How Do I Become a Gaming Manager?
Explore the career requirements for gaming managers. Get the facts about job duties, salary, licensure and education requirements to determine if this is the right career for you.
What is a Gaming Manager?
Gaming managers work in casinos. They supervise employees and the daily operations of a designated area in a casino. During a typical day at work, gaming managers may circulate around the casino or area they supervise to make sure both casino employees and customers are abiding by the rules of the casino and playing fairly, ensure that players understand the games, and make sure that payouts are correct for winners. You may also be responsible for interviewing and hiring new employees. To find out more about this career, take a look at the chart below.
| Degree Required | High school diploma or equivalent; some employers require postsecondary education |
| Training Required | On-the-job training |
| Key Skills | Communication and customer service skills, leadership skills and math skills |
| Licensure Required | Licensure is required; varies by state |
| Job Growth (2020-2030) | 20%* |
| Median Salary (2020) | $75,470* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Would I Do As a Gaming Manager?
As a gaming manager, you would manage at least one area of a casino. Part of your job will be to develop and maintain relationships with customers, which may include explaining the rules of games, dealing with patrons discovered cheating, handling complaints and offering complementary or compensatory benefits to guests when appropriate. You will also manage employees by interviewing training and evaluating job performances and establishing a work schedule.
Sometimes, a gaming manager's specific title derives from the area of the casino floor that they manage. Because of this, job titles include poker room, slot, cage, pit or floor manager.
What Kind of Work Environment Might I Have?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most gaming professionals work in casinos (www.bls.gov). You might work day, evening or night shifts as well as on weekends and holidays.
Also according to the BLS, employment for gaming managers is expected to increase by 20% during the 2020-2030 decade. In 2020, the BLS reported that there were nearly 3,900 gaming managers in the nation, and that, on average, they earned a median salary of $75,470 per year in 2020.
Will I Need a License?
In general, gaming managers must be licensed. To become licensed you must usually be at least 18 and pass a background check. Most licenses last two years. States that allow gambling usually have gaming commissions, control boards or divisions of gaming that handle licensing casino employees.
What Education Do I Need?
There is no specific degree necessary to work as a gaming manager. According to O*Net OnLine, many gaming managers have the equivalent of a high school diploma, and smaller numbers have an associate's or bachelor's degree (www.onetonline.org).
However, the BLS states that competition for gaming management positions is competitive, and that having a degree may increase employment opportunities. You can earn an associate's degree in gaming and casino management or casino management, and a bachelor's degree in casino and resort management or gaming management. These programs focus on hospitality, business management skills, accounting and gaming laws.
Alternatively, you can earn certificates in casino management. These programs are shorter than degree programs, and provide a basic introduction into casino operations and management. Online certificate programs are available, and consist of the same coursework as an in-person program.
What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?
You may also be interested in becoming a lodging manager, which only requires a high school diploma. Lodging managers work in motels, hotels, resorts, and other lodging facilities and help make sure that guests have a pleasant stay. They may manage a staff of hotel workers and make sure the establishment is organized and operating within its budget. You could also pursue a career as a customer service representative, which involves communicating with customers, often over the phone, on behalf of a company. You may listen to customer complaints and help them troubleshoot and solve problems.