The main function of Cocktail Servers working in casinos and casino hotels is to serve alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages to customers. They may work in areas such as the showroom or clubs where customers are seated. Individuals may also work in the casino area where customers are gambling. Cocktail Servers take customers’ drink orders. They write down the drink order for each table or patron. Individuals then bring the order to the bar for a bartender to fill. Drinks are put on a tray, and the Cocktail Server brings them back and serves them to the customers.
Cocktail Servers ask customers if they want refills. They also compute the bill when customers are finished. Cocktail Servers working in large showrooms are often assigned areas to work. They must take drink orders and fill them in crowded rooms. These individuals, however, may have the opportunity to see shows as they are working. Cocktail Servers working in the gaming area are responsible for serving individuals who are gambling, some of whom may be high roller customers. Other functions of Cocktail Servers may include:
Cocktail Servers working in casinos and casino hotels earn an hourly wage ranging from minimum wage to USD 9.00 or more plus tips. They share tips in a tip pool with bartenders. Individuals may earn between USD 15,000 and USD 19,000 annually. Factors affecting earnings include the geographic location, size, type, and prestige of the specific casino, hotel, restaurant, showroom, or lounge. Other factors include the personality and customer service skills of the server. Over the years, while not an everyday occurance there have reportedly been cases where servers were tipped not only large amounts of money but cars or even a house. One of the great things about working as a cocktail server in a casino is that when people are having a good time or have just won, they often tip more than they normally might in another situation. In unionized settings, the union may negotiate minimum earnings.
Employment opportunities are excellent for Cocktail Servers interested in working in casinos and casino hotels. Individuals may work throughout the property, including the gaming floor, nightclubs, showrooms, restaurants, lounges, and bars. Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Detroit offer the greatest number of job possibilities. Other employment settings include casino hotels in other areas of Nevada, Mississippi, New York, Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona, and California. Other regions hosting Indian gaming and land-based or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities. New casinos and casino hotels are constantly under construction. More casinos and casino hotels are opening every year as areas legalize gambling.
Cocktail Servers may advance their careers in a number of ways. Those interested in staying Cocktail Servers may find similar jobs in larger or more prestigious facilities, usually resulting in increased tip earning. Others may climb the career ladder by being promoted to supervisory jobs such as cocktail server coordinator or cocktail server supervisor. These career moves may require additional experience and/or training.
Many jobs in casinos and casino hotels require individuals to be high school graduates or have the equivalent. They may take job experience in lieu of the educational requirement. Training is not required for employment in this field. However, for those who are interested, these are academies and vocational technical schools offering training for Cocktail Servers.
Depending on the specific state in which the casino where the Cocktail Server is working is located, there may be a number of special requirements. These include meeting the minimum age requirements of the specific state, getting a health card, and being licensed by a regulatory agency. Those working around alcohol will often also need to be certified in some manner in alcohol awareness such as TIPS (Techniques for Intervention Procedures). In Las Vegas, for example, individuals need to possess a TAM card. TAM stands for Techniques of Alcohol Management.
Prior experience as a Cocktail Server may or may not be required. Knowledge and understanding of beverage service is preferred. Individuals should be personable people who enjoy interacting with others. They should be well spoken with a neat appearance. A good memory is helpful for remembering who ordered what drink.
Depending on the location and specific casino, this may or may not be a unionized position. For example, in unionized casinos and casino hotels in Las Vegas, Cocktail Servers might be members of the Culinary Workers Local #225. In Atlantic City, Cocktail Servers are represented by Local #54 Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union. Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Cocktail Server can obtain additional career information by contacting the National Restaurant Association (NRA) or vo-tech schools offering courses in this area.
1. Schools in areas with casinos and casino hotels offering programs for Cocktail Servers usually have job placement services.
2. Jobs are often advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Cocktail Servers,” “Restaurant/Lounge Cocktail Server,” “Food and Beverage,” “Casino Showroom,” and “Casinos.”
3. Check casino job hotlines, frequently updated messages listing jobs available. Call each casino directly to get its job hotline phone number.
4. Stop by the human resources departments of casinos and casino hotels to inquire about job openings.
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