JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018 - 174

A safe bet
A career in gambling is about more than just knowing
when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em

B

et, in play, NOW!" You don't
have to be a gambler to know
that the UK gambling and casino
industry is booming - the evidence is
there in almost every ad break. In the
decade following the introduction of the
Gambling Act in 2001, which set out new
regulations and allowed TV advertising,
the industry's annual income in Britain
rocketed from around £8bn to almost
£14bn. Globally, online gambling is also
undergoing an explosion, with revenues
forecast to reach £42bn by 2020, and
there are many jobs on offer in the UK as
part of our thriving software industry.
The British gambling sector employs
over 100,000 people, including many roles
with transferable skills from other
industries, such as marketing and design,
as well as specialised jobs in casinos and
other betting-focused workplaces. It's
open to people from all walks of life, as
long as they're enthusiastic hard workers.
It's an exciting, fast-paced industry and, if
your career takes you to high-end casinos
or cruise ships, a glamorous one too.

Casino manager
When you have responsibility for a casino
you're obliged to make customers feel
safe and happy, so there's lots of contact
with the public. At the same time you
need to ensure they spend lots of money,
so you'll need to create and market
promotions and incentives. You also
need to make sure your employees are
up to date with gambling regulations.

The gambling industry's annual income
in Britain has rocketed from around
£8bn to almost £14bn since 2001
1 74 /// J O B S & C A R E E R S

What skills do I need? Communication,
organisation and clearheadedness are all
vital, as is an in-depth knowledge of the
rules of the games, in case of any disputes.
What qualifications do I need? A
degree isn't always required but it can
give you a good start - there are courses
in gambling studies available at some
universities, as well as qualifications from
the Institute for the Study of Gambling &
Commercial Gaming. You'll also need a
licence from the Gambling Commission.
Experience is crucial in this industry;
many casino managers have previously
been a floor manager or "pit boss".
How much can I earn? At least £35,000
and as much as £80,000 depending on
the size and prestige of your employer.



Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JOBS & CAREERS SPRING 2018

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