PENN PLAY ASSOCIATE - SEASONAL

About the role

The PENN Play Associate is responsible for creating a fun, welcoming, and engaging experience for guests participating in PENN Play activities at Sam Houston Race Park. This position interacts directly with guests, assists with PENN Play programs and promotions, answers questions, and helps ensure guests have an enjoyable and seamless experience. The ideal candidate is energetic, friendly, dependable, and comfortable interacting with a wide variety of guests in a fast‑paced entertainment environment. The associate should have excellent communication skills, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to delivering exceptional guest service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Welcome and engage guests in a friendly, enthusiastic, and professional manner.
• Promote and explain PENN Play activities, promotions, games, contests, and guest‑engagement opportunities.
• Assist guests with PENN Play registration, participation, and program‑related questions.
• Provide clear and accurate information regarding PENN Play rules, promotions, eligibility, and prizes.
• Encourage guest participation while maintaining a fun and positive atmosphere.
• Distribute promotional materials, prizes, giveaways, and other guest‑engagement items as assigned.
• Monitor PENN Play areas to ensure they remain clean, organized, safe, and properly stocked.
• Assist with setting up and breaking down PENN Play activities before and after racing and special events.
• Help maintain accurate counts of promotional materials, prizes, and supplies.
• Follow all procedures related to promotional giveaways, drawings, contests, and guest rewards.
• Assist with guest questions and direct guests to the appropriate department or location when additional assistance is needed.
• Maintain awareness of the live racing schedule, major events, promotions, and activities taking place throughout the property.
• Work closely with Guest Services, Marketing, Racing Operations, Security, Food & Beverage, and other departments to support the overall guest experience.
• Maintain a professional appearance and positive attitude while representing Sam Houston Race Park and PENN Entertainment.
• Follow all PENN Entertainment and Sam Houston Race Park policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Guest Service Expectations

• Create a warm and welcoming first impression.
• Be approachable, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable.
• Listen carefully to guest questions and provide helpful answers.
• Make guests feel valued and appreciated.
• Remain professional when handling questions, concerns, or difficult situations.
• Help first‑time guests understand how to participate in PENN Play activities.
• Look for opportunities to proactively engage guests rather than simply waiting for questions.

PENN Play & Promotional Responsibilities

• Learn and understand current PENN Play programs, promotions, contests, and guest‑engagement initiatives.
• Communicate promotional details accurately and consistently.
• Follow all established rules and procedures for contests, drawings, giveaways, and prizes.
• Verify guest eligibility when required.
• Protect promotional inventory and prizes.
• Report any discrepancies, guest concerns, or unusual activity to a supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality of guest information when applicable.

Qualifications

• Previous customer service, hospitality, entertainment, retail, or guest‑facing experience preferred.
• Friendly, outgoing, and comfortable approaching and speaking with guests.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to explain information clearly and accurately.
• Ability to remain professional and positive in a busy environment.
• Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow established procedures and instructions.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, live racing days, and special events as scheduled.

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in a racetrack, casino, sportsbook, sports venue, entertainment venue, or hospitality environment.
• Knowledge or interest in horse racing and live racing operations.
• Experience working with promotions, contests, guest rewards, or loyalty programs.
• Strong sales and engagement skills.
• Ability to confidently speak with large groups of guests.
• Comfortable working in a high‑energy, fast‑paced environment.

Benefits

• Day‑one medical coverage.
• 401(k) matching.
• Annual performance bonus (may vary by position).
• Wellness programs supporting financial, physical, and mental well‑being.
• Paid time off earned according to local policy and increasing with length of employment.

Pay

Starting salary $13.00 per hour. Initial placement within the salary range is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.

Schedule

Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, live racing days, and special events as scheduled.