What does an auditor do in a casino?

Financial supervision of casinos is carried out by the tax authorities. They send auditors who are always present when games are being played in the casino and whose job it is to monitor the games, check that winnings are being paid out correctly, record all turnover and ensure that no tax is lost to the Revenue. In this way, auditors play an important role in ensuring that the games are fair and that no cheating takes place.

Casino auditor: What does the job entail?

An auditor's main responsibility is to ensure that the casino complies with the law and that the correct taxes are paid.

From the exchange of money to the payment of winnings, every step is meticulously monitored to prevent irregularities and protect the integrity of the players. While the auditors are constantly monitoring everything that happens at the table, they also appear at the machines when the cash boxes are emptied. These cash boxes can only be opened with a system of two keys, one carried by the machine technician and the other by the auditor. This ensures that no one can remove money and dispose of it unsupervised.

Auditors are always on site during the casino's opening hours. Before and after opening hours, the auditors also monitor the dispensing of chips and the recording of revenue.

The following list summarises the five main duties of the Auditors:

1. Monitoring the proper condition of gaming equipment and gaming processes
2. Control financial transactions
3. Accurate determination of gaming revenue
4. Review and analyse electronic records
5. Make decisions in the event of disputes

What are the professional requirements of an auditor?

Auditors working in casinos have to meet a wide range of requirements, including expertise in a number of different areas. Given the day-to-day cash flows in a casino and the challenges they present, a thorough understanding of accounting and financial processes is essential. Auditors also need to be quick on their feet, able to concentrate and think analytically, even under stress and at night.

It goes without saying that auditors must be fully aware of the rules and procedures of casino gaming. Although they do not run the games themselves, they are responsible for ensuring that the croupiers and dealers operate correctly and for intervening immediately in the event of misconduct. The job therefore requires absolute knowledge of the rules and the ability to judge with certainty whether a game may be rigged. A strong affinity with numbers and the ability to use them confidently is essential to the job of an auditor. Above-average communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions are also required.

What are the casino taxes?

Casinos pay taxes that are far higher than the average for ordinary businesses. They pay what is known as casino tax, the exact amount of which depends on the laws of each state and is ultimately determined by the difference between the stakes placed by the players and the winnings paid out. Up to 80% of a casino's profits are paid to the tax authorities.

In some states there are also special taxes such as Tronc levies and licensing fees. With tax payments totalling several hundred million euros, casinos in Germany make a significant contribution to the public good and the relief of all taxpayers. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why auditors are tasked with seamlessly monitoring all processes and ensuring that no money escapes the tax authorities.

Who does the auditor work for and how much do they earn?

Auditors are not employed by the casino, but directly by the tax office. They monitor all processes and thus ensure, among other things, that fraud is prevented and the casino loses revenue. At the same time, however, they also monitor the casino itself, which is unable to conceal income and evade tax due to the complete documentation.

Depending on their professional experience, the monthly salary for auditors is approximately between €3,100 and €4,450. Due to the unusual working hours at night and at weekends, there are also corresponding bonuses, which makes the job attractive on the one hand, but on the other hand it is precisely these hours that put off many potential candidates for the job.

Are there auditors in German online casinos?

In German online casinos, not every game is actively monitored by a financial officer at all times. However, this does not mean that the games they offer are any less safe. If a virtual slot machine is offered in an online casino with a German licence, it has already undergone strict checks. The Joint Gaming Authority of the Federal States (GGL) is also informed of the turnover directly via the software.

Unlike land-based casinos, online casinos do not pay casino tax; instead, a flat rate of 5.3% is levied on the stakes generated on the slot machines. To ensure that this is done reliably, tax officials monitor the data collected by the authorised gaming software, taking over the role of the auditor who is always present in the land-based casino.

The GGL also ensures smooth gaming operations and the prevention of game manipulation by closely monitoring the operators it licenses and intervening immediately in the event of irregularities. This means that playing in German online casinos is just as safe as playing in a land-based casino.

Get to know reputable online casinos with a German licence!

Conclusion

Auditors are essential to the smooth operation and reliable payment of all taxes in established casinos. Whenever a casino generates revenue from table games and money is withdrawn from slot machines, it is under the watchful eye of tax officials. Even before players enter the casino, the auditors are present when the safes are opened, check that the slot machines are in perfect condition and much more. While the casino is open, they make sure that winnings are calculated correctly and that there is no chance of fraud. When the casino closes, they settle the accounts and properly seal the money and chips.

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