What Does a Casino Manager Do?
A casino manager oversees day-to-day operations, keeping watch over customers and dealers to make sure everyone is having a good time and following the rules.
A casino manager, also called a gaming manager, supervises employees or managers in the gaming areas or pits. A big part of this task is making sure games follow all state and federal rules.
Monitoring security, table games, slots and the overall gaming area means this manager is always moving, always alert. As this manager walks through the room, he or she will be checking in on employees and customers alike.
One of the most important qualities of a successful casino manager (and a smooth operation) is the ability to solve problems quietly and efficiently.
The best casino managers make juggling all these tasks look easy. If you're diplomatic and find it easy to get along with and manage all types of people, this could be a good fit for you.
Keep reading to learn more about this exciting, well-paying career.
Job Responsibilities
- Help establish and enforce casino guidelines
- Make sure all games are operated properly
- Manage and train employees
- Make customers feel welcome
- Handle complaints and resolve disputes
- Provide complementary drinks, meals and rooms
- Monitor cash flow
How To Become a Gaming Manager or Casino Manager: FAQs
What steps do I take to become a casino manager?
First, you’ll need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
Next, you’ll want to get training. Even though postsecondary education isn’t required for most entry-level jobs, training will give you an advantage over other candidates, especially as you advance.
Training can take the form of a casino management certificate, which generally takes a year or less to complete. Another popular option is an associate degree, which will be more in-depth and take two years to complete.
Programs typically cover casino operations, gaming law, security, hospitality, accounting and human resources.
While training is beneficial, experience is what matters most in this line of work. You’ll need to work at least five to seven years in gambling establishments to become a casino manager. This could be as a dealer, pit boss, line supervisor or another role that helps you understand all aspects of gaming and managing.
It’s important that a casino manager be trained in all the table games, such as poker, blackjack and roulette. Learn everything you can on the gambling floor and you'll be one step ahead!
Are there any other qualifications to consider?
You will need a license from the state control board or gambling commission. Each state handles these qualifications differently. States also set minimum age requirements for working at a casino.
You will need to pass an extensive background check, pass a drug test and have no criminal record.
Depending on where you live, it may be useful to have a driver’s license because casino managers work odd hours. (Casinos tend to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.)
Being able to speak a second language can be helpful.
Where do casino managers work?
Casino managers work on land, which may seem obvious, but also on water! They work primarily in hotels but also on riverboats and cruise ships.
Is there a demand for casino managers?
Yes, there’s opportunity in this line of work. Gambling service workers, including casino managers, should expect to see about 22,000 openings per year from 2021 to 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
States benefit from the tax revenues that casinos generate. As more states legalize different forms of gambling, openings for casino managers and gaming managers are likely to increase even more.
What skills and qualities would make someone a good fit for this job?
Successful gaming managers tend to share these traits:
- Excellent communication skills
- Excellent customer service skills
- Decisiveness
- Strong leadership abilities
- Good math skills (statistics, arithmetic)
- Problem-solving abilities
- Calm under pressure
If you love the busy atmosphere of a casino and have the right demeanor, this can be a satisfying career. It will push you to fine-tune your communication and problem-solving skills, but it will be worth it.
It takes discipline and creativity to keep things running efficiently while presenting a fun, lighthearted atmosphere.
If this sounds like you, check out training opportunities near you.
