I'm not talking about Vegas here but rather the many riverboat and small casinos that are poping up all over the place. What are the procedures for trying them out as performance venues? Are there any books or information like those for cruise ships? I am planning a move soon to an area that has several of these smaller ones and would like to explore this. Any ideas?

I was about to post a similar posting. Anyone have any experience with small casinos?

Find agents who have good relations with the Entertainment Director.

The casinos that I would like approach both have nice sit-down style restaurants inside. I would like to do table magic there... I assume that I ought to just approach them like any other restaurant.

Ah… The dream!

“Casino Magic!”

By the numbers, this is almost every performers desire to work casinos!

I mean, if you can just break into this luxury market you’ll have all you’ve ever dreamed of…
- You’ll have “made-it”…
- You’ve “arrived”…
RIGHT?

I mean just think about it… your name up in sparkling lights?

How cool is THAT?!?

I STILL, to this very day, get ‘chills’ every time I realize the lifestyle I am blessed to lead, and add to that fact, I’m getting PAID to enjoy it… Woo Hoo!

After nearly twenty (20) years in this exciting market, and having done just about everything imaginable! - - VIP, high-roller events, promotional entertainment programs, and even the most luxurious casino and resort cabarets and showrooms all over the world including: Reno and Las Vegas and beyond.

The casino market is the professional’s most enviable “wildest dream” and notorious nightmare all at the same time at any given moment! - - Wanderlust to be sure!

Don’t get me wrong, I have loved just about every minute of working in a casino environment, but just like any other respectable markets, it’s real WORK!

The good news is, there is room for just about ‘any style of entertainment professional’ in the casino market that is willing to “do what it takes” to deliver what THEY (Your Casino) want.

=> Ultimately, just as in any other market, the only way to effectively reach this market is to “find a need and supported it!”

=> That is true in just about any performance market; from casinos to kids shows, from corporations to cruise ships, from theme parks to theme parties the answer is still the same… “Help your business/person relationship get exactly what they need and you’ll never have to worry about where the work is coming from for the rest of your life!”

Re-Read the last two paragraphs if you have to… but UNDERSTAND your “responsibility” as a true business and performance professional: “your ability to be profitable is directly related to your ability to be an effective solutions provider!”

PERIOD!

End of Story!

This is never truer than the casino market and environments. The more solutions you can provide the more work you will have.

Just one point… In nearly twenty years, I have NEVER utilized the assistance of an agent in establishing my relationships in the casino market. That is not to say that it is not an effective means by which to get into the market, depending on your interests, skills and desired outcomes. (And most importantly… THEIRS!) It is only to say that “I,” in my own experience, have not used agents to a great degree.

Certainly, agents have tried to add us to their roster of acts and offerings; I have just not found this to be the most effective means for ‘me’ and what I do.

=> So your question is “how do I get work in the casino markets“?

The answer is: The exact same way you would get just about any other kind of gig or market whether it be a hospitality, trade show, corporate engagement, private party etc.

In no way do I mean to trivialize or oversimplified this point, or the market. I’m only saying that it doesn’t require a unique set of selling or marketing skills per say.

That said, it ‘does’ require a very unique set of perspectives!

That perspective is: “how can I help them get more of what they want” so alternately I will have what is that I want? (The gig.)

Do you see a THEME developing here?

That doesn’t sound too different from any other market you might attempt to support effectively, does it? The distinction here is, you have to know the gaming environment, and their most desired goals, Their most desired outcomes and most desired bottom line!

So… If you don’t already KNOW this market; either:
a) Do your ‘due-diligence, research’ and deliver their desired outcomes.
or
b) Don’t even try!

I MEAN IT!

Please, don’t misunderstand me; I am in no way trying to dissuade or discourage you from going after your dream and working in the casino market.

That would be the LAST thing I would ever do!

I’m only saying, as any ‘responsible professional’ would for any particular new market; “Find out what it is you need to find out” before you attempt to market so you don’t destroy it for yourself and others.

Fair?

Please, if you have in the “specific” questions as to how to truly support this market, feel free and ‘ask’ and we will do the best we can to support you with truthful answers you deserve.

Again, the casino market is relatively wide open for just about any style of professional. For “us”, as magicians, some might include: Close Up Magic, Stand Up Magic, or full-blown Illusion Show! Certainly there’s plenty of work to be found and enjoyed in this fun, exciting and lucrative market of “Casino Magic!”

