the casino host: everybody's best friend.

I talk a lot about returning to the gaming industry; too much, some might argue. I used to be a dealer and wouldn't mind doing that again in the desert, obviously. But there are a couple other jobs that interest me in gaming: communications director for a casino, OR casino host.

The last one, casino host, is the one that is most intriguing and sounds the most fun. I say 'fun' because it would be a tremendous challenge. Truth be told, I'd have to look long and hard before attempting that career path. For one, it's not easy. It's beyond being a salesman. You're constantly out there drawing people into your casino to spend loads of cash onsite. And you're only as good as your little black book.

Do I have a little black book? How do I get one?

I think it's the fact that it's all a big unknown for me that makes it so intriguing.

It makes me want to do it.

I sometimes wish I had looked more into it when I worked at Blue Chip. In fact, I still might recognize a familiar face or two there. Perhaps I should put in a phone call or two.

In the interim, here's an article from three years ago in the Las Vegas Review Journal:

LAS VEGAS JOBS: Casino Host

A casino host is like a genie in the bottle to hotel guests & gamblers: He has the power to grant wishes.

Hosts are the people who get to bestow those coveted comps - the free meals, free rooms and special treatment that make up for that busted hand of blackjack or not hitting the Megabucks jackpot after hours of trying. And they take care of special guests, making them feel welcome and pampered.

Who wouldn't want a job that makes you everybody's best friend?

"People think it's a great job, that all you do is shake hands and comp people," said Matt Sacca, director of player development for Green Valley Ranch. Read more.