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Casino Hotel General Manager
There are many types of casino hotels. Some, in Las Vegas for example, have hundreds of rooms, while others have accommodations for thousands. Many are like cities unto themselves. Others are smaller. A large number of casino hotels have themes or special attractions that touch upon every part of the hotel operation. The one thing all casino hotels have in common is a casino on-site. People visit casino hotels for a number of reasons many come to gamble, some to watch others gamble or to be a part of the excitement. Guests schedule stays at casino hotels for the lavish entertainment, the food, and the fun.
The Casino Hotel General Manager has an important job.
He or she is responsible for overseeing the day-today operation of the facility. Specific duties vary depending on the job. The individual’s main functions, however, are to make sure the establishment runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.
Hotels run 24 hours a day. The General Manager is responsible for supervising other managers in the facility. Depending on the specific hotel, there may be one or more assistant managers, shift managers, customer service managers, and guest service managers in the hotel. Every hour is covered. All managers and administrative personnel report to the General Manager. Most casino hotels are part of corporate conglomerates. In some the General Manager works in conjunction with the corporate structure, setting room rates, and developing services for guests and standards for housekeeping and food service. In others these responsibilities are handled by the president, chief executive officer (CEO), chief operating officer (COO), or executive vice president. Whoever formulates the standards, once they are set, the General Manager makes sure everything is continually up to par.
While casino hotels, like other large facilities in the hospitality industry, employ customer service and guest service managers, the General Manager has ultimate responsibility in dealing with problems or complaints. Maintaining good customer relations is important to every hotel, but especially to casino hotels where repeat business both in the hotel and the casino is imperative.
The General Manager often works with other departments, including food and beverage, marketing, public relations, promotions, and sales to find ways to bring in new customers as well as to maintain a repeat business. The General Manager develops budgets for the entire facility or specific departments for approval by the CEO, COO, president, or executive vice president. The General Manager has the power to authorize certain expenses and approve expenditures. Individuals in this position work long, hard hours. All problems that occur in the hotel become his or her responsibility. The person must constantly monitor activities in the facility and take care of any problems or situations that crop up. Other responsibilities of the General Manager may include:
- Representing the hotel at public or private functions
- Participating in community affairs
- Evaluating performance of supervisory and administrative staff
Annual earnings can range from USD 65,000 to USD 250,000 or more for Casino Hotel General Managers.
Factors affecting earnings include the geographic location, size, and prestige of the specific casino hotel. Other variables include the experience, education, and responsibilities of the individual. Those working in larger, more prestigious facilities in the gambling capitals usually earn more than their counterparts in other hotels.
Employment prospects are fair for those seeking jobs as Casino Hotel General Managers. Individuals can find employment in all areas hosting gaming. Individuals may work in large, luxury casino hotels, smaller casino hotels, and theme casino hotels.
Regions hosting Indian gaming and land-based or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities. New casinos and casino hotels are constantly under construction.
Casino Hotel General Managers can advance their careers.
This can be done by obtaining experience and landing jobs in larger or more prestigious casino hotels, resulting in increased responsibilities and earnings. Depending on experience, education, and career aspirations, individuals may also be promoted to other administrative jobs.
While educational requirements vary from job to job, recommended education for Casino Hotel General Managers is a minimum of bachelor’s degree in hotel administration or management. In some cases, experience will be accepted in lieu of education requirements. Some individuals move through the ranks in hotels owned by major corporations to General Manager jobs, as do those who have participated in management training programs sponsored by hotels.
Casino Hotel General Managers must have a fair amount of experience working in administrative and supervisory jobs within the hospitality industry.
Experience working in the casino industry is also useful.
Some Casino Hotel General Managers obtain prior experience as hotel assistant managers or as General Managers in smaller hotels. Casino Hotel General Managers should be well-spoken, articulate people with good communication skills. Supervisory, management, and administrative skills are essential. Complete understanding of the hospitality industry is mandatory. Individuals should be organized and have the ability to prioritize projects.
Individuals interested in pursuing careers in casino hotel management can obtain additional information by contacting the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA) or the Educational Institute of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (EIAH&LA) for more information.
Do the following!
1. Many hotel chains offer training programs in this field. These are excellent ways to get training, and experience.
2. Jobs are often advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Casino Hotels,” “Casino Hotel General Manager,” “Hotel General Manager,” “Hospitality Careers,” or “Management-Casino Hotels.”
3. Contact recruitment firms specializing in the hospitality or gaming industries.