Hope that adds to the process and supports the considerations and discussion on this subject. As always… just my experience; your mileage may vary.

I am at your service and In His Service,
Deano
<><

Excellent post Deano. Definitely helps to put things in perspective.

I'm targeting two casinos in my area that are small Indian casinos that I'd like to do restaurant magic for. I guess I need to research more the hierarchy of who I need to approach.

In Atlantic City, the casinos will NOT hire outside of a licensed agent.

Thanks Dean for all the great information. I live 60 miles from Shreveport/Bossier City Louisiana where these small casinos have really popped up. I guess I will have to do my homework now. I just didn't imagine they were approachable. They've just been sitting there for years now.

Thanks

Martin

Hmmmmm, that's odd then. I guess I just got lucky? (I don’t think so…) I have worked Atlantic City without an agent every time, and so have the lots of the guys I know. (Guys we all know too...)

Weird eh? (Hehehehehehe!)

Again, I’m not saying that working with an agent is bad… quite the contraire’! I’m only saying that in my 20+ years of working in the Casino market that I have not used agents in any large part. That’s just me. Maybe YOU have had good luck with agents… GREAT, but it’s NOT, by a Loooonnng shot, the ONLY way to work casinos! (Even in Atlantic City.)

====================================

Anyway gang, The WORST thing that can happen while marketing and building relationships in the casino biz is nothing. Give it your best shot and see what happens!

They NEED what we have to offer... they may not know it yet, but that is, in part, our job and it is to support them with their most pressing considerations and outcomes.

EXAMPLE:
While working in a casino restaurant (or most other hospitality situations) our job is not so much to be a 'magician doing tricks’ as it is to be an “ambassador of good will” on behalf of the property, help the line wait seem NOT so long (especially at the buffet’s!) support the servicing staff with kitchen delays... and all that stuff we KNOW we are REALLY there for.

The Casino/Restaurants we work could largely care less about our magic tricks except as to what it can help them do for their guests and bottom line... make sense?

What they DO care about is:
- Happy Guests!
- Guests that RETURN!
- Guest that tell everyone to come to your casino!
- Happy guests that keep gaming in THAT casino!
...and the list goes on!

The owners of these business DO NOT care about the cool tricks we do! They ONLY care about the addition, attraction and support of the BOTTOM LINE! - - THEIR perceived bottom line... not ours! (Like having a magic gig to make money for US!)

Again, you will have to ASK, even 'politely probe' for what hat is for each one of them.

SURE, one of those things is that they want their guests to be 'entertained', but that too falls in the category of "HAPPY" guests... see?

Anyway, I hope this adds to the ongoing discussion and helps to make your dreams more of a reality!

I say GO FOR IT!

Like I said, the only thing you have to loose is the chance you would have LOST if you do NOTHING!

I remain at your service and In His Service,
Casino Deano in Reno (Hehehehehe!)
<><

REMEMBER:
“Something Terrible Happens If You Don’t Take ACTION… NOTHING!”

…don’t let that happen to YOU!

Very strong advice. I potentially see a steady gig at a casino if I can get myself in.

So my marketing needs to be geared at how the magic will actually make their casino special over the others, and how it will keep more retention and make more people come who otherwise wouldn't want to come.

First of all, I live in Atlantic City. The bulk of my work comes from the casinos. I have worked at nine out of the thirteen casinos in the city ranging from roving programs, High-Roller parties, to showrooms.

Let's say you are trying to get into a roving program. The casinos have their own Entertainment Agencies whom they deal with. If they decide to put on an event, they would call their agencies and the agents would bid on it providing the best entertainment for the budget.

One other reason is that the agencies that the casinos deal with are insured. Unless the performers have insurance, the casinos would rather go to an agent.

Now, if you're talking about producing a show, and you are acting as a Producer and the Act, you can approach the Entertainment Director yourself to sell it. But, you have to be a really good salesman. Especially if the Entertainment Director has no previous knowledge of you.

A popular trend nowadays in Atlantic City is what's called a "Four-wall", but that's a whole other topic.

