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Protective Service

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

Also called: Casino Enforcement Agent, Gaming Investigator, Security Officer, Surveillance Agent

US median pay

$43,370

per year, 2025

Job growth 2025–35

-1.8%

declining

Openings a year (US)

1,100

9,800 employed

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation

What this job is

Observe gambling operation for irregular activities such as cheating or theft by either employees or patrons. Investigate potential threats to gambling assets such as money, chips, and gambling equipment. Act as oversight and security agent for management and customers.

What they do day to day

  • Monitor establishment activities to ensure adherence to all state gaming regulations and company policies and procedures.
  • Observe casino or casino hotel operations for irregular activities, such as cheating or theft by employees or patrons, using audio and video equipment and one-way mirrors.
  • Report all violations and suspicious behaviors to supervisors, verbally or in writing.
  • Develop and maintain log of surveillance observations.
  • Inspect and monitor audio or video surveillance equipment to ensure it is working appropriately.
  • Review video surveillance footage.
  • Act as oversight or security agents for management or customers.
  • Supervise or train surveillance observers.

Skills and knowledge that matter most

Skills

  • Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
  • Social Perceptiveness3.1/5
  • Instructing3.0/5
  • Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
  • Time Management2.9/5
  • Coordination2.9/5
  • Service Orientation2.6/5
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.6/5

Knowledge

  • English Language4.3/5
  • Public Safety and Security4.0/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.7/5
  • Mathematics3.6/5
  • Administrative3.6/5
  • Education and Training3.4/5

Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).

Education and preparation

Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.

Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.

Highest education of people in this job:

  • High school diploma84%

Who this job suits

Mostly Conventional

Organising data, details and procedures

Enterprising

Leading, persuading and starting things

Realistic

Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals

Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.

Job titles you'll see in postings

Casino Enforcement AgentGaming InvestigatorSecurity OfficerSurveillance AgentSurveillance InvestigatorSurveillance MonitorSurveillance ObserverSurveillance OfficerSurveillance OperatorSurveillance Technician