Casino employees and managerial positions in the 11 U.S. states that allow commercial gaming must often obtain a gaming license from their state. Different states require different licensing based upon the specific position in the casino. For instance, most regulatory boards issue different licenses for management and support personnel. Some, such as New Jersey, have one type for managers, a different type for casino employees who handle money and a third type for employees such as beverage servers. The process for all states and types of licenses is similar, however.

Contact the gaming office for the state where you wish to work to determine what kind of license you need and the specific requirements.

Complete the appropriate application. Besides basic questions about Social Security number and addresses, applications ask about your criminal background, government connections including those of family members, financial history and citizenship status. The managerial applications require more detailed information about finances, including personal and professional assets if you plan to invest in a casino business.

Answer the questions honestly and completely. You must agree to a background check and sign a document swearing the information you provide is truthful.

Make copies of required documentation if you plan to mail the application. For instance, Colorado allows applicants to mail in the form with a photocopy of identification such as a driver's license, ID card or passport.

Get your fingerprints taken at an official location such as a state gaming office, police station or sheriff's department. You may have to pay a fee for this service.

Pay the fee. Fees vary by state and license type. For example, the support gaming license in Colorado costs $100, while the fee for the key person application runs $250 and also requires a $1,000 deposit for a background check.

Gather all required documents and fees and mail it to the appropriate office or visit the office in person. In Colorado, if approved you can get a temporary license within one hour if you deliver the materials to the gaming office. If you mail the materials, the department may issue approval the next day.