The Amazing Salazar,

You are certainly welcome to your-own experiences, and I truly value your insights as well as all your awesome contributions here at the Café, I’m ONLY saying that (again) ‘my experience is different from yours’.

That’s all…

Since I was 14 (YES, I know, under the ‘legal age’) I have worked in, produced for, and provided solutions to the gaming and casino industries in just about every imaginable capacity. I have a tiny bit to offer on the subject, even though it may differ from your own experience.

I have been overly blessed to have been able to work all over the world in almost every gaming market known here (In the US) and abroad… mostly as a “Main Showroom Entertainer” (and producer) in most of the best recognized, most luxurious resort/casinos with tons of ‘original contributions’ to what is now know as “Environmental Entertainment” (What you NOW refer to as ‘Roving Programs’) and on-floor “Promotional Entertainment Programs”. (PEP)

I have never said that using agents is good, bad or indifferent. I have only stated that “I, myself” choose NOT to engage the services of said inroads in large part… JUST a personal preference. Nothing more.

…even where you are.

Also, in my opinion and experience, EVERY “professional” entertainer should have all the proper insurance and bonding they need to work… it’s just one of the costs of doing business as a pro. - - Oh, and YES, I was hired DIRECTLY in AC as “talent” with-out representation… not as a producer, though I have done that as well.

As far as 4 walling… UNFORTUNATELY, you are RIGHT! (Actually it’s really more of 2 walling now-a-days.) This practice has taken over like a plague.

Now certainly, we can each debate the finer point of producing in the casino markets, but I personally DO-NOT, WILL-NOT nor have I EVER engaged in such an arrangement.

I have HELPED others, who ‘have indeed’ chosen this inroad with MUCH Success, but as a rule (again… for ME) I choose not to.

I hope that helps clear some things up a bit…

I remain at your service and In his service,
Deano
<><

PS
It’s PERFECTLY OK to “Agree to disagree, agreeably” as well. No hard feeling of any sort brother! Like I said in the very beginning… I appreciate you!

Dean,
To clarify, Scott's original question specifically ruled out Vegas (with implication to other large market casinos) and chose instead, to focus on riverboat casinos and smaller market (Indian?) casinos.

You mentioned ". . . you have to know the gaming environment, and their most desired goals, Their most desired outcomes and most desired bottom line!

So… If you don’t already KNOW this market; either:
a) Do your ‘due-diligence, research’ and deliver their desired outcomes.
or
b) Don’t even try!"

Your answer expounds the point of finding out what the market wants, or don't try. I think Scott's question was PART of his due-diligence and research. I believe he even came to the right place to ask.
Salazar's experience is different than yours. He is currently there, in AC. He only expressed his experience in one sentence. It leaves me wondering why you tell him "You are certainly welcome to your-own experiences . . ." and then spent so much space defending yours.

To Scott and others expressing interest in Indian and casino boat work:
As the Entertainment Dir. for a FL-based casino boat company for 5.5 yrs, I hired entertainers with and without the use of agents. If they came to me direct, I listened and watched. If they convinced me, and I could afford them, I hired them. If they were good (meaning the people liked them), I hired them back. If the agents pitched them, I used the same set of criteria. It never mattered to me how the initial contact was made. I was searching for quality entertainers: nice people with great chops - magicians, musicians, jugglers, dancers, cruise directors, etc.

As a full-time magician for the past 5 yrs, I do a fair amount of work for Indian Casinos. It's where I spent New Years Eve. They hire me for special occasions such as VIP parties for the VIP players, holiday events, company events, etc. I am always booked by the Marketing Dept. as they play a major role in the success of these events. I suggest contacting (maybe a letter first, followed with a phone call a couple days later) the Head of the Marketing Dept. Find out their name and call. You have nothing to lose and if a different person handles those things at YOUR local casino, they'll probably be happy to tell you who that is. You very likely ARE the solution to a nice surprise at their next event.

My best advice to you, having experienced it on both the receiving end and the giving end, is this:
In your dealings with anyone from either market and in any position, be straightforward, but really nice. The quickest way to turn someone's ear off is to blow smoke up their *** or tell them how great you are, or generally not sound like a real person. I wish I could find a way to put in more eloquently, but I would make time for anyone that came across as a decent, normal person looking to bend my ear. The moment I smelled BS or stretching the truth or a letter or spiel copied from a book or course, was the moment I had other things that needed to be done as well. Life's too short for all of us, including the people that hire me now. Just be straight and tell them what you think you can do that for them and be nice. (Note: this all makes the assumption you have a quality product to deliver).

