Job Description for Indian Gaming Change Attendants
There are more than 50 bingo halls and casinos on Indian reservations in California alone, as of 2010. More states than not play host to at least one Indian gaming establishment. Everyday, change attendants do their part to keep these organizations up and running. Although their role has evolved over the years, Indian gaming change attendants provide invaluable support to customers on the casino floor.
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Duties
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Just as the name suggests, the original function of a change attendant was to provide change to slot players. Now most casinos use special kiosks to break bills and slot machines use special tickets instead of copious coins. Workers still supply change when needed, but they spend more time fixing fickle machines and showing guests how to use comp cards.
Awarding slot machine jackpots is another common job requirement. Before a slot attendant hands over the cash, attendants verify players' identity, confirm their age and help guests fill out the appropriate paperwork. If the cash prize is substantial, documents must be sent to the Internal Revenue Service and other paperwork may be required to safeguard against money laundering.
Education and Licensing
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Most employers ask that candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent. A gaming license will also be required. The licensing process varies by region but usually involves a background check and a round of fingerprinting.
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Compensation
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wages for slot key persons was $25,460 in 2008. In addition to their regular pay, many casino guests give change attendants tips. Some organizations have staff members pool their tips and split them equally. Other properties allow attendants to go for their own and keep whatever they earn themselves. Personality traits, work assignments and a variety of other factors play into a change attendant's tip earning potential.
Work Schedules
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Work schedules for gaming attendants vary greatly due to the nature of the industry. Most casinos are open around the clock. Someone has to be on staff at all times to assist guests. For change attendants, this translates into working weekends, holidays and night shifts.
Special Notes on Indian Casinos
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Preferential hiring is often given to members of the tribe but most Indian casinos allow anyone to apply. Positions are often filled by outside candidates simply because most tribes don't have enough internal applicants to fill every position. As a result, workers from all backgrounds work at Indian gaming establishments.
Gambling properties run by Native-American tribes must be located on reservations. Housing surrounding the property may be limited. Many workers commute from large neighboring cities.
Job Outlook
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The BLS projected that employment positions across the gaming service industry would grow 14 percent between 2008 and 2018. Predictions were not as rosy for change attendants. Slot positions were projected to grow only 3 percent in the same time period from 24,400 to 25,100 positions.
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References
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