Past years in the casino industry have been characterized by a notable gender imbalance, especially in leadership roles. Men have primarily dominated executive and other top-level positions. Women, on the other hand, are often relegated to lesser-paying and customer-centered roles.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift in this disparity centered around gender. More casinos have begun embracing diversity and if you play roulette games for real money in these gaming places you might have noticed it.
The clamor for this shift is based on the societal pressure that women should enjoy as much inclusion and recognition as men.
With respect to this, we will now look at the numbers, the challenges women face, and the efforts to promote diversity. Here we go.
What are the Current Numbers Saying About The Female Gender in Casino Roles
According to a report in 2021, the percentage of women in the gaming workforce in the US has increased to an impressive 49%. While this is progress, women still do not get recognition for top-level leadership roles like men. Below are the numbers.
Leadership Positions
Although women make up nearly half of the general workforce, leadership positions mainly consist of the male gender. Reports state that women only hold 25% of senior managerial positions and 10% of CEO roles in the gambling sector. This report proves that women are still notably underrepresented in the higher ranks of the industry.
Specific Roles
Women also encounter gender segregation when it comes to specific roles. For example, patrons will likely find women in customer care positions, human resources, marketing departments, etc. But when it comes to roles in operations, dealer games, or security, those are dominated by males.
Disparity in Pay
Moving on from leadership roles, women also face disparity in pay due to their gender. On average, a study revealed that women only earned 80 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. This disparity in pay may seem like a small number, but this number is significant when it comes to higher-paying roles.
Challenges Facing Women Resulting in These Low Numbers
Many factors contribute to the low quantity of women in the casino gaming industry. Understanding this will help promote real change. They include:
Lack of Mentorship and Networking Opportunities
Men dominate the industry, so women tend to be left out of mentorship programs and networking opportunities. And since these mentorships and networking programs are essential for career development, women are often limited.
Harassment and Discrimination
A casino is a place where people get tense, and emotions are high. As a result, the small percentage of women working on casino floors tend to be harassed in one way or another by the customers. This issue of harassment thus creates a toxic work environment that poses an obstacle to women’s career growth.
The Challenge of a Good Work-Life Balance
Another major challenge is the long hours and irregular schedules attached to working in a casino. These long hours thus demand that workers be ever-present and on high alert, not minding the few hours of rest they get. For women, particularly those with childcare responsibilities, this poses a challenge, further contributing to the gender imbalance.
Efforts To Promote Gender Equality in the Industry
In recognizing the importance of gender equality in society, particularly in casinos, the industry has taken steps to promote diversity. Some of these initiatives are as follows:
Diversity and Inclusion Culture
To foster a more equitable work environment, many casinos have enforced diversity and inclusion policies. These programs include diversity training, the creation of diversity councils, and the establishment of resource groups. Such initiatives aim to promote a more welcoming workplace for women and also to promote work-life balance.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Gambling platforms have begun offering flexible work schedules for women with busy lives outside their casino jobs. Moreover, they also provide child support options for those with kids to allow for women’s complete hands-on progress in the industry.
Mentorship and Leadership Training Programs
The development of mentorship programs for women also aims to address the lack of skills needed to advance in the gaming sector. These programs provide mentorship and leadership training while building skills and connections.
Potential Benefits of Gender Equality
The advocacy for gender equality comes with certain benefits, such as:
- Improved Innovation and Creativity: Where there’s diversity, there are higher chances to achieve innovation and creativity.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: Different perspectives and standpoints result in better and more inclusive decision-making processes.
- Better Customer Experience: Diversifying the workforce allows for better customer engagement, stronger relationships, and a more welcoming environment for patrons.
The End
The casino world is a place where both genders meet at a crossroads. As such, true gender equality in this industry can only be attained through sustained commitment and action. Only then can the underrepresentation of women in the sector transform into an inclusive and equitable system.