Aside from the Maketing and Entertainment Departments, here are some other departments you can approach:

Promotions
Food & Beverage
Convention Services
Player Development

If you're going to do restaurants, remember that some casinos have restaurants that are owned independently.

I guess it all depends on what magic you want to do.

Be careful, though. I have had experience where I was performing as what the Dean referred to as "Environmental Entertainment" for a while. But, when it's time to pitch the show, the casino didn't want the "lobby magician" to be seen as one of the Acts in the main showroom.

PS
The Casinos' mentality:
How can we get more people to come and stay longer so that they can lose more money gambling?

Our Brother Salazar is 100% RIGHT-ON here...

Please re-read his wisdom and take it to heart!

Thanks!

======================= Another perspective:

I guess I don’t get it?

Help me to understand PLEASE…



Thanks Brother Kevin. I completely understood his original question.

My answers did, ‘precisely’ support his question, and WERE all related to his question as the SAME rules ‘basically’ apply to ALL the casinos including Indian Gaming, which I work A LOT as well.

Our experiences brother, are not-at-all dissimilar in Indian Gaming.



Kevin, is your Glass half FULL or half empty?

I wasn’t ‘defending’ myself in any way… I was merely freely sharing my own experience in the market(s), MAKING SURE to say how much I APPRECIATE HIM, HIS PERSPECTIVE AND CONTIBUTIONS! (Which I DO!) If you’ll notice the REST of that paragraph was:

- - DEAN:
“You are certainly welcome to your-own experiences, and I truly value your insights as well as all your awesome contributions here at the Café, I’m ONLY saying that (again) ‘my experience is different from yours’.

That’s all…”

How was that, in any way “less than respectful” and clear? I mean no harm… I only come here to the Café to openly share of my experience to support others here, so that they can WIN in their business and their lives Is that bad?

I ALSO believe that this is a GREAT PLACE to do his ‘due-dilligence’ and I was supporting that outcome.

Kevin, please read the ENTIRE post. (or at-lease take into consideration in you response) As you have demonstrated, it’s EASY to ‘pull quotes out of context’ simply to make one particular point. Frankly, I’m not sure it is in the BEST interest of the brotherhood to do such things. (I am welcome to my opinion here as well.)

You’ll also notice this reply is “FULLY in context” as I have responded to your entire question/point to me… I hope that helps.

Again, no one is saying that you have to agree with me. Were only offering the notion that we should learn to discern when we simply (as I said in that post as well…) “Agree to Disagree, Agreeably”.

Make sense?

“It’s Nice to Be IMPORTANT, but It’s More Important To Be NICE!”

Please understand my heart on this… I ONLY offered my experience to support and encourage the arts and this brotherhood.

Sorry to somehow have gotten your neck hairs up brother… my intention is only to FURTHER magic, the arts and man kind and human-kindness.

Please accept my deepest and most sincere apologies if anything less was inferred or implied by my particular writing style. (Which IS what it IS… hehehehe!)

Smile brother and have a nice day. We-all-good!

I am at your service and In His Service,
Deano <= Just tryin’ to help.
<><

Dean,
My glass is always full! I live a blessed life and am aware of it by the hour. Why did you want to ask?

So that you'll understand my earlier response, the original question focused specifically on smaller market casinos. I believe there is a difference in several keys ways between securing work in Vegas-type casinos as opposed to the smaller Indian and boat casinos.

Heirarchy is one difference, as well as size. It will likely have an effect on the accessibility of the person you need to talk to. It can be a less-daunting affair to someone if they know that there is a stronger chance of reaching, getting in to see and negotiating with the right person. I think there is a huge difference between accomplishing that on a boat or Indian casino compared to a 'Vegas' casino. And I think that distinction is important enough to discuss, but especially when it addresses the question. It was the specific nature of his question that prompted my response to you. So when you say that the same rules basically apply to all casinos, I don't necessarily agree with you, and put forth that thought. Hopefully, more discussion and knowledge would result from that disagreement and someone gets a job!

