Gaming management is a program that prepares an individual to carry out the administrative duties for a gaming establishment such as a casino. The program may train a person to become a gaming manager, who is responsible for managing staff, dealing with complaints, and tending to guests in a gambling environment. Gaming management programs may vary in length and may be taken at colleges, casinos, or online through accredited institutions. Courses generally include gaming law, accounting, and hospitality marketing.
When a person successfully completes a gaming management program he or she may find employment in Las Vegas or at other locations around the world where gaming is found. In addition, the program may prepare a person for other careers in the gaming industry. This may include a gaming surveillance operator who is responsible for overseeing security and mid-level gaming operations managers who supervise others and ensure that gaming regulations are followed. In addition, gaming management can prepare a person for other positions including shift manager, casino financial analyst, pit manager, or casino host.
Training programs prepare a person to handle large customer volume as well as specific games. In addition, some programs prepare an individual to serve alcoholic beverages and prepare food. Training can help prepare a person for dealing with employee issues that may arise, such as health care provision and the necessity of disciplinary actions.
To enroll in a program, generally a person needs a high school diploma. Coursework focuses on the daily operations of a casino or gaming establishment. Topics that may be covered include shuffling, methods of payouts and issuing markers. To teach how a casino or gaming establishment runs, courses also may deal with surveillance and security. As most gambling establishments are open around the clock, year round, gaming management teaches how to evaluate staffing needs.
Other aspects that may be covered in a gaming program may be psychological elements and how gambling affects tourism. Psychological elements can include the pros and cons of the gaming industry such as compulsive behavior and gambling addiction. Training may also address how gaming impacts crime rates as well the economy.
A gaming management program trains an individual how to deal with money and may include financial accounting, math, and computer courses. Some programs may also offer leadership courses and communication classes to help handle customers and staff. Another component of a gaming management program may include a supervised internship. Internships offer hands-on experience working at a gambling establishment.
