Mike accompanies the players to the slot machines
The famous casino is full of professions unknown to the general public. Monaco Tribune, with the collaboration of Monte-Carlo SBM, presents in this article that of automatic device supervisor.
More simply, this job corresponds to that of room manager. “I have to settle disputes. If a problem arises between two clients, I first take the first information, then I call on the camerass. In the event of a technical dispute, I will approach the service of the workshop »explains Mike Manfredi, 45.
What types of disputes?
It often happens that a person leaves a slot machine by inserting his game card still containing credit, and that another customer takes over the machine and begins to play. “In this case, on request to the latter for reimbursement, says Mike. When it’s small disputes, we try to settle it amicably, we remain understanding. In other cases, the customer may be prohibited from entering the casino for a defined period. There may also be thefts of bags or phones, but this is extremely rare. Most of the time, evenings and days went very well. »
Having studied hospitality in Monaco, and completed most of his stages at the SBM, Mike first joined the Casino as a money changer. “Little by little, I climbed the ladder”, he slips with pride. What he likes about this job is above all the customer relationship. Because contrary to popular belief, slot machines are very interactive.
“Of course the customer spends time on the slot machine, but there is a whole side. The customers know each other and know the employees. We have been working with clients sometimes for year, he testifies, stating that each casino has its own atmosphere and type of clientele”. According to his advice as a gaming professional, the Café de Paris will attract a clientele “ used to “, while “The Casino de Monte-Carlo – even if we have a VIP room which is specific – tends to dress a “fun player” clientele and tourists. »
Thanks to the many events organized in the Principality, Mike had “the chance to rub shoulders with many sportsmen, actors and other international stars”, to whom he was able to explain the operation of a machine. You should know that on a single device, there can be 80 games, knowing that there are 460 machines at the Café de Paris and 180 at the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Apart from meeting personalities, Mike was impressed by the level of play of certain clients. “To give you an idea, we have machines at 1,200 euros apiece. That’s 8,000 euros per minute of play on that account. On the coast very large sums. » Note that the Casino de Monte-Carlo also has more accessible machines, “which starts at 0.8 euro cents per bet”which allows everyone to get started without any problems.
If he could find anything unsuitable for his profession, it would be night work. “It’s more tiring, that’s obvious. And you should know that the day clientele is different from the night clientele. There will be more disputes at night, for example. It’s not the same approach in terms of the game, the number of people in the rooms. The large clientele tends to arrive in the evening, around 5/6 p.m. until the end of the night. »
The changeover to the euro was folkloric!
At any rate, “envy, communication and empathy”are qualities that are always required. “Because we have to accompany the client when he wins, but also when he loses. You need, I also think, a lot of curiosity, a little firmness but not too much, and a good dose of diplomacy. »
When discussing a milestone in his career, Mike replies without hesitation: “The changeover to the euro in 2000”. “We found ourselves managing two different currencies: francs and euros. It was folkloric remembers Mike, who today has to attract a new, younger clientele. A new challenge on the table!