Pit Bosses
About
Exploring this Job
Participate in information interviews with pit bosses. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask pit bosses about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field.
Take every opportunity available to learn new skills. Become fluent in another language. It will give you an edge over other applicants since people come from all over the world to visit gambling centers. It is also essential that you practice your math skills. As a pit boss, you must keep track of cash, chips, bets, etc. Be sure to learn some of the more popular software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
Since customer service is such a large part of every job in the casino, try to get some experience in that area as well. A part time or summer job in the customer service department in any industry will be helpful. An internship in any capacity at a casino will also provide you with good experience.
The Job
The gaming area is usually separated into pits or groups of tables. The person in charge of overseeing the pit is called the pit boss. The pit may consist of tables of one specific game (such as craps or blackjack) or may have tables of different types of games grouped together. The pit boss must have an understanding of all the games he or she is overseeing.
The pit manager works under the direction of the shift manger and has a variety of responsibilities. First and foremost, they are expected to supervise the games in the pit and be sure they run smoothly. Games must be run properly and according to casino policies. The pit boss must ensure that regulations and procedures of the games are followed.
A good portion of the job of the pit boss involves customer service. He or she is expected to greet players to the pit and make them feel welcome and comfortable. The individual may answer questions and escort players to gaming tables.
Pit bosses open and close gaming tables depending on the number of customers and number of available dealers. They may move dealers from table to table trying to assure the best gaming experience for guests. Pit bosses supervise dealers in their pit and are in charge of all pit personnel. They are expected to watch dealers to make sure they are dealing properly and not making mistakes. Pit bosses must ensure that proper procedures are followed and watch for any cheating on the part of dealers or other employees in the pit. Pit bosses are also responsible for scheduling the breaks for all pit personnel.
Pit bosses must also be alert to players attempting to cheat the casino in any way. They watch players who seem more skilled than others, such as those who count blackjack cards. If there is a problem, they either step in or alert the shift manager to take action.
Pit bosses deal with large sums of money. Throughout their shift, they watch all bets, chips, and the movement of money. They are responsible for accounting for every dollar that goes through the pit during their shift.
There is a lot of paperwork necessary in effectively running the pits. Pit bosses must complete this paperwork. This includes things like making out and authorizing cash-outs, fills, or credit slips. It also includes shift reports, shift changes, and scheduling.
Pit bosses arbitrates and settle any disputes that occur between players and dealers. If a customer has a complaint about the way a game was played or a dealer makes a mistake, the pit boss steps in, makes corrections, and quickly and fairly addresses the issue. He or she is always on hand to answer questions regarding the game or the way it was played.
Individuals also are responsible for handling other customer problems and complaints which arise and calming down agitated customers. Pit bosses may coach dealers, prepare dealer reviews, and train dealers in better customer service skills or game protection.
As a rule, pit bosses work eight hours shifts in the pit with three or four breaks. They may need to complete paperwork at the end of their shift.