When people discuss making money in gambling, the first thing that pops into their heads is winning at slot machines or in blackjack. However, the gambling sector is a multi-billion dollar industry with a variety of jobs spanning dealers, cashiers, security teams, and concierges, among others. But what is it like to work in a casino in London, Las Vegas or elsewhere, and how much do you get paid?
The Dealer
Working as a casino dealer can be strenuous. From most of the positions we’ve seen, dealers are often required to work eight to ten-hour shifts between three to five times a week. The roles are flexible and need you to be available weekdays, weekends, and bank holidays. The salary can range from £9 up to £12 with tips depending on the casino company, but shifts can vary wildly since most casinos are open 24/7, sometimes requiring dealers to work all through the night.
There is more to the dealer position. Besides your core job of dealing cards and moving chips, your job is also to create a welcoming environment for loyal and new players alike and ensure that winners get paid. Did you spot a problem gamblers or see yourself confronted with aggressive players? Well, it’s your job to take the appropriate actions.
The dealer job is the most demanding job in the gambling industry both at brick-and-mortar establishments and at online casinos. That’s right; online gambling companies also employ dealers for their live casinos!
Security
Another crucial job at casinos is security. In London, the average security officer job at a casino pays around £11 to £12 an hour. Those employed are required to ensure the safety and security of customers and staff and will be required to check the suitability of those entering the premises. This can involve verifying a customer’s age, checking that their attire meets the dress code for the venue, and checking whether or not the customer is carrying any harmful items or substances.
However, the hours can be somewhat lengthy, ranging between ten to twelve hours. As with the dealers, those choosing to work as a security officer must be completely flexible and be able to work weekdays, weekends, and on bank holidays. You will also be the one to handle angry and aggressive customers that might have just had an unlucky streak playing their favourite games. It surely won’t get boring!
Hosts And Concierge
If a host or concierge has helped you at a hotel, then you might be surprised that it’s no different at a proper casino. Hosts make sure that customers enjoy themselves at all stages and never get lost. Literally.
They welcome customers into the casino and guide them to the designated sections, show them around the restaurants, betting terminals, bars and table floor. The pay very much depends on your experience and what part of the casino you are working for. If you’re taking care of the casino’s VIP players, you can expect a slightly higher salary and potentially huge tips. Entry-level positions start at as low as £22,000 per annum.
Other Roles
There are numerous other roles at casinos, including general managers which can earn around £30,000 PA and are responsible for managing parts of the casino such as the restaurant or betting floors.
And then there are the chefs, bartenders, waiters, cleaners, waitresses, all of which tend to have shorter working hours but only earn around £8 to £11 per hour depending on the job, casino, and location of the venue.
Of course, casinos also employ a considerable number of outside stuff such as technicians, maintenance firms, as well as legal staff. If you were thinking of which industry to start your career in, then gambling provides you with a wealth of options.