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Pennsylvania Casinos Cut 3.8% of Workforce, but Rivers Philadelphia Is Hiring: A Comprehensive Guide

By jili tutorial · October 6, 2026

Pennsylvania Casinos Cut 3.8% of Workforce, but Rivers Philadelphia Is Hiring: A Comprehensive Guide

The Pennsylvania gaming industry saw a net loss of nearly 600 jobs during the 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Yet one Philadelphia casino is bucking the trend by hosting a job fair later this month, seeking staff for new restaurants and a recently opened hotel. This guide breaks down the employment landscape, the reasons behind the cuts, and where job seekers can find opportunities — both on the table games floor and beyond.

Overall Decline in Casino Jobs

The PGCB’s 2025–2026 Annual Report, the 20th edition of the regulator’s yearly recap, reveals that the commonwealth’s 18 land-based casinos employed a total of 15,252 people as of June 30, 2026. That figure represents a 3.8% decline — or a loss of 598 positions — compared to the same date in 2025.

This contraction occurred despite the addition of a new casino: Happy Valley Casino opened in State College in April 2026. Even with a fresh venue creating jobs, the overall workforce shrank, indicating that other properties reduced headcount more aggressively.

Which Jobs Were Hit Hardest?

Table game workers — primarily dealers — bore the brunt of the cuts. According to the PGCB, 243 of the 598 lost positions came from the table game department. The decline reflects broader industry trends such as:

The Counterintuitive Effect of a New Casino

Happy Valley Casino’s opening in April 2026 added some jobs, but it also increased competition for both customers and labor. Incumbent casinos in regions like the Lehigh Valley and Pittsburgh faced pressure to trim expenses, offsetting the hiring gains from the new venue.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia: A Hiring Bright Spot

Job Fair Details

Rivers Casino Philadelphia is actively recruiting. It will hold a two-day job fair:

Location: Rivers Casino Events Center (on site). Casino officials say they will make on-the-spot job offers to qualified candidates, but also encourage those with no prior experience to attend.

Positions Available

Rivers is hiring for a variety of food and beverage roles, including:

Minimum age: 18 years old.

Benefits and Perks

The casino highlights a comprehensive benefits package:

Why Is Rivers Hiring When Others Are Cutting?

The job fair is linked to two major developments at the property:

  1. New restaurants opening within the casino, expanding its dining capacity.
  2. The Riversuites Hotel at The Battery Philadelphia – a 62-room all-suite facility that opened in late 2023 as part of a mixed-use complex. The Battery, a former power plant along the Delaware River, also includes apartments, office space, a lobby bar, rooftop pool, and an outdoor pier. The hotel is a short walk from the casino, with a complimentary shuttle available.

Rivers Philadelphia aims to transform itself from a pure gaming destination into a full-service hospitality and lodging hub. This strategy requires additional front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house staff, even as the casino’s core gaming revenue declined slightly.

Gaming Revenue Context

During the 2025–26 fiscal year, Rivers Philadelphia generated $212.3 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR) from its 1,500 slot machines and 100 table games. That was a 3.3% drop from the $219.5 million it won in the prior year. The hiring push therefore reflects a long-term investment in non‑gaming amenities rather than a short-term revenue surge.

Opportunities for Dealers and Table Game Staff

Other Casinos Hiring

While the Rivers job fair focuses on food and beverage, dealer positions are available at several other Pennsylvania casinos. An active job listing search reveals openings at:

Applicants interested in dealing should check each property’s career page for specific requirements (e.g., certification, experience, or willingness to train).

The Rise of Online Live Dealer Studios

For those with table game experience, remote online live dealer platforms offer another avenue. Evolution and Playtech, two global leaders in iGaming live dealer services, operate studios in Pennsylvania and are actively hiring interactive table game workers. These roles allow dealers to work from a professional studio setting, dealing to online players via live video stream. Benefits often include flexible hours and no direct guest interaction beyond the screen.

How to Prepare for a Casino Job Fair

What to Bring

What to Expect

Casino job fairs typically involve a brief group orientation followed by one-on-one interviews. For on-the-spot offers, candidates may undergo a quick background check or licensing questionnaire. Note that Pennsylvania gaming law requires all casino employees to obtain a gaming license, which involves a background investigation.

Tips for Applicants

Conclusion: A Mixed Picture for Pennsylvania Casino Employment

The 3.8% workforce reduction across Pennsylvania’s 18 casinos underscores the ongoing challenges facing the land-based gaming industry: rising operational costs, increased competition from new venues and online platforms, and changing consumer habits. Yet the job fair at Rivers Casino Philadelphia demonstrates that targeted hiring still occurs, especially in properties that diversify beyond gaming into hospitality, dining, and lodging.

For job seekers — whether they are experienced dealers, aspiring cooks, or entry-level hospitality workers — opportunities remain, both at traditional casinos and in the growing online live dealer sector. Staying informed about regional job fairs and monitoring employer career pages can help candidates navigate this shifting landscape.