an in-person location. You'll only need a high school diploma, although some positions might call for a postsecondary degree. According to the BLS, job growth was expected to be 15% for all industries from 2010-2020 and the median annual wage was almost $31,000 in May 2011.
