Employment of gaming cage workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Job seekers should have favorable prospects due primarily to the spread of legalized gambling.
Employment change. Employment of gaming cage workers is expected to increase by 11 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. The outlook for gaming cage workers depends on the demand for gaming, which is expected to remain strong. No longer confined to Nevada and New Jersey, gaming is becoming legalized in more States that consider gaming an effective way to increase revenues. A substantial portion of this growth will come from the construction of new Indian casinos and of "racinos," which are pari-mutuel racetracks that offer casino games.
Gaming cage workers, however, will experience slower growth than others in gaming establishments, as casinos find ways to reduce the amount of cash handled by employees. For example, self-serve cash-out and change machines are common along with automated teller machines. In addition, slot machines are now able to make payouts in tickets, instead of coins. Tickets can be read by other slot machines and the amount on the ticket transferred to the new machine. Known as Ticket-in, Ticket-Out game play, these technologies reduce the number of cash transactions needed to play and speed up the exchange process, which means fewer workers are needed to handle the cage than in the past.
Job prospects. In addition to job openings arising from employment growth, a fair number of openings will result from high turnover in this occupation caused by the high level of scrutiny workers receive and the need to be accurate. People with good mathematics abilities, previous casino experience, some background in accounting or bookkeeping, and good customer service skills should have the best opportunities.
Gaming cage workers held about 18,000 jobs in 2006. All of these individuals work in establishments that offer gaming; employment is concentrated in Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Atlantic City, New Jersey. However, a growing number of States and Indian reservations have legalized gambling, and gaming establishments can now be found in many parts of the country.
Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience maybe helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer could benefit from experience in installing dry wall, but an inexperienced person could learn the job fairly easily.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job related course work. In some cases, you may need an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Examples
Drywall installers, fire inspectors, flight attendants, pharmacy technicians, retail salespersons, and bank tellers.
In these occupations you can often use your knowledge and skills to help others.
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Unfortunately, no related occupation data exists for this profession.
Information on employment opportunities for gaming cage workers is available from local offices of the State employment service.
Information on careers in gaming also is available from:
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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