Casino Manager Position Description
The Casino Manager holds an important position in the casino. The individual is in charge of handling the day-to-day management of the gaming area. In order to run efficiently, casinos have operating policies formulated by the board of directors, CEO, or president of the company with the assistance of the executive vice president and the vice president of casino operations. The Casino Manager helps administer these policies.
The Casino Manager is responsible for overseeing the management of the table games in the casino. The individual must make sure all games are played in accordance with federal and state governmental regulations. He or she must also assure that all casino procedures and rules are followed.
The Casino Manager is in charge of overseeing those working in the gaming area and supervising casino management personnel. Depending on the structure of the casino, these may include the assistant Casino Manager, casino operations manager, assistant casino operations manager, casino administrator, casino credit manager, and shift bosses.
The individual is expected to build a good working relationship with casino employees, an essential ability for maintaining employee loyalty to the casino. Other responsibilities of the Casino Manager may include:
- Assuring the security and protection of casino bankroll
- Promoting customer relations
- Assisting in the implementation of credit policies
- Handling problems on the gaming floor
- Dealing with customer complaints
Salaries for Casino Manager
There is a great range of salaries for casino managers depending on a number of variables. Individuals may earn between $70,000 and $200,000 or more annually. Factors affecting earnings include the experience, training, and responsibilities of the individual as well as the geographic location, size, and prestige of the specific casino. In some facilities, casino managers may also receive bonuses above their annual salary.
Most casinos employ Casino Managers
Those that do not usually have someone in a similar position with a different name handling the same responsibilities. Casino Managers often work the swing shift because that is the usually the busiest time in the casino. Individuals may be required to work other shifts when necessary as well as weekends and holidays.
Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Detroit offer the greatest number of job possibilities. Other employment settings may include casino hotels in other areas of Nevada, Mississippi, New York, Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona, California, and other regions where gambling is legal.
Other regions hosting Indian gaming and land-based or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities. New casinos and casino hotels are constantly under construction. More casinos and casino hotels are also opening every year as areas legalize gambling.
Advancement Prospects
Casino Managers may climb the career ladder in a number of ways. Some individuals obtain experience and then locate similar jobs in larger or more prestigious casinos. Others are promoted to positions such as casino general manager or the vice president of casino operations.
Education and Training
As a rule, Casino Managers are expected to have a minimum of a high school diploma or the equivalent. Individuals usually are trained as dealers in dealers school or gaming academies. They then obtain on-thejob training and experience as they move up the career ladder as floorpersons, pit bosses, and shift bosses. A college degree is helpful for many individuals in career advancement.
Special Requirements for Casino Manager
State licensing is generally required for employees working in or around the gaming area in casinos. Generally, this license is issued by a regulatory agency, such as the specific state’s casino control board or commission. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding which specific occupational licenses and permits are necessary for casino employees. In some states, for example, individuals must apply for and obtain a general gaming license. Some states have various levels of licensure and permits. Certain states may require a key employee license for those working in the management area of casinos.
The human resource department of casinos provide individuals with specific licensing requirements for each position.
Most states also have a minimum age requirement for this position. Extensive experience working in the gaming industry is necessary for this position. As noted previously, most casino managers started out as dealers and then obtained experience as floorpersons, pit bosses, and shift bosses.
Casino Managers must have a total knowledge of table games. Supervisory skills are necessary. Communication skills are essential. Casino Managers must be personable people with the ability to promote good customer service. They must also be able to instill that ability in their employees.
Unions and Associations
There are no unions for Casino Managers. Individuals may obtain additional information from local gaming associations.
Tips for Entry
1. Job openings may be advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as "Casinos/ Gaming," "Casino Opportunities," "Casino Manager," or "Casinos."
2. Casinos often promote from within. Get experience as a floorperson, pit boss, and shift manager.
3. It is sometimes easier to seek employment as a Casino Manager in areas other than the gaming capitals.
4. Positions may be advertised on the Internet. They may be located via the home pages of casino hotels. They may also be found by doing a search of "Casino," "Casino Hotel," or "Gaming Job Opportunities."
5. Seek out search firms and recruiters that deal specifically in the gaming industry.