Security Officer Job Description
Casinos and casino hotels take security very seriously. These facilities are among the safest places to visit. Properties have large security departments to assure the safety and protection of customers, guests, and employees. Security Officers protect the casino and casino property. The security department should not be confused with the surveillance department, whose main responsibility is monitoring the activities in the gaming area, count rooms, and cages. One of the major ways security officers can be distinguished from surveillance officers is that Security Officers are usually visible. While there may be some plainclothes or non-uniformed security employees, security officers generally wear uniforms and can be identified. Surveillance officers, on the other hand, are not identifiable. They are not usually seen by those outside the surveillance office.
Security Officers are responsible for patrolling the casino and the rest of the facility.
They walk around the casino and maintain a presence. Security Officers are assigned designated areas to patrol. It is up to them to identify potentially dangerous situations and act on them in an effective manner. Security Officers keep the peace. Individuals are responsible for calming situations if customers become loud or boisterous. They may be required to evict guests acting in a disorderly fashion. Individuals also handle any other disturbances within the casino gaming areas and hotel.
Security Officers are responsible for protecting against theft and vandalism. Individuals must be alert to everything going on around them. They must observe the actions and activities of both customers and employees. Individuals may have to handle thefts in the casino area, as well as in any retail or food establishments in the facility. Security Officers patrol the common areas of the hotel as well to assure guest safety.
Individuals must be alert for unusual situations. This may include players who are attempting to cheat the house or employee improprieties such as embezzlement. Gaming is a regulated industry. Security Officers are required to enforce all casino rules, as well as state gaming regulations and controls. Some Security Officers are armed, while others are not. In the event of problems requiring police assistance, security officers may be required to detain people until the outside law enforcement agency arrives.
Security Officers often use two-way radios to keep in contact with their supervisor and vice versa. Individuals must be able to handle emergency situations such as holdups, power outages, and weather problems. Security Officers file daily shift reports detailing any incidents or accidents that occur during shifts. All unusual activities within the casino complex must be documented. Other duties of the casino or casino hotel Security Officer may include:
- Escorting casino employees when money or chips are being transferred
- Transporting cash and chips to designated areas
- Answering guests’ questions regarding the facility
- Following state-regulated security duties
- Providing for loss prevention within the casino
Security Officers working in casinos and casino hotels earn between USD 8.00 and USD 19.00 or more per hour.
Some Security Officers earn USD 17,000, while others earn USD 39,000 or more annually. Factors affecting earnings include the geographic location, size, and prestige of the specific casino or casino hotel, as well as the education, experience, and responsibilities of the individual.
Employment prospects for Security Officers in casinos are good. The greatest number of opportunities exist in areas where there are a large number of casinos.
With experience and/or additional training, Security Officers may be promoted to supervisory jobs within the security department. Individuals may, for example, advance to jobs such as shift commander or sergeant.
Most casinos and casino hotels prefer their Security Officers to have a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Training requirements vary from state to state. In house, on-the-job training is usually provided. Individuals with no experience may start out on the graveyard shift and learn the ropes. Certain states require individuals working as Security Officers in casinos to complete either an in-house training program or another specified training program offered in the area. Some states or casinos require an annual in-service course to refresh or update officers in changes in the security field or gaming regulations.
Armed officers must complete a firearms training course, usually involving both classroom instruction and a specified number of hours on the firing range.
State licensing is required for casino security guards.
Individuals who carry guns must also complete firearms training. There are also minimum age requirements for this position.
In some casinos, entry-level jobs may be open. However, experience working in private security, the military, or civil service police is useful. Many states require that Security Officers working in casinos be registered with the state. Security Officers who are armed usually also must be registered with the state to carry arms. Security Officers require many skills. Individuals should be responsible people with good judgment. Interpersonal and customer relations skills are essential.
Communication skills are mandatory.
Those interested in learning more about careers in this field can contact casino human resources departments.
Four steps to your Security Officer job
1. Some community colleges, universities, and vocational technical schools offer courses for Security Officers interested in working in casinos and casino hotels. These courses may be useful in career advancement.
2. Jobs may be advertised in the classified sections of newspapers in areas hosting gaming. Look under classifications such as “Casinos/Gaming,” “Casino Security,” “Gaming Security,” “Security Officer/Gaming,” or “Casino/Hotel Opportunities.”
3. Most casinos have job hotlines. These are updated messages listing jobs available. Call each casino directly to obtain its job hotline phone number.
4. Get your foot in the door of a casino hotel. Most promote from within. If you have experience in security, whether in the military or civil service, see what jobs are open, get in, and then move up the career ladder.