Why You Might Want to Work in the Gambling Business, and What Roles Are Needed
There are more than 1000 casinos across the US, and in 2024 commercial gambling revenue hit $91 billion in 2024. Revenues are only expected to rise heading into the second half of the decade. Roughly 100,000 Americans work in some kind of gambling role today, and that is not including professional gamblers of which there are estimated to be around 10,000 in the US. So, what roles are needed in the gambling business and are career prospects good?
Well, gambling has often been said to a recession-proof business. Indeed Las Vegas has fewer visitors right now than any time since the pandemic – but casino revenues were up year-on-year in October. This article will look what the state of play is, what kinds of jobs can be found in the gambling business and what else the sector can offer outside of stable employment and decent wages.
It’s Unlikely, but You Could Become a Professional Gambler
Where else to start but the most glamorous job in gambling – most of the time. Although most people think the house always wins – and they do in the long run – some people really do make a living from casino gambling.
If this has got you wondering, you need a great casino to start off with. Jackpot City SA fits the bill. With all kinds of casino games, from the latest video slots to classics like blackjack and roulette, you can play your way and at your own pace. Plus, great bonuses and promos to get you into the action with a bang.
There’s no sugar coating it though. being a professional gambler is not easy and comes with a lot of risk. As much as a super smart bettor can find an edge in some games, luck is still involved and downswings could easily wipe out your bankroll without disciplined management.
However, for the dedicated and talented few who learn how to grind out an edge, there’s a lot of money to be made. Top poker players and sports bettors have made tens of millions over their careers, and online influencers have also found ways to make profits even off of losing gambling sessions.
Operator’s Pay Competitively, with Good Perks and You Get an Inside Look at the Business
If you’re less of a risk taker though, there are plenty of other careers behind the scenes of the gambling business that can be steady, well paid jobs. Working at a casino itself, as say a trainee card dealer or a cashier assistant, will be the lowest paid starting roles. However, even these pay an average salary of $35,000 a year in 2024 – which is not bad. They also have room for tips and overtime, as casinos are usually open 24/7 in the US.
Managerial and administration roles in gambling operators often pay significantly higher. Marketing professionals, in-house legal advisors, accountants, games developers and casino floor managers can make upwards of $50,000 to a year in starting roles and $100,000 plus at the top level. Most roles at this level also offer health insurance and other perks on top of base salary.
Once you know the inside of the gambling business, you will have acquired a knowledge base that only few people have. This can set you up for freelance roles and consultancy work around the business, and in adjacent fields that work with gambling operators. Or even setting up your own business if you find an underserved market niche.
The business supports some 1.8 million jobs overall in the US, so knowledge of the gambling sector could prove useful in multiple career fields outside of direct work. Some 49% of Americans also gamble at least once a year, many more than the > 0.01% of people that work in the field. So on a personal level people might also find your career choice interesting.
It’s a Fast-Moving, Global Sector with a lot of Networking Opportunities
The gambling sector has been booming in the US in recent years, and there are always new ideas for innovations to power more growth. There are so many different kinds of gambling – from online sports betting to large casino resort blackjack rooms to horse racing or small poker rooms – that a diverse field of jobs will be open to you once you have your foot in the door.
Working in behind the scenes roles you’ll also likely be able to visit Las Vegas on company dime for trade shows at least once a year, where you can meet and mingle with others in the business. Global gambling hubs include Malta, Macau, London, Monaco and Singapore, giving extensive opportunity for international travel on the job.
For someone interested or with skills in hospitality, entertainment, game development, data engineering and management, law and regulation and accounting, the gambling business will always have jobs available for you.
