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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Casino Resort Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91677  Diploma in Casino Resort Management 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2030-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare individuals for the world of work in selected areas of casino resorts and provide them with the knowledge and skills to follow career paths in different areas of hospitality, events, marketing and promotions of casinos.

The qualification will equip students with an understanding of all aspects of the day to day management of a resort hotel including housekeeping, the operations of a variety of food and beverage outlets, front office procedures and critical back of house skills to coordinate elements of marketing and promotion, media and sponsorship, an understanding of financial management and accounting, legal and human resource issues within the casino resort environment. A successful student will be able to operate Property Management Systems and be familiar with Revenue Management Software. In addition they will be able to co-ordinate and manage different types of entertainment through all phases, namely research, plan, design, conduct and evaluate in different contexts. Within the casino operation many casinos organise employees and management by types of casino games and the student will understand the types of casino games such as table games. Students will be familiarised with the security and surveillance in casino operations. Students will have an understanding of the experience economy and the organisational structure of a casino resort which is built around the customer experience to optimise revenue from hotel guests and casino guests. The student will also be sensitised to larger cultural issues such as smoking, responsible gaming and community relations. Successful students will also be equipped with the necessary entrepreneurial skills to establish their own businesses.

The students from this qualification will be multi-skilled and equipped to perform technical skills independently. The qualification will provide the student with the necessary academic skills to function as an independent, lifelong learner in order to progress through the chosen professional career path.

The labour intensive nature of the industry and the various skills levels in casino resorts will provide employment opportunities for many South Africans to become managers in various departments of these resorts. The industry contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of the country and can play a significant role in the transformation of the industry.

Rationale:
The gaming industry is a versatile employer with needs for many different skills. It has jobs in hotels, restaurants, entertainment, sports complexes, retail stores, security and surveillance, maintenance, janitorial services and many more. While the casino industry has versatile employment opportunities, it is a unique business in many ways and therefore requires people who understand the casino gaming industry in which they work. This qualification intends to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to function at mid-level positions in specified areas of hospitality, events, marketing and promotions and selected areas of the casino.

Legalised gambling worldwide is continuing to be a rapidly growing phenomenon and South Africa is no exception. In 2000, South Africa was 14th in gross gambling turnover and 23rd in gross gambling yield. This suggests that South Africa is one of the fastest growing casino jurisdictions in the world with the potential to be a major global player.

The casino industry is active in small business development, various community upliftment programmes. As a key component to the South African tourism emphasis, casinos have invested heavily in infrastructure as well as two new international convention centres, over 5,000 hotel rooms, golf courses, eco-tourism facilities, airport re-development, museums and wellness centres. Furthermore the casino industry's fulfilment of its black economic empowerment obligation through recruiting, training, procurements, outsourcing and other measures, is constantly monitored by the authorities and has contributed more than R700 million to these programmes.

A study conducted by the National Gaming Board found that the casino industry had created almost 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. This represents about 1.1% of total South African employment in the formal non-agricultural sectors in 2000 and 40.5% of the formal non-agricultural sector in Gauteng. The employment multiplier of the gambling sector is set at 3.15, which means that for every 100 jobs created in the gambling sector itself a further 215 jobs are generated in the rest of the economy.

To compete on a global level, South Africa will need world class casinos with highly trained, skilled employees to provide the kind of service casino patrons expect. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that intending students are competent in:
  • Communication Skills at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Students can achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Students may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

    Students who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements but who can demonstrate satisfactory levels of competence in the field, may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning and may be granted entry to the qualification on this basis. Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process for access into the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • A National Senior Certificate granting access to a Diploma.
    Or
  • A National Certificate Vocational, (NQF Level 4) granting access to a Diploma.
    Or
  • Any alternative/equivalent recognised Certificate. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All the modules across NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 are compulsory.

    NQF Level 5:
  • Casino and Hospitality Finance I, 15 Credits.
  • Communication I English, 15 Credits.
  • End User Computing I, 15 Credits.
  • Casino Resort Administration I, 15 Credits.
  • Hospitality Operations I, 15 Credits.
  • Casino Operations I, 15 Credits.
  • Resort Security I, 15 Credits.
  • Casino Marketing and Promotions I, 15 Credits.
    Total: 120 Credits.

    NQF Level 6:
  • Casino and Hospitality Finance II, 20 Credits.
  • Casino Resort Administration II, 20 Credits.
  • Hospitality Operations II, 20 Credits.
  • Casino Operations II, 20 Credits.
  • Casino Marketing and Promotions II, 20 Credits.
  • Hospitality and Casino Law I, 20 Credits.
  • Casino and Resort Management Practice II, 60 Credits.
    Total: 180 Credits.

    NQF Level 7:
  • Hospitality Operations III, 30 Credits.
  • Casino Resort Administration III, 30 Credits.
    Total: 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply management principles in a casino resort environment.
    2. Manage Hospitality operations.
    3. Apply casino and resort security measures in accordance with relevant legislation.
    4. Apply the principles, concepts and theories of marketing and apply specialised knowledge and skills in the casino resort environment.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of casino and hospitality finance.
    6. Apply entrepreneurial principles to ensure an effective and a sound business.
    7. Demonstrate competence in various aspects of casino resort operations in a Work Integrated Learning programme.

