Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

O*NET 33-9031.00 · SOC 33-9031

Gambling Surveillance Officer is a risky career choice. Median pay is $43k a year with -1.8% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 1,100 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+-1.8%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$43k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
1k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Monitor casino floors using closed-circuit camera systems
  • →Observe dealers and players for signs of cheating
  • →Review recorded footage to investigate suspected fraud
  • →Report suspicious activity to casino management or law enforcement
  • →Document incidents of rule violations or illegal gambling behavior

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Gambling Surveillance Officer roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Structured, offices, data centers, or remote

Work Style

Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Gambling Surveillance Officer involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningMonitor casino floors using closed-circuit camera systems
MiddayObserve dealers and players for signs of cheating
AfternoonReview recorded footage to investigate suspected fraud

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Conventional (Organizers)5.6
Enterprising (Persuaders)4.8
Realistic (Doers)4.1
Investigative (Thinkers)2.2
Social (Helpers)2.1
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Gambling Surveillance Officer?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe ExecutiveISTJThe InspectorENTJThe CommanderESFJThe Provider

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Gambling Surveillance Officer Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators is projected to decline 1.8% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

45/100Elevated disruption risk
  • ·51% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Gambling Surveillance Officer make?

The median Gambling Surveillance Officer earns $43k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Gambling Surveillance Officer jobs?

Our model puts Gambling Surveillance Officer at 45 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 51% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; industry sector with low automation exposure.

Is Gambling Surveillance Officer a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 1.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 1,100 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Gambling Surveillance Officer?

Most Gambling Surveillance Officer roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Gambling Surveillance Officer?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Gambling Surveillance Officer career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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