Jim Wortman, Gaming Education and Research Institute director, helps prepare students for the fast-paced world of casino management.
Photo by Jeff Fantich

Entering the casino business can be a dicey proposition, but thanks to the University of Houston, a new generation of professionals is being groomed for high-profile careers in the increasingly popular gaming industry.

UH’s Gaming Education and Research Institute prepares students for the fast-paced world of casino management. As part of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, the institute offers casino-related courses in financial management, food and beverages, hospitality and customer service.

“We offer students the knowledge needed for entry-level management positions,” said Jim Wortman, the institute’s director. “Casinos aren’t quick to immediately place recent college graduates in high-level positions. Once people prove themselves, however, promotions can come very quickly.”

Wortman cited an example of one institute member’s quick rise in the ranks. One of his graduate students was hired as a housekeeping manager for Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, but in one year was promoted to director of customer service.

Thanks to such television shows as “The Casino,” “Celebrity Poker Showdown” and “Las Vegas,” casino culture is all the rage. These shows reflect plenty of glitz and glamour, but Wortman is well aware of the sweaty effort that’s involved behind the scenes.

Prior to joining UH as a faculty member in 1994, he served as an executive in several of Atlantic City’s prominent casinos, including Trump Castle and the Tropicana.

During summer sessions at UH, he takes students to his former city and teaches them the ins and outs of casinos firsthand.

Class time is not spent entirely among slot machines and roulette tables. Wortman introduces students to high-level hotel and casino executives such as food and beverage directors and vice presidents of hotel operations for such venues as Trump Marina, Trump Taj Mahal, Caesars Atlantic City, Hilton Atlantic City and Bally’s Park Place. They also visit the New Jersey Control Commission, which is charged with regulating New Jersey casinos.

“They have an opportunity to view casino operations in person,” Wortman said. “While in Atlantic City, they can decide if the casino business is something they’d like to pursue. I have had some students who return and don’t want to get into this business after seeing what a pressure-cooker it can be.”

Those who remain interested in casino careers have decent odds of finding employment after graduation. Wortman said he’s helped place 80 former students in casino jobs around the world within the past five years.

The recent interest in gaming and Las Vegas-style nightlife has certainly helped in some respects. Wortman is pleased by the casino craze sweeping the country and hopes to see it grow. As long as it grows, so do opportunities for his students.

“All of this attention is good news for the institute,” he said. “As long as the industry continues to maintain its integrity, there will be continued growth and more jobs for our students.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu