Higher Certificate in Gaming Operations

Purpose

The purpose of Higher Certificate in Gaming Operations qualification is to provide learners with knowledge and competence to take up entry-level positions in the gaming sector from where they may progress to supervisory positions. Specialist knowledge in gaming operations will be supported by adequate exposure to practical skills to manifest their understanding of gaming. The qualification includes a range of skills and knowledge areas that learners will be exposed to in the gaming sector, in accordance with the objectives and Exit-Level Outcomes.

In order to be compliment and refine the core skills and competencies, statistics, academic literacy, communications skills and customer service are included. Collectively, the selection and combination of modules included in the qualification aim to meet the skills requirements and graduate attributes identified by industry experts consulted on the qualification design.

Projects and assignments aim to integrate the different learning areas of the qualification where possible and appropriate, and the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) component provides for the application of theory covered in the key knowledge areas.

Rationale

In February 2017, Price Waterhouse Cooper published the 5th annual edition of their Gambling outlook for South Africa. Their report shows an actual increase in gross gambling revenue (GGR) of more than 51% from 2011 to 2016. The report further projects a growth of 25% between 2016 and 2020 - a projected GGR of almost R35 billion by 2020. This is significant projected growth for any industry. Casino gaming makes up 68% of this total. The report concludes by confirming that the industry continues to make important contributions to ".the economy through the creation of jobs, continued capital expansion and the payment of taxes to both provincial and national government." Based on the 25% projected growth for this industry, appropriately skilled and qualified managers will inevitably be required to help sustain and support this growth.

The gaming industry is a sub-sector of the hospitality industry and their services are often intricately linked. Current registered qualifications for employees in the gaming industry are at a lower National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level and industry experts confirmed the demand for higher level qualifications to prepare learners specifically to position learners with a more erudite and functional understanding of the industry, to facilitate their progression into supervisory positions in the gaming sector. Industry partners report that the conventional process of on the job training in this industry takes too long to produce people who can progress into supervisory positions, and a qualification of this nature is required to accelerate the process to meet this demand.

Career opportunities for qualifying learners exist in the field of gaming and hospitality as/in

• Tote/Tele betting.
• Casino Cashiering.
• Casino Dealing.
• Casino Slots Attendant.
• Gaming Service Technician.
• Surveillance Operator.
• Gaming Security Officer.
• Gaming Operations Supervisor.

Learners from this qualification will also be prepared to apply for further cognate qualifications at NQF Level 6 or, for example a qualification in hospitality management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). As such, the institution will recognise skills, knowledge and experience achieved through formal, informal and non-formal learning in accordance with its RPL policy. Prospective learners who do not meet entry requirements may also apply for RPL to gain entry into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to higher certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

Or

• National Certificate (NC) (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120. Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5,120 Credits

• Business Communication, 10 Credits.
• Gaming Fundamentals, 16 Credits.
• Security and Surveillance Practices, 10 Credits.
• Food and Beverage Services, 12 Credits.
• Statistics for Business, 12 Credits.
• Table Gaming Operations, 16 Credits.
• Academic Literacy, 8 Credits.
• Customer Relationship Management, 12 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL), 12 Credits.
• Slots and Cashiering, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate informed and applied understanding of a variety of casino games and the industry, including from a gaming supervision perspective.
2. Demonstrate informed understanding of security and surveillance practices and principles relevant to the gaming industry.
3. Demonstrate informed knowledge of sound communication and customer service principles and practices that will promote guest satisfaction in a gaming environment.
4. Demonstrate informed understanding of, and the ability to select, analyse and present information in an academically appropriate manner in order to inform business solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain casino cash management systems, processes and procedures.
• Explain the processing of table game transactions in a casino environment.
• Explain procedures to process foreign currency transactions.
• Conduct supervision on table game activities.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of various electronic gaming equipment.
• Explain slot transactions processes and procedures.
• Examine the application of and compliance with gaming board regulations in a casino.
• Apply required procedures are to process slot transactions.
• Install and configure electronic gaming machines and systems including software and hardware.
• Discuss cashiering systems and regulations in a casino.
• Demonstrate an informed understanding of the legislation and regulations that govern gambling games.
• Demonstrate applied understanding of various betting games.
• Assist with client transactions in a gaming environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to supervise various casino games.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify regulations relevant to gaming and casinos.
• Explain surveillance processes and the monitoring of gaming transactions in a casino.
• Make distinctions between legal and illegal gambling.
• Discuss the impact of illegal gambling.
• Examine various approaches and procedures to deal with problem gambling/gamblers.
• Examine the application of good practice principles related to gaming security and legal compliance.
• Examine legislation and regulations relevant to the gaming business in general.
• Discuss and apply basic safety and security measures in gaming and hospitality in general.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate information using a variety of appropriate formats and technology.
• Apply the principles and practices of effective communication.
• Examine the dynamics of small group communication.
• Apply professional business writing styles.
• Examine Customer Relationship Management (CRM) models within a gaming environment.
• Demonstrate the application of methodologies and good practices and principles relevant to customer relationship management.
• Examine the role and relevance of food and beverage services in relation to guest satisfaction in a gaming environment.
• Plan, coordinate and serve food and beverages in collaboration with food and beverage departments.
• Demonstrate an informed understanding of the processes relevant to managing responsible consumption and its impact on a gaming environment.
• Demonstrate an applied understanding of events catering in support of guest satisfaction.
• Examine the impact of food and beverage service on gaming revenue.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse articles to distinguish between essential and non-essential information as well as facts and opinion.
• Construct academic arguments and provide evidence to support the argument.
• Explain the methods of probability sampling.
• Define the meaning of statistics and how "uncertainty" impacts decision making.
• Apply procedures and principles to solve statistical problems.
• Comment on a marketing budget scenario expressed as a percentage of the total business budget.
• Collect, analyse and use statistical data for making business decisions in a given scenario.
• Generate descriptive statistics and statistical forecasts using data.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is integrated and learners must complete a series of assessments throughout the year. Formative assessments are marked and feedback given to learners to direct and support learning, achievement of outcomes, and prepare learners for examinations. Formative assessments may include, projects, case studies, essays, simulations, experiments, assignments, online activities interactions, and presentations.

An examination generally serves as the summative assessment which evaluates the achievement of outcomes of the larger body of knowledge in the qualification, under normal exam conditions. Summative assessments may include final examinations, portfolios of evidence and research reports. The completion of experiential learning is an integral part of the learning qualification and as such contributes to the assessment of learning outcomes contained in the qualification.