Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field (MBA level preferred)
Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in gaming or hospitality
Prior experience as Casino General Manager or equivalent senior leadership role required
Competent understanding of gaming regulations and compliance
Exceptional leadership and team development skills
Outstanding financial management and business analysis capabilities
Strong strategic planning and change management skills
Responsibilities
Direct and oversee daily operations and business planning for all OTB locations
Develop strategies to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency
Implement and monitor standardized operating policies and procedures
Coordinate with various departments to ensure operational efficiency
Oversee food and beverage operations including inventory and vendor management
Collaborate with Marketing to execute promotions and initiatives
Partner with HR on recruitment and employee engagement initiatives
Benefits
Opportunity for leadership in a dynamic and growing gaming environment
Collaboration with multiple departments and teams to drive success
Engagement with the community through events and functions
Focus on guest service excellence and operational improvement
Involvement in strategic financial planning and decision-making
Full Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The General Manager, OTB Operations administers, directs, and coordinates the business plan and day-to-day operations of all off-track betting (OTB) parlors in Louisiana owned by Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots, personally or through subordinate managers. This role is field based, with a primary focus on driving revenue growth, optimizing the cost structure of the OTB network, and improving guest service and operational consistency across all locations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Operations & Strategy
Direct and oversee daily operations, business planning, and financial performance of all Fair Grounds OTB locations through parlor managers.
Develop strategies to increase revenue, improve operational efficiency, and optimize expenses.
Establish, implement, and monitor standardized operating policies, procedures, and CDI directives.
Partner with Technical, Maintenance, IT, and warehouse teams to ensure efficient operations, gaming system performance, and timely issue resolution.
Oversee food & beverage operations, including inventory, MICROS, vendor management, and kitchen operations.
Coordinate communication between OTB locations and Fair Grounds leadership through regular meetings and operational updates.
Review cashier reconciliations, end-of-day reports, and gaming transactions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Resolve customer disputes, cashiering issues, and gaming equipment concerns.
Partner with Compliance on AML investigations, reporting, and training.
Leadership & Human Resources
Partner with HR on recruitment, performance management, coaching, corrective action, investigations, employee relations, FMLA, leaves of absence, and workers' compensation.
Recruit, train, develop, mentor, and evaluate OTB management while conducting performance reviews and goal setting.
Lead employee engagement initiatives, management meetings, recognition programs, and responsible gaming awareness.
Marketing & Finance
Collaborate with Marketing to execute promotions, VIP programs, events, drawings, and monthly marketing initiatives.
Partner with Finance on budgets, capital planning, P&L reviews, expense management, Ariba processing, and financial reporting.
Develop and implement capital improvement plans, including gaming equipment and facility investments.
Security, Safety & Risk Management
Partner with Security, Surveillance, Compliance, and local law enforcement to ensure guest safety, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.
Ensure locations remain clean, safe, and operational through effective facilities management and vendor oversight.
Compliance & Regulatory
Ensure compliance with all gaming, safety, licensing, and regulatory requirements, including AML, LSRC, LGCB, LSP, ATC, Health Department, and fire inspections.
Maintain compliance documentation, audit records, permits, and serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies.
Community & Special Projects
Represent Fair Grounds at community events, VIP functions, tours, and major race days.
Perform additional leadership responsibilities and special projects as assigned
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Competent understanding of gaming regulations, compliance requirements, internal controls, and risk management practices.
Advanced financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and business analysis skills.
Proven ability to interpret operational and financial data and translate insights into actionable business strategies and operational improvements.
Exceptional leadership, coaching, team building, and talent development skills.
Strong strategic planning, organizational development, and change management capabilities.
Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to prioritize competing demands and make sound decisions in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
Demonstrated commitment to guest service excellence and continuous improvement.
Substantial marketing acumen and ability to apply knowledge to gaming operations.
Excellent attention to detail, ensuring reports are accurate, complete, and deadline driven.
Ability to obtain and maintain all racing and/or gaming licenses as required in applicable jurisdiction(s).
Must successfully pass all required background investigations and licensing requirements.
Must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
Must have a valid driver's license.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field (MBA level preferred).
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in gaming, hospitality, or related industries.
Prior experience as a Casino General Manager, Property General Manager, Vice President of Operations, or equivalent senior leadership role required.
Demonstrated success leading large-scale gaming and hospitality operations with responsibility for financial performance, regulatory compliance, team member engagement, and guest satisfaction.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
Position entails extended periods of sitting and standing.
While performing the duties of this job, may frequently use hands to reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
May be required to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Occasional lifting (up to 50 pounds).
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
The work environment may vary in levels of crowds, flashing lights, and may include exposure to smoke in various areas of the properties.
Role is onsite unless on business travel.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
About Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is a leading entertainment company that operates a variety of businesses, including horse racing, casino gaming, and online wagering. The company is best known for hosting the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Churchill Downs is committed to providing a world-class entertainment experience for its customers, while also promoting responsible gaming and supporting the communities in which it operates.