Fast-paced, edgy and energized environment, competitive salaries, fantastic benefits, profit sharing, opportunities to advance to management, training programs and no experience necessary, all within a rapidly growing industry where the concept of downsizing is practically nonexistent? Sounds like a dream job, but in this case it is not too good to be true. If you are enthusiastic, outgoing and enjoy customer service you may well qualify for any or all of numerous entry level positions in the gaming industry - and all of the benefits that go along with them.
Casino Careers are a Large, and Growing, Hospitality Industry Segment
Casinos, which just a few years ago existed only in Nevada and New Jersey, are springing up everywhere since statutes governing them have been relaxed. At least 35 US states allow some form of gambling and the Canadian Government has embraced the industry for its employment opportunities and tremendous economic boost derived from increasing tourism.
Gaming Industry Facts:
- In recent years, the gaming industry has emerged as an economic mainstay, employing literally thousands of people, in both countries.
- In the US alone, the casino workforce increased nearly 80% from 1990-2005 to over 350,000 jobs, with another 450,000 jobs in related businesses and these numbers are burgeoning almost daily, according to the American Gaming Association in Washington D.C.
- The association also reports that the gaming industry has become a trendsetter with regard to diversity hiring, exceeding national averages in employment of both women and minorities. Job seekers from an enormous variety of backgrounds and economic conditions are finding that casino careers are dynamic, lucrative, abundant, and available 24/7.
Gaming is "very much a growing industry in British Columbia so there are lots of opportunities within our company," says Emily Henderson, a Senior Recruiter with British Columbia's Great Canadian Gaming. "People start in at entry level and are able to work up to management or senior level employment." Henderson said that Great Canadian Gaming's salaries are definitely competitive and benefits include medical insurance, extended care insurance, dental insurance, life and disability insurance, pension plan, profit sharing, employee discounts, and an employee and family assistance program.
Breaking In to Casino Jobs
As far as qualifications are concerned, Henderson said, skills gained in other hospitality related jobs are transferable to casino jobs. Any kinds of customer service training or certifications are a bonus, but she emphasized that in many cases there is no experience necessary to access a casino career. "It's all about attitude and customer service," Henderson said, and understanding the 24/7 lifestyle. Great Canadian Gaming will often train from the ground up, Henderson said, noting that an ability to work with numbers is important for some jobs such as card dealer, slot attendant or cashier. Entry level card dealers, for example, go through a 4-5 week Canadian Gaming Institute training course before they hit the casino floor.
Job Listings and Applications Made Easy
What kinds of jobs are available and where do you find and apply for them? On the Internet, of course! Hcareers, which specializes in hospitality industry employment, is the sole recommended job board for the Canadian Gaming Association. Hcareers currently has listings for:
- Hospitality jobs including chefs, bakers, specialty chefs, restaurant managers, beverage servers, bartenders, convention managers, room service attendants and managers, and banquet servers.
- Casino jobs range from slot attendants, craps dealers and cage cashiers up to slots managers, shift managers, and a full gamut in between.
- Gaming related jobs within the casino environment include arcade technicians, accounts receivable clerks, retail sales clerks, retail managers, art directors and auditors.
- Listings span the US and Canada, with openings in Mississippi, Connecticut, Oregon, Nevada, British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, just to name a few.
Hcareers makes breaking into the casino job scene easier than ever with a free job seeker account. You can search job listings online, post your resume, complete online applications and even set up a Job Detective to s time to check out casino careers.