Looking at Jobs in the Gambling and Casino Industry

You don't need a formal degree to land an exciting job in the gambling world. Whether you're interested in casino management or becoming a casino card dealer, there are vocational and technical education opportunities to help you get started with your career in the casino industry.

Working in The Casino and Gambling Industry

With a plethora of casino jobs available, there's likely a casino job out there for you. Those with good interpersonal skills and attention to detail may consider becoming a casino dealer, while strong leaders may consider a career in casino management. Those comfortable with handling money may become cashiers or cocktail waitresses, while the more technically minded may opt for jobs as slot technicians. By law, casino workers must be certified.

Jobs in The Casino and Gambling Industry

There are many casino jobs available for well-qualified candidates. Here are a few popular choices:
  • Croupiers or casino dealers, who run card tables such as poker and blackjack.

  • Slot technicians, who maintain all casino equipment in order for everything to run smoothly.

  • Cashiers, who are responsible for handing finances and exchanging casino tokens for cash.

  • Gaming supervisors and casino management, who roam the casino floor to ensure that casinos comply with federal and state laws.

  • Cocktail waitresses, who provide drinks for casino visitors.  

Facts and Figures

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 106,000 people employed in the gaming industry in 2006. Gaming dealers held the great majority of these jobs, followed by gaming management and slot key persons. Employment in the casino industry is expected to grow much faster than the average through 2016, with the best opportunities belonging to those with technical or vocational training (such as a casino dealer school) in the field.
 
Median wages varied throughout the industry in 2006, with gaming managers earning $62,820, gaming supervisors earning $41,160 and casino dealers earning $14,730. However, keep in mind that much of a dealer’s income comes from tips, also known as "tokes."

Education, Training and Work Experience

Education, training, and work experience standards are established separately by each casino, though it is highly preferred that candidates have at least a high school diploma or GED. Training schools can be found at major casinos and slot manufacturers, while in-house training and certification are available at nearly all casinos. Most casino dealers go to casino dealer school or a vocational or technical school.
 
Workers in the gaming industry must be licensed by a regulatory agency. Workers generally advance by gaining superior skills in their current jobs.

Related Associations and Groups

Professional associations can be very helpful for casino industry professionals. Here are a few:
  • Gaming Hospitality Industry Professionals: members.ghipgroup.com.
  • U.S. Commercial Casino Industry: americangaming.org.
 
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