Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators
Career Snapshot
When you go onto a casino floor, it may appear chaotic, but it is actually a highly tightly controlled and closely monitored enterprise. In the midst of the chaos and activity, there are those whose job it is to ensure that there are no irregularities - no cheating by either consumers or employees.
Gaming surveillance officers and investigators, whether employed by the casino or the state, contribute to the safety and fairness of legalised gambling for both the casino's management and its patrons. Surveillance officers monitor gamblers and casino employees to verify that house regulations are followed. This can be done from the ground or on video monitors fed by a complex network of covert cameras. They communicate with uniformed security officers and floor supervisors to alert them to potential problems.
A thorough understanding of all of the games and proper play procedures is required, as is the ability to think and respond swiftly. Gaming investigators are typically employed by the state. Their responsibility is to ensure that a casino's operations are in conformity with its gaming licence. They may evaluate video and audiotapes recorded by the casino's surveillance crew in addition to on-site inspections. Of course, if an illegal act is committed, it is reported to the proper law enforcement authorities. It takes a lot of effort to keep gaming safe and honest.