If you’re struggling to keep your casino fully staffed, you’re not alone. Turnover rates exceeding 50 percent have become the norm, and for Native American casinos in rural areas, the challenge is even steeper. Managers face a constant struggle to find, hire, and retain qualified personnel. In particular, Native American casinos often operate in rural areas with limited candidate pools, making it even more challenging to attract and retain skilled staff for extended periods.
While trusted HR consulting teams are well positioned to help casinos better recruit and retain staff, this article focuses on two alternative ways casinos can accomplish essential work: innovative technology and strategic outsourcing.
Smart technology solutions to reduce staffing needs
Modern technology offers casinos a variety of solutions to streamline operations and reduce the demand for staff. Innovations in software and hardware have both made substantial contributions.
Software solutions
Cash operations and vault systems, for example, help automate record-keeping and reduce manual labor for vault and cage cashiers, as well as for revenue audit staff. A reliable Title 31 system can electronically capture transactions, eliminating tedious manual logs and saving valuable time in the cage and in revenue audit or compliance. Software innovations in other areas can likewise contribute to greater individual productivity.
Hardware solutions
Even greater efficiencies can be achieved with hardware. Automated recyclers in vaults and cages reduce the workload for cashiers and can even eliminate the need for a dedicated vault cashier on certain shifts. Cash dispensers at cashier windows simplify bank management, minimize payout errors, and drastically cut the time spent issuing and returning funds. Ticket redemption kiosks — now common in most casinos — can also free up staff, especially if they’re correctly positioned for maximum usage. Adding check-cashing capabilities to these kiosks further speeds up service. Check cashing is a time-consuming transaction. You may also choose to limit the number of cashier windows providing this service. Additionally, self-service kiosks located in player club areas enable guests to sign up, request replacements, and access promotions without assistance from staff.
Outsourcing: a strategic path to efficiency
Beyond technology, outsourcing specific functions can help casinos manage labor shortages. Many areas of casino operations can benefit from specialized external support:
- Housekeeping and security: Outsourcing or supplementing these labor-intensive departments can alleviate internal staffing pressures.
- Food and beverage: Kitchens, waitstaff, and bartenders can be managed by outside providers, or the entire food and beverage operation can be contracted out.
- Maintenance: Facilities maintenance can be outsourced in whole or in part to help alleviate staffing.
- Finance: Certain accounting functions, such as year-end audit preparation, can be efficiently handled by third-party firms. Outside firms can also be utilized to perform various accounting functions, such as controller and CFO functions.
Adapting for success
Staffing will likely remain a persistent challenge for casinos. However, technology and outsourcing present practical alternatives to traditional hiring. By carefully reviewing your casino’s processes and staffing needs, you can identify opportunities to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and alleviate the staffing crunch facing the industry.
Whether you’re seeking ways to optimize your business or simply need relief from constant turnover, these strategies offer proven results beyond simply adding more people to the payroll. The key is a thoughtful approach — analyzing your unique situation and choosing the right solution to fit your needs.
Is your casino ready to explore staffing alternatives? Consider integrating these innovations and partnerships to keep your operations running smoothly and efficiently.
