Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators

SOC code 33-9031 · O*NET-SOC 33-9031.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Legal and protective services

Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$43,370

a year

Hourly

$20.85

per hour

10th$32,730Median$43,37090th$61,970

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$45,630

$21.94 per hour

Middle 50%

$36,270 – $49,210

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$32,730 – $61,970

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

9,520

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $32,730; $15.74/hr
25th percentile: $36,270; $17.44/hr
Median percentile: $43,370; $20.85/hr
75th percentile: $49,210; $23.66/hr
90th percentile: $61,970; $29.79/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Act as oversight or security agents for management or customers.
Supervise or train surveillance observers.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 84% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)84%
Post-Secondary Certificate6%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree5%
Some College Courses3%

Common questions

How much does a gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators earn?

The national median is $43,370 a year. The full range runs from $32,730 at the 10th percentile to $61,970 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a gambling surveillance officers and gambling investigators without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Monitoring4.1/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Speaking3.6/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Active Listening3.3/5
Writing3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5

Knowledge areas

English Language4.3/5
Public Safety and Security4.0/5
Computers and Electronics3.7/5
Mathematics3.6/5
Administrative3.6/5
Education and Training3.4/5
Customer and Personal Service3.3/5
Administration and Management3.3/5

Transferable strengths: Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Instructing.