How do people climb the ranks working for a casino?

October 10, 2008 10:36 AM

How do people climb the ranks working for a casino?

Do casinos recruit at top schools? Is it mostly nepotism? Can you break in as a lawyer and eventually take control? Are you supposed to have a background in probability or advanced math? Are you supposed to have worked before as a card dealer?

I'm mostly just academically curious about the dynamics/hierarchy at casinos. I don't intend to work at one.

posted by JamesJD to work & money (4 answers total)

It depends on what part of the casino you're interested in. The business side of things is a different path than the operations side of things.

They're generally like any other business - people move up the chain through various means and origins. However, it's not that common to see dealers go too far above pit boss (it's a mindset thing, mostly).

And no, no need for a math background - those you only need to be a game designer. Casinos don't design games, they buy them.

The mistake people make in thinking about casinos is in thinking they're a unique industry. They really aren't. Usually just a bit behind the years technologically, but otherwise run like most other places in the hospitality industries.
posted by krisak at 11:24 AM on October 10, 2008

I think krisak has most of the answer: it works like a hotel with specialized equipment, marketing, and cash handling needs. The dwindling family-owned operations (e.g. Binion's) will differ significantly from the corporate operations (e.g. Harrah's) and Native-American operations.

krisak is right, too, that the math is mostly important for game designers. Having some second-hand insight into that industry, the math is very important indeed.

Also, never-ever play slots on reservation properties. Perhaps no table games, either. Stick to poker where you're only getting stuck by the rake.
posted by GPF at 1:53 PM on October 10, 2008

The specialized money handling is pretty cool. The regulations, especially in Nevada, that cover that make for some interesting times. Along with the casinos' own paranoia. The ones that don't quite follow all the rules are even more interesting.

Binion's isn't really family owned any more. Primm was mostly that last of that, but they've been sold. There are some independents left, but I don't think any are run like family businesses any more. So far the Venetian is the best of the independents.

Now, within the Vegas valley itself, the industry is pretty small. If you've been here for a few years you'll start recognizing names. After five years, even at the lowish level I am, I've noticed that there is a pretty limited set of people who keep showing up. Not exactly nepotism, just not a huge pool of workers for a fairly specialized industry.

And GPF is correct - never play slots at a reservation casino. Stick to Vegas locals casinos, AC locals casinos, or Mississippi locals casinos. Reservation table games should be mostly okay - they won't outright cheat, but on the slots the operator controls the payback percentage. The same is true for the tables, based on how they vary the rules - but if you do your research you can find out what those percentages are. On slots, you can't.
posted by krisak at 4:04 PM on October 10, 2008

krisak, why is the Venetian an 'independent'? Its parent company, Las Vegas Sands, operates the convention center and owns a large casino operation in Macau as well, and it is publically traded on the NYSE.

Lots of interesting info in this thread, appreciate everyone's insights.
posted by ikkyu2 at 10:37 AM on October 11, 2008