Surveillance Operator

About the role

The Surveillance Operator is responsible for monitoring all areas of the property—including the gaming floor, cage, food and beverage outlets, and back-of-house operations—using surveillance equipment and personal observation. This position plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, internal policies, and procedures.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Maintain constant vigilance over gaming activity, cage operations, food and beverage outlets, and other critical areas to ensure regulatory and internal control compliance.
• Record and document any unusual, suspicious, or criminal activity through video footage and written reports; escalate issues to the appropriate departments or personnel.
• Produce timely and accurate logs, incident reports, and evidence documentation for potential investigations or compliance reviews.
• Monitor surveillance systems for blind spots, technical malfunctions, or tampering and report any issues to appropriate technical or security staff.
• Log observations and incidents in the surveillance dispatch log and manage incoming dispatch calls for emergency and non-emergency response coordination.
• Oversee and support emergency response efforts by dispatching appropriate personnel including security, police, fire, or maintenance.
• Ensure minors are not participating in restricted activities such as gambling, consuming alcohol, or purchasing tobacco.
• Stay current on departmental procedures, regulatory requirements, and company policies to ensure all surveillance activity complies with applicable laws.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all surveillance operations, footage, and reports.
• Support responsible gaming initiatives and report any observed indicators of problem gambling.

Required Skills And Abilities

• Strong observational skills and the ability to identify unusual, suspicious, or non-compliant activity using surveillance systems and direct visual monitoring.
• Proficient in the use of surveillance equipment, including video cameras, monitors, digital recorders, video printers, camera selectors and switches, access control systems, and computer dispatch systems.
• Able to maintain detailed logs and create accurate written reports of observations and incidents.
• Solid understanding of laws, regulations, internal controls, and procedures related to gaming operations and facility security.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to report clearly and concisely.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding all surveillance activities and findings.
• Basic computer proficiency, including familiarity with email, word processing, spreadsheets, and database systems.
• Ability to sit for extended periods and maintain focus in a low-light environment.
• Capable of responding quickly and calmly in emergency or high-pressure situations, including managing surveillance dispatch communications.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a secure, fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission (KHRGC) license.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as business needs require.

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 1 year of related experience in surveillance, security, gaming operations, or a similar field preferred.
• Basic knowledge or formal training in investigations, security monitoring, or law enforcement practices is a plus.
• Proficient in operating surveillance equipment such as video cameras, monitors, digital recorders, video printers, selectors, and switches, as well as access control systems and computer dispatch systems.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with email, word processing, spreadsheets, and database systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, detailed reports.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Commission (KHRGC) license.
• Experience working in a regulated environment or gaming facility is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must have the ability to sit for extended periods while monitoring surveillance systems and reviewing video footage in low-light conditions.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate computer equipment, video recorders, cameras, switches, selectors, and other surveillance tools.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach, talk, and hear.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and depth perception to accurately observe activities on monitors and identify potential security or compliance issues.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to communicate clearly via two-way radio and other communication systems during normal and emergency operations.
• The work environment is typically a low-light, climate-controlled surveillance room. Noise level is moderately quiet in surveillance areas; however, noise levels may increase when conducting investigations on the gaming floor.
• When required to move through or observe the gaming floor, the employee may be exposed to secondhand smoke and loud noise.
• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on operational needs.