Chapter 3
Because Winning Hands operates inside regulated gaming environments, every massage therapist and supervisor must obtain and maintain proper gaming licenses issued by each state’s gaming authority. These licenses ensure that anyone working on the casino floor has passed the required background checks and is legally cleared to interact with gaming guests. As a supervisor, you must understand the process, the requirements, and the rules for displaying and maintaining gaming licenses in each state where we operate.
Why Gaming Licenses Matter
Gaming licenses are issued by state gaming commissions to protect the integrity of the casino industry. They verify that every person working on the gaming floor has been screened, vetted, and approved. The process can be extensive—applications, fingerprinting, background checks, fees, and in some states, interviews or in-person appointments.
Therapists cannot work at all inside a casino until the appropriate gaming license has been fully approved. Supervisors must monitor these requirements carefully and ensure no contractor is on the floor without an active license.
Florida — Slot/Cardroom License
In Florida, therapists and supervisors must hold a Slot/Cardroom Combination License issued by the Florida Gaming Commission.
Renewal: Every 3 years
Expiration Date: June 30th of the renewal year
Cost: $162
Display Requirement: License must be visible at all times while working
This license allows contractors to work in both slot machine areas and cardrooms. Supervisors must ensure that every therapist’s badge is worn, unobstructed, and easy to verify during inspections.
Virginia — Virginia Lottery Gaming License
In Virginia, gaming licenses are issued by the Virginia Lottery, which oversees casino operations in the state.
Renewal: Every 5 years
Cost: $535
Display Requirement: Must be visible at all times on the gaming floor
Virginia’s background checks are known to be more detailed, and therapists often go through fingerprinting, identity verification, and a multi-step review. Supervisors should help therapists navigate the process and ensure proper display of licenses on shift.
New Jersey — Casino Employee Registration (CER)
In New Jersey, the gaming credential is called a Casino Employee Registration (CER), issued by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).
Renewal: Does not expire
Cost: $95
Display Requirement: No badge needed,
but therapists must have the CER number and a photo of the document on hand in case of inspection.
Even though the CER doesn’t expire, supervisors must still ensure that all therapists have successfully completed the process before they begin working.
What Supervisors Must Monitor
Supervisors play a key role in maintaining compliance. You are responsible for ensuring:
No therapist works without an active gaming license
All licenses are properly displayed (Florida & Virginia)
New Jersey therapists have their CER number and photo available
All therapists have paid their licensing fees
No one enters the casino floor before receiving official approval
Documents are updated and uploaded in company systems
Therapists understand the consequences of non-compliance
Gaming commissions can impose fines, revoke access, or remove individuals from the floor, so maintaining compliance is non-negotiable.
Protecting Winning Hands
Gaming licenses protect not only therapists but also the credibility of Winning Hands. One lapse in compliance could jeopardize our relationship with the casino or lead to penalties from gaming regulators. By understanding each state's rules and remaining vigilant, supervisors help safeguard our operations and ensure every therapist is legally cleared to perform massage services on the casino floor.