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.