Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators
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.
Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators 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. The role reports a median annual salary of $43,900 in the US and is projected to grow 30% over the next decade (much faster than average). Entry typically requires a High school diploma or equivalent, and shows moderate AI exposure (0.64 on a 0-1 scale) — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. The most in-demand skills for the role include Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension.
Pay in the UK
UK: median £33,832 a year for Security guards and related occupations (ONS ASHE 2025, full-time)
Middle half of full-time jobs: £27,982 to £39,194 a year
UK jobs are grouped differently; this is the closest UK occupation group (ONS SOC 2020 9231). ONS rates this estimate precise. 2025 provisional figures; ONS revises them a year later. Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (Open Government Licence)
Pay in India (occupation group)
No official India pay figure for this career: it falls in more than one occupation group, and the Government of India's labour survey (PLFS) publishes pay only by occupation group.
Top skills
Knowledge you'll build
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
What you'd actually do
- 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.
Tools & technology you'd use
Frequently asked questions
What does Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators do?
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.
How much does Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators earn?
The median annual salary for Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators in the US is $43,900.
What is the job outlook for Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators?
The role is projected to grow 30% over the next decade (much faster than average). Current US employment is approximately 10,300 workers.
How do I become gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators?
The typical entry education is a High school diploma or equivalent. Building a foundation in the top skills below will strengthen your application.
What skills does Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators need?
The most in-demand skills for this role include Monitoring, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening. These are the skills O*NET identifies as most important for competent performance.
Will AI replace Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators?
Our AI-durability model gives Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators a score of 0.64 on a 0-1 scale (higher = more exposure). That places it at moderate AI exposure — some tasks are being automated but the role adapts. Learning to work with AI tools rather than against them is the path forward.
How hard is it to enter this field?
Gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators has low barrier to entry — generally accessible — you can enter with basic credentials and on-the-job learning.