Your responses to Salazar were not less than respectful; I didn't think it or imply it. And I'm not sure who you were quoting when you said "less than respectful". Still, I wonder why his short reply about agents prompted you to repeat your position. I didn't understand why, still don't and just expressed exactly that to you - nothing more or less.

In regards to quotes, your words weren't taken out of context. Your message is inches away. I was trying to be clear, in as efficient a manner as possible about which of your points I was in disagreement with. The judicious use of quotes is part of this community. I did this with the sole intent of making sure the waters were NOT muddied. The best interests of the brotherhood were not harmed by my quoting you, and I expect they were not harmed by my answers to his and your messages. Remember, the glass is full, so give both of us the benefit of the doubt and don't assume otherwise.

Your mention of my neck hairs tells me you're reading too much into what I said. I'm not questioning your integrity, your heart or intentions and not only are no apologies necessary, but I don't think it was even necessary to bring any of that up. I expect that your messages are thoughtful responses (except when you call me Kevin;-) ). Allow me the same in regard to quotes, neck-hairs and half-empty glasses. My goal was to bring more focus to the original question concerning smaller market casinos.

Cool... Thanks!

My apologies if we somehow misunderstood. (This internet thing is so hard to get used to. I can only tell what I read with out the advantage of body language, facial expression and voice timber, tempo and tonality.) It just confirms for me once again that I am a true “High-TOUCH” guy and not so much of a ‘high-tech’ guy. (Hehehehehe!)

I LOVE to 'get along' and be understood.

Thanks bro!

I Also AGREE 100% that in the smaller market casinos the "powers that be" are a bit more accessible. THAT is why I posted as I did as well. This to is why the power of the RE-relationship is so very important. (…and for the sake of THIS conversation, in the casino market!) That is an always has-been my experience and perspective as I share previously.

Also, in regards to the management hierarchy... PHEW, now THAT is a completely different ‘can o' worms’ as you have to know!

Indian gaming SPECIFICALLY has its very OWN unique set of rules (or rule-lessness) as each case may be, and the conditions are indeed quite different, and that TOO is why I posted as I have...

RELATIONSHIPS RULE! Without deference to BIG, small, Indian or traditional… it “is” as I have suggested. Maybe not “legally”, but if you want to work in the casino market, NO MATTER WHERE, it matters more than just about anything!

The rest will simply take care of itself!

As always, I remain at your service and In His Service,
Reverend Deano In Reno, just back form playing Keno.
(Didn’t really play Keno, but it rhymes... Hehehehe!)

Keith, thank you for that and you are right in that was what I was trying to ask. I have often found it funny that when finding an answer to a question, most people will tell you everything except step one.
Dean, this is not a shot on you and your postings are excellent, but I do know the basics of marketing. Just not the "who" of marketing to casinos. I know the method of contacting for corporate and staff funtions, comedy clubs, and such but have no expierence with casino heirarchy. The info you have posted is very valuable and I do thank you for it as well!

Oh... my bad.

Your answer is "call and ASK".

I am at your service and In HIS Service,
Dean

PS
All the rest still stands.


KEITH! - KEITH! - KEITH! I am sooooooo sorry for messin’ up your name brother! PLEASE accept my deepest and most sincere apologies for my blunder!

Everyone;

Let me take a stab at ‘interpreting’ the Mess O’ Words I said in all my posts –

Here is a SHORT, succinct, to the point synopsis:
As with ALL Entertainment Offering Opportunities, no matter it be Casinos, (Large or Small, Tribal or Traditional or Church Bingo) or kids parties, Corporate, Comedy… WHAT-EVER, the process is practically the same.

_____________________________________________________________

Simply “do your due-diligence” in the market you wish to work. Find out the “who”, what, whys and wherefores. (Including most pressing desires, needs and outcomes) and “Support those needs” with an appropriate SOLUTION(s) that WILL “help THEM get more of what THEY are looking for.”
_____________________________________________________________

So, what didn’t I just say that before… I DID.

I just have this ‘sickness’ that makes me want to be (albeit, sometimes overly) detailed so that the ANSWERS are fulfilled. For me, it’s a sickness… Hehehehe!

Just another sinner saved by Grace,
Deano <= Never took or passed that “Walking on Water” class at the Y. Sheeez, I can barely tread (keeping my head above) water sometimes! Hehehehe!
<><