An insider’s view of the racing/entertainment industry

Opportunities abound for college graduates in the racing & casino industries. Every year, more and more casinos and race tracks are being added across the U.S. and in other countries as well. Not interested in a career in the racing and gambling industry? You may want to think again. I am employed at a combination harness racing track and video lottery (slots for the uninitiated) “racino” in Northeastern New York State. It is one of the area’s major employers. Many casinos employ thousands of workers in a wide range of fields.
Jobs at my particular location stretch from menial labor–cleaners and dishwashers, to the creative–graphic designers and horticulturalists. If you are enrolled or have graduated in a criminal justice program, security is a major department at most casinos and race tracks: employing security guards, surveillance officers and state troopers. On the gaming floor, there are many positions open for gaming attendants to supervisors. If you are a culinary grad, you can find positions as an executive chef, sous chef or host/hostess. On the track, there are positions in audio/video, tellers, track announcer, program sales, racing office, judges’ office, and heavy equipment operators, testing labs, veterinary, harness/tack sales, grooms and publicity. Behind the scenes, in the office, there are positions in marketing, group sales, graphic design, public relations, human relations, accounting/audits, general maintenance/grounds/electrical, information technology, receptionists and switchboard operators, and many more besides.
Some of these positions may or may not be unionized. Benefits are usually good with larger employers–but not always. Be prepared to be subjected to careful scrutiny by the state’s gaming and wagering board. If you work in a casino or race track, you may well have to spring for a license, although many employers may cover most or even all, of the costs associated with this. Can’t find a job in your desired field? Feeling the economic pinch? If there are no open positions in the area which you desire, consider taking a lesser position, should it be placed on the table. You don’t have to fall off of the merry-go-round grabbing for that brass ring: even if you begin your career at the very bottom–cleaning, parking valet or gaming attendant– there’s always the opportunity to change gears later on. These days, many employers will look for “talent” from within the company, and will post open positions in break rooms or company newsletters. Hundreds of different jobs abound within this rapidly rising industry, and now is an excellent time to jump on the band wagon.