Being a host at French Lick Casino is more than just a job. It's work that reaches a personal level with the players they see on a daily basis.
Whether it's becoming a confidant to one of their players or being invited to their wedding, the host-player relationship oftentimes has a family feel. We introduced you to some of our casino hosts in an earlier post, and today you'll get to know three more of them. Check out their bios as well as some anecdotes about the personal connections they've formed through working with their players.
Susan Corbin
Susan began her casino career in the late 1980s as a table games dealer on
the island of Puerto Rico. Over the years she has worked in different
facets of the gaming industry and is currently entering a new chapter as a
casino host. Her mission is providing each guest with a unique and exceptional
experience, so it’s fitting that this is Susan's favorite quote: “Love
people, not things because it doesn’t work the other way around.” In her free
time, Susan enjoys volunteering, traveling and spending time with her
family.
Susan in her own words: "During my career in
the gaming industry, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work for
various departments. As a casino host, how we impact our guests goes beyond what I have
experienced in the past. I have a guest who recently was concerned about
some health issues, and during a conversation this guest was honest, open and
made themselves vulnerable before me. I somehow have become an important
part of their life, and they feel comfortable enough to trust me with their
intimate concerns. After our initial conversation, I know this guest knows I am
a person they can entrust their fears and concerns, and I will be their support
system during times of need."
Debbie Gatewood
Debbie began in the banking business as a Mortgage Collection Manager for 15
years before joining the casino industry in 1998. She was part of the team to
open Caesars Indiana casino, where she was the Credit and Collection Manager
for nine years. In 2007, Debbie joined French Lick Casino as a Player
Development Executive. Celebrating 20 years in the casino business this year,
Debbie enjoys interacting with her guests and crafting relationships with them
and their families. In her spare time, Debbie loves spending time with her three
young grandsons.
Debbie in her own words: "I had been in the casino business for nine years at one
company, and left to work now 11 years at French Lick. When you build
great relationships with your guests, they will follow you wherever you go to
work. I have several guests who did follow me to French Lick, and now at
French Lick I have made many new relationships. I once sat up a blind
date between a daughter of one of my guests and an employee at French Lick. They have since married and have two children now. The funny
thing is another guest of mine actually performed the wedding ceremony! My mother passed away three years ago, and one of my guests from Tennessee and another from Owensboro came to
the funeral. The key to my job is getting to
know my guest and their families and building those relationships with them as
well. The son of one of my guests in Tennessee telephoned me 15 minutes
after his father passed away this year. That really meant a lot to
me. That shows the key to a great business is relationships."
Ashley Bailey
Ashley started her career in the gaming industry as a dealer and pit boss in 2013. However, her passion is in customer service and she joined the French Lick Casino host team earlier this year. She uses her 20 years of cumulative hospitality experience to forge new relationships and make guests feel special. Her personal time is spent reading fantasy novels, cooking gourmet meals and spending time at home with her family and Chihuahua.
Ashley in her own words: "I came from table games as a dealer. It’s not unusual how intimately you get to know people. There’s a couple I’ve gotten to know through dealing to them for several years. They were dating, we got to know each other, and they eventually got engaged. I was one of the first people they called after they got engaged to let me know, because they were so excited. A lot of times the friendships you make with people extend very far outside of just the contact you have with them here. It really does get to a personal level where you’re somebody they think of when something happens in their life."