Casino Countdown: 1,000 Employees Train for Opening Day
Throughout the
The screens of more than 3,000 slot machines glowed around them as supervisors gave instructions, preparing employees for opening day June 6.
Everybody from slot attendants to security officers to kitchen staff and cage attendants has undergone orientation programs and training sessions in the past few weeks, getting to know the building and their duties. All had to get state gaming licenses.
Most of the new employees didn’t have any experience working in a casino, but that’s fine with Troy Hall, director of slot operations.
“The beauty of having a ‘green’ team is we can train them and mold them how we want,” Hall said.
More than 40,000 people applied for 1,500 casino jobs, though not all of the positions have been filled yet, said Lynn Norris, vice president of human resources. The casino will employ 1,000 people when the first phase opens on June 6. The remaining 500 employees will come to work when the second phase opens this fall.
Casino developer The Cordish Cos. made a commitment to hire local workers, and informal surveys of employees undergoing training last week revealed a majority are from Anne Arundel and
One of the new employees is 21-year-old Daniel Wilder of
“I thought this would be a nice opportunity for a new career,” he said.
Fellow
“I’ve always wanted to be involved in the entertainment industry,” he said. “I like being around a lot of people, so I thought this would be a great place to start.”
As part of the training for slot attendants, Hall and his staff organized a scavenger hunt, during which employees had to find everything from specific machine numbers to landmarks within the facility. The activity was meant to familiarize employees with the casino, allowing them to better respond to situations that may arise and help visitors with directions come opening day.
“It really helps the attendants,” Hall said.
As groups of casino employees went through training last week, server Stacy Heath of
“Everybody is really excited,” she said. “Being a part of a grand opening, starting off new and being part of the birthing (of the casino) is a good thing. When you can see the birthing, it’s like being part of a family. You become really close to the people who stick with it and remain.”
Norris said the casino will hire about 200 more employees over the next few months. Those jobs are posted at marylandlivecasino.com/careers.
Most of the jobs pay between $10 and $15 per hour, Norris said.
“When you start to factor in the tips, there’s a good opportunity here,” Norris said.
The first phase of the casino will feature not only 3,000-plus slot machines, but electronic table games such as blackjack and baccarat. The machines were powered up Tuesday as casino officials led news media members on a tour of the facility. Aisle after aisle of slot machines were illuminated, along with table style games and giant screens.
Joe Weinberg, director of casino operations for Maryland Live! developer The Cordish Cos., said the casino could hire 800 additional employees if the state approves table games such as poker and black jack. A proposal to add table games, along with one to allow a sixth casino in
“It certainly would make us competitive with the states that have live dealers,” Weinberg said.
With the opening of the first phase of the casino, patrons will have several dining options. The Cheesecake Factory, chef Bob Flay’s Bobby’s
The Prime Rib and a Ram’s Head Live music venue are expected to open with the second phase this fall.