Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators
Also called: Gambling Surveillance Officers
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.
Also called: Armed Security Officer, Casino Enforcement Agent, Casino Investigator, Casino Security Officer, Casino Surveillance Officer, Dual Rate Surveillance Officer
Median pay
$43,370
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$32,730 – $61,970
People employed
9,520
Holland code
CER
Conventional · Enterprising · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 4.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
The hard parts
- Dealing with conflict is part of the job
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (34 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators salary in every state →
What gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators do
- 01Monitor establishment activities to ensure adherence to all state gaming regulations and company policies and procedures.
- 02Observe 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.
- 03Report all violations and suspicious behaviors to supervisors, verbally or in writing.
- 04Develop and maintain log of surveillance observations.
- 05Inspect and monitor audio or video surveillance equipment to ensure it is working appropriately.
- 06Review video surveillance footage.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Administrative
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers87% · +29%
- Gambling Managers83% · +115%
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers82% · +47%
- Office Clerks, General78% · +4%
- Tellers77% · −1%
Change into gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Gambling Cage Workers82% · $37,580
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers80% · $36,220
- Tellers77% · $43,030
- Billing and Posting Clerks76% · $48,500
- File Clerks76% · $43,600
Majors that lead here
- Casino Operations and Services, General
- Security and Loss Prevention Services
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.