Minding the gap in the gaming industry: Perceptions of gender disparity at work among female casino dealers

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the perceptions female casino dealers have toward gender disparity at work. In particular, the question of whether gender disparity exists, the nature and magnitude of differential treatment, and the effects of the perceived disparity on dealers' work attitudes are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 40 female casino dealers recruited from the six major casinos in Macao. The data were subjected to thematic content analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that female casino dealers have more advantages at work than their male counterparts. These advantages do, however, have some negative effects on the work attitudes of female casino dealers.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is limited to Macao participants and the sample size is small. Also, only female casino dealers were interviewed.

Practical implications

This study offers insights to casino operators and academics regarding the perceptions of female casino dealers toward gender disparity at work. It provides recommendations to help offset the disparity and improve female dealers' work attitudes and performance.

Originality/value

This study fills a research void in the literature. The results challenge the traditional assumption that females face more disadvantages at work than males. The study advocates the need to explore whether gender disparity differs in different work settings in order to avoid the problems of generalization and simplification.

Citation

King Penny Wan, Y. (2014), "Minding the gap in the gaming industry: Perceptions of gender disparity at work among female casino dealers", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 130-153. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-10-2012-0186