There’s no such thing as a hiring freeze in Colorado’s gambling towns.
Casino owners and operators have been searching for new hires for the past six months ’¢â “ and their search continues. It is estimated that more than 2,000 jobs have been created with the introduction of the new games of roulette and craps into the casinos, along with higher bet limits and the possibility of 24-hour gaming.
*Election triggers hiring*
Colorado voters initiated these casino enhancements by approving Amendment 50 in November. It allows residents of Central City, Black Hawk and Cripple Creek to vote to extend casino hours, approve additional games and increase the maximum bet limit.
These cities have been in a bit of a revenue slump for over a year, due to the smoking ban in 2008 and the economic downturn in the past 18 months. But, raising bet limits from $5 to $100 has everyone in the industry looking to a rosier future, as far as Colorado casinos are concerned.
To meet their need for more workers, many of the casinos are conducting their own job fairs, along with intensive training for craps and roulette. The training not only involves developing the skills required to deal, but also the ability to monitor play and “correct” any player misconduct.
Most of the casino jobs, particularly those that involve the floor action, require a Colorado gaming license. Licensure requires prospective workers to complete an application, pay a $100 application fee, release credit history, submit to a background check and be fingerprinted.
However, some job openings require no such certification, including in the hospitality, office and maintenance (non- slot repair) areas of the casino business.
*Hiring hundreds in June*
Employment opportunities are a sure bet this month at The Gilpin and The Lodge Casinos in Black Hawk. “We are still in the hiring process. By the time we reach July 1, we probably will have hired 150 to 160 new employees,” said Bill Wall, the companies’ Colorado director of Human Resources.
Similarly, Isle of Capri Casino and Colorado Central Station C
asino in Black Hawk have more than 130 positions to fill. Most are needed in preparation for 24-hour operation, and the addition of craps and roulette.
“To date, we’ve hired over 35 people to fill new positions created by Amendment 50,” said Greg Kite, senior director of Human Resources for these two casinos. He said almost all of the new hires are from Colorado.
Applicants also are heading here from throughout the West, including Nevada, New Mexico and California. “We have had a lot of inquiries and applicants come in, mostly from Nevada and Las Vegas, in particular,” Wall said, because of that city’s high unemployment.
Job-seekers are responding to posted vacancies for gaming, food and beverage, and other casino service sectors. Positions range from dealer and supervisor, bartender, cocktail server, prep and lead cook, surveillance agent, cage cashier, deli attendant, food and beverage supervisor, valet attendant, security officer, revenue auditor and maintenance technician, among others.
Hourly and salaried supervisory positions are being advertised. Job-hunters can view openings and apply online at each casino’s Web site.
*Construction builds openings*
Casino construction and improvements also are adding lots of new job opportunities. Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk is undergoing a huge expansion, adding a 33-story, 536-room hotel with an enclosed rooftop pool, luxury day spa and convention facilities.
The casino industry continues to be a leader in employee benefits. Most casinos offer very competitive salaries, along with medical, dental, life and vision insurance coverage. There also are 401(k) matches into employee retirement programs. Some casinos offer Employee Stock Option Plans and traditional benefits, such as paid vacation and flexible medical spending accounts.
Because many casino employees commute to their job from the seven-county Denver metro area, many Colorado casinos offer workers subsidized bus passes and free parking, along with such extras as meal tickets and special employee promotions.
Since the casino industry is focused on a lively, fun – and sometimes noisy – atmosphere, career applicants should keep that in mind. Everyone from the cage cashiers to the blackjack dealers must be “people-people” with a genuine enthusiasm for their job and a desire to provide premium customer service.
_Nancy Crimmins is special sections editor with the DNA’s Creative Services Department._
