Casino Cage

Gaming cage cashiers can advance to supervisory roles by maintaining spotless work records and

by demonstrating professionalism and good customer relations skills. Additional education and

training may be required for advancement.

The job outlook for gaming cage workers is only moderate through the year 2014, partly because

of technology. All gaming establishments are finding ways to reduce the amount of cash handled

by employees. Cash-out machines, change machines, and automated teller machines (ATMs) are

common. Some slot machines make payouts in tickets instead of coins. The tickets can be read

by other slot machines and the amount on the ticket transferred to a new machine. By reducing

the amount of cash needed to play, fewer workers are needed in the cage.

Most gaming cage cashiers work eight-hour shifts five days per week. Because casinos are

typically open twenty-four hours a day, shifts are usually staggered, and cage workers are

expected to work some nights, weekends, and holidays. Cage workers are on their feet

throughout their shifts but are usually given two short breaks and a mealtime break. They must

work quickly and be able to concentrate for extended periods in a noisy and hectic environment.

Stress is particularly high for gaming cage workers because they are always being observed by

supervisory and surveillance personnel. Cage workers must be tactful when dealing with unruly

and frustrated patrons. In establishments that are not smoke free, they must also deal with

exposure to cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke. They are sometimes expected to lift and carry

heavy bags of money.

Wages for gaming cage workers vary according to their level of experience, training, location,

and the size of the gaming establishment that employs them. According to the U.S. Bureau of

Labor Statistics, the median hourly salary of gaming cage workers was $10.74 in May of 2004.

The Casino Cage Manager is accountable for all revenues held in the cage. The casino cage

manager protects casino cage assets by implementing accounting and documentation policies and

procedures, monitoring transactions, and ensuring compliance with company internal controls,

policies, procedures, laws, and regulations. The Casino Cage Manager oversees day to day

operations of casino cage and credit departments. The Casino Cage Manger is responsible for

hiring, supervising, training, evaluating work performance, coach, discipline, and schedule team

members.

There are no formal educational requirements for the job, although most employers require a

high school diploma or the equivalent. Casinos usually provide on-the-job training to acquaint

cage workers with the establishment's procedures. They also may offer classroom training in

rules and regulations. Employers expect applicants to speak clear and proper English and to have

excellent math skills. Some employers administer a math test to job applicants. Experience in

handling money or other employment in gaming establishments is helpful in getting a job as a

gaming cage worker.

Gaming cage workers, like all casino employees, must have a license issued by a regulatory

agency such as a state gaming control board or commission. To get this license applicants must

show photo identification, provide proof of residency in the state in which they plan to work, and

pay a fee. The fee may vary by geographical area. Age requirements for the job may vary by

state as well. All gaming job applicants should expect a background check.
People interested in casino work should contact the personnel offices of casinos directly for

information on openings and entry-level requirements. Working part time or as a seasonal

employee during major tourist seasons is an effective way to move into full-time employment.

Gaming cage cashiers can advance to supervisory roles by maintaining spotless work records and

by demonstrating professionalism and good customer relations skills. Additional education and

training may be required for advancement.

The job outlook for gaming cage workers is only moderate through the year 2014, partly because

of technology. All gaming establishments are finding ways to reduce the amount of cash handled

by employees. Cash-out machines, change machines, and automated teller machines (ATMs) are

common. Some slot machines make payouts in tickets instead of coins. The tickets can be read

by other slot machines and the amount on the ticket transferred to a new machine. By reducing

the amount of cash needed to play, fewer workers are needed in the cage.

Gambling is legal in eleven states and the number of gaming establishments is growing. The

largest growth will be in Native American–owned casinos and in racetracks that offer casino

games. A fair number of openings for gaming cage workers should result from the continuous

turnover in this occupation, which is usually due to the elevated level of scrutiny these

employees receive.

Most gaming cage cashiers work eight-hour shifts five days per week. Because casinos are

typically open twenty-four hours a day, shifts are usually staggered, and cage workers are

expected to work some nights, weekends, and holidays. Cage workers are on their feet

throughout their shifts but are usually given two short breaks and a mealtime break. They must

work quickly and be able to concentrate for extended periods in a noisy and hectic environment.
Stress is particularly high for gaming cage workers because they are always being observed by

supervisory and surveillance personnel. Cage workers must be tactful when dealing with unruly

and frustrated patrons. In establishments that are not smoke free, they must also deal with

exposure to cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoke. They are sometimes expected to lift and carry

heavy bags of money.

Wages for gaming cage workers vary according to their level of experience, training, location,

and the size of the gaming establishment that employs them. According to the U.S. Bureau of

Labor Statistics, the median hourly salary of gaming cage workers was $10.74 in May of 2021.

Fourthly, the cage interfaces with every casino department--- for example, transmittal of key

forms to the accounting department; involvement with the hard and soft count audit teams;

receiving and issuing cashiers banks to casino revenue departments (bar banks, showroom banks,

Race and Sports Book banks, hotel front-desk banks, etc.); and working with the security

department during the table game fill and credit process.

In some casinos, the cage supports the slot department by providing slot fills, supplying change

persons with requested coins, and providing large jackpot payoffs. The cage is also charged with

the responsibility of preparing and maintaining countless forms required for sound internal

control procedures and safeguarding the casino's assets. Additionally, compliance with

requirements and procedures of the Bank Secrecy Act is a critical responsibility of casino cage

personnel. However, many casinos locate the cage toward the rear of the casino property and

away from customer exits.

One reason for this is to lower the chances of a successful cage robbery. A second reason for

locating the cage in the rear is the psychological factor. A customer cashing out at the window
must walk the length of the casino toward the exit. The temptation of 'one last slot pull' or 'one

final play at the table' can decrease the amount of money the customer takes out the front door. A

third consideration is the location of the pit or live gaming areas. There are several structural

possibilities for the cage facade. Metal bars, others by Plexiglas or shatterproof windows, protect

some cages.

Still, others are 'open' cages with no protective barriers. It all depends on the environment and

management's perceived need for physical security. A small cage operation will typically offer

two customer service windows and an additional window to service casino, slot, or employee

requests. The larger the operation, the more service windows required, but keep in mind that

customers do not to stand in long lines to cash their chips. It is better to have too many

operational windows and window cage security than too few.

Casino cage operations and cashiers may not be necessary for the future as increased casinos are

now using coinless slot machines, which has made things a lot easier. With no coins to count,

things are less likely to go wrong, fewer employees will be needed and there will less room for

error. Some slot machines print out a bar-coded voucher instead of coins or cash that can then be

cashed out ATM-type machines or at the cashier cage.

Casinos are no stranger to regulations and cash management should be treated the same way.

Establishing proper cash handling policies and procedures is vital to reducing the costs of wasted

time, lost money, and mistakes. It is not enough to set procedures in place; all staff must be

effectively trained on your policies to ensure that they will put them into practice.