Slot machines are not just for Vegas any more. Over the last several decades, more areas have legalized gambling, and casinos are now spread across the U.S. from Vegas to Colorado to Florida. Many of them are open 24 hours, creating a need for a variety of employees. Slot machine technicians are some of the most important for running a casino since slot machine technicians evaluate, repair, adjust and maintain all different kinds of slot machines. To become a slot machine technician, consider attending a school that offers a certificate or degree in slot machine technology.
Educational requirements
There are no state laws or guidelines requiring a certain amount or kind of training for slot machine technicians. Instead, each casino makes its own determination regarding requirements. Many casinos offer training to new hires, so outside education may not be needed, but coming in with education and/or experience can help you land a job more easily.
Finding schools
Many community and junior colleges, universities and technical schools offer technology degrees. These range from one-year certificates to associate degrees that may be earned in two years, four-year bachelor degrees and even advanced degrees such as masters level. Appropriate majors for slot machine technicians include information technology, electronic engineering and electronic technology.
Some schools do offer degrees, certificates and programs specifically for slot machine technicians. Check with a local job placement service or college advising center to find out more about such programs. The American Gaming Association and Electronics Technician Association-International are also good sources of information about educational possibilities.
Classes
Educational programs teach students how to troubleshoot, repair, install, monitor and adjust slot machines. Helpful courses include those that explain how the money input and delivery systems work on the machines, the electrical systems and components, the circuitry, creating and testing of the equipment, identification and use of parts like resistors and capacitors, codes for troubleshooting and basic functions of microprocessors.
Programs
Educational program costs and lengths vary widely depending upon the degree or certificate earned and the school attended. Slot machine technician schools and programs may have different requirements and costs at different schools. The program at Atlantic Cape Community College is a good example, however. A 375-hour course plus a 75-hour internship costs students about $3400. Such schooling often leads to certification from the Electronics Technicians Association-International.
Licensing
Gaming employees must all obtain a license from the state in which they work. Getting a license as a slot machine technician requires submitting personal and work history, agreeing to be fingerprinted for a background check, and paying a fee. Although some states used to require specialized training programs in order to receive a license, most have dropped those programs, so schooling is not typically needed in order to receive a license.
Even working as a slot machine technician, however, you will probably need to sign a statement saying that you have read and understand federal gaming laws.
References
American Gaming Association. Americangaming.org.
Electronics Technician Association-Internation. Eta-i.org.
