Career Overview
Observe gambling operation for irregular activities such as cheating or theft by either employees or patrons. Investigate potential threats to gambling assets such as money, chips, and gambling equipment. Act as oversight and security agent for management and customers.
Also Known As
- Surveillance Agent
- Surveillance Observer
- Surveillance Officer
- Surveillance Operator
Alternate Job Titles
- Armed Security Officer
- Casino Enforcement Agent
- Casino Investigator
- Casino Security Officer
- Casino Surveillance Officer
- Dual Rate Surveillance Officer
- EMT Security Officer (Emergency Medical Technician Security Officer)
- Entertainment And Recreation Industry Surveillance Operator
- Gambling Monitor
- Gambling Surveillance Observer
- Gambling Surveillance Officer
- Gaming Inspector
- Gaming Investigator
- Gaming Surveillance Observer
- Gaming Surveillance Officer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Monitor establishment activities to ensure adherence to all state gaming regulations and company policies and procedures.
- Observe casino or casino hotel operations for irregular activities, such as cheating or theft by employees or patrons, using audio and video equipment and one-way mirrors.
- Report all violations and suspicious behaviors to supervisors, verbally or in writing.
- Develop and maintain log of surveillance observations.
- Inspect and monitor audio or video surveillance equipment to ensure it is working appropriately.
- Review video surveillance footage.
- Act as oversight or security agents for management or customers.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Administrative
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Problem Sensitivity
- Far Vision
- Selective Attention
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Inductive Reasoning
- Near Vision
- Flexibility of Closure
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Closed circuit television CCTV surveillance systems
- Computer laser printers
- Digital still cameras
- Digital video recording equipment
- Electric transportation carts
- Handheld metal detectors
- Laptop computers
- Law enforcement handguns
- Metal handcuffs
- Mobile radios
- Multi-line telephone systems
- Personal computers
- Remotely controlled cameras
- Security alarm systems
- Slot machines
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Telephone Conversations
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Sitting
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $34,020 |
| Median | $43,900 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $62,360 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 10,000
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Security Management Specialists
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Median Salary: $81,270
Security Managers
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Digital Forensics Analysts
Education: Not specified
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First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $58,610
Private Detectives and Investigators
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $52,370
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.