Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What does a Cage Cashier do?

Tiffany Manley
Tiffany Manley

A cage cashier is the person responsible for handling various monetary tasks within a casino environment. These tasks might include things such as making change, exchanging chips for cash, cashing out electronic gambling machine vouchers, running credit checks and performing basic bookkeeping tasks. In many areas, a license is required to hold a cage cashier position. Some casinos even require this person to walk around the casino floor, cashing out various items and making change on the spot, then returning to the cage to verify everything.

Cage cashiers generally have a cashier’s stand, or cage, in which they stand for the duration of their shift to perform their duties. The daily tasks tend to consist of exchanging chips for cash and cashing out electronic gaming machine vouchers. A cashier also might cash checks for customers. Given the fact that the position relies heavily on customer interaction, it is vital for each cashier to possess great customer service skills.

Cage cashiers work at Las Vegas casinos handling money.
Cage cashiers work at Las Vegas casinos handling money.

Duties might go beyond simple cash exchanges in some casinos. Depending on the casino, the cage cashier also might be in charge of running credit checks on customers who desire to open a line of credit with the casino or processing credit card cash advances for customers. Many areas require tax reporting paperwork if earnings reach a certain point, and a cage cashier might process this paperwork for the customer.

A cage cashier deals in large sums of cash.
A cage cashier deals in large sums of cash.

In addition to the standard cashier duties involved in the position, a cage cashier is responsible for ensuring that all cash, credit slips and gambling chips are accounted for and reconciled at the end of his or her shift. If a discrepancy arises, he or she generally is expected to help find the error and fix it. These additional duties make it useful for the cashier to have basic bookkeeping knowledge.

A high school diploma generally is the only requirement for one to be a cage cashier, but a few other skills might also be helpful. Strong math skills, basic bookkeeping abilities and strong organization skills might make the duties easier to perform. A cage cashier is considered an entry-level position, and on-the-job training is offered at many casinos, so many people interested in working in a casino might choose to start with this position to gain an understanding of the industry before deciding whether they would like to continue working in it.

Discussion Comments

wander

My friend worked as a cage supervisor and he told me all about the cashier job description because I was curious about working with him. Apparently you just need a GED and you must be able to get a license to work in the casino. These are usually issued by something like a regulatory agency such as the casino control board or commission in your state.

They will run a criminal background check on you and the casino is generally responsible for training you. I honestly think the pay isn't that high, but it's the tips that can really make your day. I heard one person was pulling in an extra $50-$100 a day in tips alone.

popcorn

@manykitties2 - To work at most casinos and hotels you do need a certificate and usually a state gaming license. Basically it just makes sure you are up on all the casino rules and are able to meet all the requirements of something like a cage cashier job description.

If I were you I would phone your casino and ask who you can speak to about cashier responsibilities and see if they can tell you what training you need to apply. Some casinos will pay for your training if they like you and think that you would be a good fit for them. Just be warned, the shift schedules at casinos are usually pretty bad.

manykitties2

Does anyone know if the cashier qualifications for working in hotels and casinos is different from a cashier working at something like a grocery store?

Right now I am working as a store cashier and have been told that the cage cashier salary is a lot higher than my own, so I would love to get a spot working at our local casino. I know I will probably need some sort of certificate to work in the casino, but cage cashier jobs seem like a good career route for me. I would love to take on more cashier tasks and work in an environment that was more exciting.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Cage cashiers work at Las Vegas casinos handling money.
      By: Elnur
      Cage cashiers work at Las Vegas casinos handling money.
    • A cage cashier deals in large sums of cash.
      By: Alex
      A cage cashier deals in large sums of cash.