DIRECTOR OF CASINO OPERATIONS

Happy-Valley-Casino; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Happy Valley Casino in Central Pennsylvania is seeking a Director of Casino Operations to lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment. Opened in May 2026, the property features 600+ slot machines and 30 table games, with a focus on profitability, guest experience, and strict regulatory compliance.

Reporting to the General Manager, the role requires 8-10 years in casino operations and 5 years in senior leadership, with strong financial, analytical and strategic planning skills; a college

Qualifications

• 8-10 years progressive casino operations experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop gaming strategies that maximize profitability and market competitiveness.
• Establish annual operating plans, departmental goals, revenue targets, and performance standards.
• Direct all Table Games, Slot Operations, Players Club, and Player Development functions.
• Ensure staffing, scheduling, and operational coverage across gaming operations.
• Monitor gaming activity, floor performance, hold percentages, game mix, and efficiency.
• Evaluate slot product performance and make recommendations on placements and acquisitions.
• Lead recruitment, succession planning, and leadership development.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Casino Operations

Revenue Optimization

VIP Relations

Compliance & Regulation

Guest Experience

Education

College degree preferred

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

DIRECTOR OF CASINO OPERATIONS

Active - Non Union Salary full-time Management State College, PA, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 3062

Join the excitement at Happy Valley Casino, Central Pennsylvania’s newest gaming destination! Opened in May 2026, our state-of-the-art casino features more than 600 slot machines and 30 table games, delivering an exceptional entertainment experience in the heart of Happy Valley. As our Director of Casino Operations, you'll have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of a growing organization located just minutes from Penn State University, leading a dynamic team in an energetic and fast-paced environment.

REPORTS TO: General Manager

EDUCATION: College degree preferred but not required.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum 8-10 years progressive casino operations experience.
• Minimum 5 years senior leadership experience overseeing multiple gaming departments.
• Extensive knowledge of:

• o Slot Operations
• o Table Games Operations
• o Players Club and Loyalty Programs
• o Player Development
• o Gaming Analytics
• o Revenue Management
• o Internal Controls
• o PGCB Regulations
• o Title 31 / AML Requirements

• Demonstrated success managing multimillion-dollar gaming revenue operations.
• Proven ability to lead large teams through operational and cultural change.
• Strong financial, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, labor management, and casino marketing initiatives.
• Experience managing VIP programs and high-value player relationships.

Able to lift or carry 50lbs occasionally

Able to stand and walk 8-10 hours

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement gaming strategies that maximize casino profitability and market competitiveness.
• Establish annual operating plans, departmental goals, revenue targets, and performance standards.
• Participate in strategic planning and property-wide initiatives as a member of the executive leadership team.
• Evaluate gaming performance trends and recommend operational improvements and investment opportunities.
• Lead change initiatives that improve business results and guest experiences.

Casino Operations Oversight

• Direct all Table Games, Slot Operations, Players Club, and Player Development functions.
• Ensure optimal staffing, scheduling, and operational coverage throughout gaming operations.
• Monitor gaming activity, floor performance, hold percentages, game mix, and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate slot product performance and make recommendations regarding game placements and acquisitions.
• Ensure efficient management of pits, table limits, staffing models, and game protection procedures.
• Maintain the highest standards of operational execution and guest service across all gaming areas.

Revenue Optimization

• Drive gaming revenue growth through effective operational leadership, product optimization, and player reinvestment strategies.
• Monitor daily, weekly, monthly, and annual gaming KPIs.
• Analyze labor costs, departmental expenses, gaming performance metrics, and player reinvestment programs.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital expenditure plans.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability while maintaining compliance and service standards.

Player Development and VIP Relations

• Lead all player development initiatives and VIP relationship management activities.
• Establish player segmentation strategies and reinvestment guidelines.
• Develop programs designed to acquire, retain, and reactivate high-value guests.
• Foster strong relationships with key players through direct interaction and exceptional service.
• Collaborate with Marketing to develop promotions, events, and guest engagement programs.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with all Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulations.
• Maintain strict adherence to:

• o Internal Controls
• o Title 31 / AML requirements
• o Responsible Gaming standards
• o Company policies and procedures

• Partner with Compliance, Surveillance, Security, Finance, and Internal Audit to maintain regulatory readiness.
• Participate in audits, investigations, and regulatory reviews as required.
• Promote strong game protection and asset protection practices throughout the operation.
• Lead, develop, coach, and mentor all gaming operations leaders.
• Create a culture focused on accountability, service, teamwork, and operational excellence.
• Oversee recruitment, succession planning, performance management, and employee development.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and leadership development initiatives.
• Foster employee engagement and positive workplace culture.

Guest Experience

• Champion a guest-first philosophy throughout gaming operations.
• Ensure exceptional service standards are consistently maintained.
• Resolve escalated guest concerns in a professional and timely manner.
• Represent the casino during VIP events, community functions, and special property events.
• Develop departmental budgets and revenue forecasts.
• Monitor gaming performance and operational expenses.
• Recommend capital improvements and technology investments.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of company assets and resources.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must maintain a Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Key Employee License.
• Must be available to work flexible schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
• Must be able to lead on-property operational activities during peak business periods.
• Must demonstrate the highest level of professionalism, confidentiality, ethics, and integrity.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strength in the following leadership competencies:

• Strategic Thinking and Planning
• Operational Excellence
• Revenue Optimization
• Regulatory Compliance
• Talent Development and Coaching
• Executive-Level Communication
• Relationship Management
Guest Service Focus
• Accountability and Ownership

These competencies are essential for driving business performance, fostering a positive team culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned gaming executive to join a newly opened casino at a pivotal stage of growth. Compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capabilities, with significant opportunities for professional advancement as the organization continues to expand. We are seeking a high-impact leader who is excited by the challenge of building, shaping, and driving operational excellence within a dynamic start-up environment.

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.