Many people arrive in Las Vegas seeking employment, and the vast majority of them get work related to the tourism industry, or at least supported by the 35 million visitors each year. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics the median hourly rate is $14.78 and the mean annual wage is $38,720. Half of the workers in Clark County work in the service industry, and the percentage of ‘professionals’ is below the national average. Many people don’t think beyond getting casino jobs in Las Vegas.
The glory days of Las Vegas giving everyone a bite at the cherry that is the American dream, where a hotel maid could buy a house, are long gone. Whilst housing prices have declined to once again become affordable the recession has hit the construction and gaming sectors hard and unemployment is at just below 14%. Furthermore it is important to remember that Nevada is a right-to-work state which means that employees can be fired at will for no reason (except for illegal reasons such as discrimination).
If you decide to go ahead and secure a position in the gaming industry then you will need a sheriff’s card which is used to document and license all employees of the gaming and liquor industry. In order to get one you will need a signed referral slip from your prospective employer, so don’t try and apply until you have found a job. You will also need to show proof that you are over 21, a birth certificate if you 25 years, documentation from Immigration and Naturalization Services if you are not a US citizen and a juvenile work permit if you are under 18. If you have an extensive criminal history then you are unlikely to be granted the card.
Tips to Getting Casino Jobs in Las Vegas
For people that are new to the gaming and casino industry their best bet is to apply for positions off-Strip as experience is required at most of the major hotels. With that said what you will often find off-Strip is experience locals who appreciate being able to work closer to home. Places like Red Rock Casino and Green Valley Ranch have some very high quality employees. If you have your eyes on the prize of a big tipping Strip job then a good way in is to apply at one of the smaller casinos that is under the same ownership as a mega-resort and work your way to a transfer. If you do start off at a local’s casino then many of your customers work in the industry so you need to be at the top of your game – it’s an excellent training ground.
There are a lot of flakes attracted to the bright lights of Vegas so if you can show that you are a reliable person, and someone with a spark of initiative, then you place yourself at the front of the line. If you can show that you do not frequently change jobs that is also looked upon favourably. Show that you have attention to detail by submitting an error free application form.
Once you get to the interview the best approach varies depending on the type of job that you are going. If it is a customer facing role then one of the most important things is showing that you are positive and outgoing. Don’t change your image to try and fit in with what you think Vegas wants – just be yourself. Whichever type of job you go for expect to be tested for drug use. Dress smartly for the interview. A freshly dry cleaned suit is appropriate for men and women. Often interviews take place on the casino floor so be prepared for this.
The top tipping jobs are those of bellman, dealer, valet, cocktail waitress, and bartender, but if you decide to go this route you will initially find that you are on the graveyard shifts where tips are minimal. You have to be prepared to put in some low salary time before you are rotated into the top positions, and this can take a long time because people are reluctant to relinquish such prime positions.