As avid daredevils in the gambling scene, we’re no strangers to the heavy financial muscle held by casinos the world over. Gambling institutions bank a jaw-dropping billion dollars yearly. This is attributed to multiple resources whose sole purpose is to provide world-class hospitality, thus earning large revenue. Human capital forms an integral resource in facilitating the entire process. Depending on the job description, casino employees can take home from $80, 000 up to as much as $300,000 annually at both land based and online casinos. If you’re dreaming of scoring a life-altering paycheck, you’ve come to the right place. This article serves to explore the most lucrative jobs in the industry. So, buckle up and prepare for a million-dollar ride!
Director of Operations
The director of operations is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the institution. Their biggest responsibility includes developing strategies that generate sustainable revenue for the casino. The director of operations also oversees events and tournaments held by the gambling establishment. Most importantly, these professionals manage all departments in the casino and ensure a steady flow of services. Much of a casino’s revenue comes from valued alliances with external sectors. As such, the operations director has to maintain the company’s highly valued relationships.
With such a big responsibility at hand, it’s only justifiable to earn approximately $85,000 to $150,000 per year. To top it off, there are additional perks like insurance and allowances. Among the job prerequisites is a high level of skill, flexibility, and a friendly personality. Communication and organizational skills are also a necessity. Most of all, you’ve to be passionate about the job. The position is highly demanding and so a bachelor’s degree is a requirement. In most institutions, one should have at least 10 years in the industry to land the prestigious title.
Internal Auditor
In a business environment that stocks billions of dollars annually, crime does not lurk far from casinos. Just this year alone, there’s been a series of fraud cases. As such, casinos are actively employing effective means to protect the business and its valued clients. In fact, the internal audit function has always been big in the industry. Even before the existence of computers and top-notch software. One person responsible for safe business practices is the internal auditor.
To simplify the job description, the internal auditor matches the operations director’s reports to those recorded during the game. By doing so, they can tell whether or not a fraudulent activity took place. Since the job is not a piece of cake, you can expect to take home a lump sum. The salary of an internal auditor is between $55,000 and $80,000. On the subject of professional qualifications, you’ll need more than just a strategic mind and friendly face. Along with vast experience, a bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting is required. Top-rated casinos call for Certified Internal Auditors or Certified Public Accountants and advanced mathematical skills.
Security Manager
As alluded to earlier, a safe business environment is of the essence in gambling. Considering the adrenaline-packed, fulfilled environment prevalent in gambling institutions, crime is, unfortunately, quite common. Bounty hunters are always seeking new ways to rip off the casino and worse off, fellow punters. A security manager, therefore, carries the heavy burden of handling such occurrences. Security managers are responsible for investigations and law enforcement. Moreover, their jobs involve developing and evaluating security protocols. They also oversee the whole security team.
The job is not always safe. From time to time, violent crime takes place. Hence the need for a higher education degree in criminal justice. To qualify for the position, you’ll need more than just theoretical knowledge. Most casinos prefer individuals with experience in a private security firm, military, or law enforcement. Depending on the area of residence, a permit or CPR certification is required. Moving on to the financial aspect of the job, security managers take home anywhere between $60,000 up to $110,000, including bonuses and allowances.
Shift Manager
Gambling institutions are known for their flamboyance. This is a big part of their marketing strategy to keep luxury-hungry gamblers flooding through their doors playing games such as roulette or blackjack. The flashier an institution is, the higher its chances of rallying up the high rollers. To maintain its glitzy atmosphere, someone has to ensure the dream machine runs without a glitch. If by some unfortunate event, you run into a hiccup, there should always be someone ready to assist. This is the responsibility of a shift manager. Armed with a dashing uniform and a radio in one hand, the shift manager steps onto the floor to engage with customers and keep the high rollers satisfied.
Occasionally, they resolve disputes amicably to uphold the reputation of the casino. However, the job is not as flashy as it appears to be. While the operations director is responsible for the overall conduct of the institution, it’s the shift manager’s job to manage the gaming floor. This includes supervision of staff members and liaisons with other departments like security officers and pit bosses. A vast majority of institutions demand a minimum of 3 years of experience in a management role. Preferably, one should hold a relevant degree in business or hospitality. Apart from experience, interpersonal and organizational skills are prerequisites of the job. A shift manager should also have an eye for detail and be a numbers person. At the end of the year, the manager makes an estimated $50,000 to $70,000.
Casino Property General Manager
A Property General Manager holds the highest position in the casino. They are not responsible for a specific department but oversee all business operations. This is the individual to whom middle management reports. The general manager is responsible for all staff members, business conduct, as well as the quality of the institution. Due to the intense pressure of the job, one should have in-depth experience in the industry. The general manager usually holds at least 12 years of experience in a management position within the gambling industry. Casino property general managers earn an average of $200,000, annually. Renowned institutions pay close to $300,000.
Conclusion
If you’re a seasoned punter, you may have heard rumors that casino personnel earn measly salaries. This couldn’t be further from the truth. As clearly pointed out, remuneration packages depend on one’s responsibilities. Depending on your area of expertise, there are multiple opportunities to take home 6-figure salaries.