    Critical Cross Fields Outcomes:
    The Critical-Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded throughout the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Basic principles of management are described and the roles of a manager are applied in an appropriate context.
  • Principles of Human Resources Management are applied in terms of hospitality and casino staffing.
    > Range: "Principles of HR Management" includes but is not limited to analysing and designing jobs; managing human resources; managing employee performance; recruiting human resources; selection strategies and decisions; and retention of staff.
  • Principles of Hospitality Management are applied in a casino resort environment.
    > Range: "Principles of Hospitality Management" includes but is not limited to: the management process; HR strategic challenges; forecasting needs; ethics and fair treatment; basic performance appraisals; labour relations.
  • An understanding of basic principles of macro and micro economics is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of the roles of different departments in a casino establishment is demonstrated as well as how the departments interact with each other.
  • Food and beverage provision is managed effectively.
  • Concessions operations are managed according to appropriate principles.
  • Front Office Management is executed according to required conventions.
  • A variety of events are planned, developed, executed and evaluated according to prescribed criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The origin and history of casino games are correlated to current structures and cultures of the industry.
  • Knowledge of casino games, probabilities and controls is demonstrated.
  • The rules of each game for the best profitability are defined and evaluated.
  • The laws of probabilities pertaining to the games are analysed and applied.
  • Knowledge of the relationships between the games management personnel, security operators and surveillance observers is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Knowledge of the key roles in maintaining gaming integrity, ensuring the comfort and safety of customers and co-workers, protecting the assets of the facility, managing access and investigating unusual activities and incidents is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of gaming governing and regulatory agencies as well as security functions and the importance of gaming security is verified.
  • The Laws and Regulations in terms of key provisions of the Gaming Control Act, including essential elements of offences as well as the authorities and powers under the law is described and analysed.
  • Knowledge and application of basic investigative skills such as: conducting interviews; taking of statements; securing and protecting evidence; and testifying in court, are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Knowledge of the key areas of advertising and promotion as part of an integrated approach to marketing communications is demonstrated.
  • The role and practice of marketing within the changing business environment, the marketing process, segmentation, targeting and positioning and the extended marketing mix, as well as different marketing segments and contexts are evaluated.
  • The marketing research process is described and the importance of different types of information and marketing research requirements needed for effective marketing management in a competitive environment are identified.
  • Brands and brand equity, customer-based equity, brand elements and brand identity, the system of brand management, new products and brand extensions, as well as corporate branding are explained.
  • The basic concepts and principles of branding, personal selling, marketing research, advertising and promotion and marketing planning are contextualised in an casino resort environment.
  • A marketing plan for a product or service is generated and presented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Knowledge of the need for control measures in a casino as well as an understanding of the history of financial controls and how this relates to current control procedures is demonstrated.
  • Evaluation of the central importance of cash in a casino and how this affects the nature of its controls is demonstrated.
  • Definitions of the unique financial terms used in the casino industry are interpreted correctly.
  • Knowledge of traditional and accounting financial controls is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communication and interpersonal skills in a business environment are demonstrated.
  • An understanding of basic functions of a business is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of the basic principles of development of budgets for a small business is demonstrated.
  • Financial performance trends are analysed and interpreted.
  • A comprehensive business plan is compiled.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • A Work Integrated Learning logbook in the form of a portfolio containing certified documentation of proof of competence is presented for evaluation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is both formative and summative.

    In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence must be demonstrated through a variety of options which can include case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects, written and oral examinations, log books and practical exercises, presentations and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was developed through a comparative analysis of the competency domain outlines of the hospitality and gaming industry certification programmes, national skills standards and vocational qualifications from the United States, the curricula and skills standards from international academic institutions and the topics covered in industry-related books. Research and conference proceedings on hospitality and gaming curricula were also investigated.

    As part of a USAID Grant the expertise of Faculty members of leading Universities in the US, offering similar programmes, provided input and assisted with the development of the qualification.

    USA:
    SP Business School: Diploma in Tourism and Resort Management (Dtrm):
    Year 1:
    Students embark on a Study Sea Cruise for an "out-of-classroom" experience onboard a "floating resort" as well as interesting visits to five-star resorts at the ports of call.
  • Statistics for Business, 90 hours.
  • Management and Organisational Behaviour, 90 hours.
  • Fundamentals of Marketing, 90 hours.
  • Microeconomics, 60 hours.
  • Macroeconomics, 60 hours.
  • Principles of Accounting, 120 hours.
  • Economics, 120 hours.
  • Discovering Business and Enterprise, 60 hours.
  • Business Communication, 60 hours.
  • General Education 1, 30 hours.
  • General Education 2, 30 hours.
  • Information Technology For Business, 60 hours.

    Year 2:
    Students go on overseas hospitality immersion trips for an authentic learning experience in an international resort-setting. Students are also involved in the country's global events such as Formula One (F1) where they relate with guests and personalities at the heart of the action as well as major Travel Fairs and national events:
  • Human Resource Management, 60 hours.
  • Market Intelligence and Research, 60 hours.
  • Professional Preparation, 45 hours.
  • Business Law, 60 hours.
  • Meetings Incentives Conventions and Events, 60 hours.
  • Financial and Management Accounting for Hospitality, 60. hours
  • Travel and Tourism Practices, 60 hours.
  • Introduction to Hotel and Resorts Operations, 60 hours.
  • Food and Beverage Management, 75 hours.
  • Cultural Intelligence, 45 hours.
  • Social Innovation Project, 30 hours.
  • General Education 3, 30 hours.

    Year 3:
    Students undergo an intensive 24-week internship programme in either top companies locally or overseas such as Walt Disney World in USA or with major partners in France, Finland and China. Some of local internship partners include Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World @ Sentosa, Swissotel, Fairmont, Shangri-La, St Regis, Conrad Centennial, Wild Life Reserves Singapore, Chan Bros. Travel and Jet Star Asia.
  • Global Business Environment, 60 hours.
  • Tourism Internship Programme, 24 weeks.
  • Gaming Operations and Management, 60 hours.
  • Resort Management, 60 hours.
  • Service Quality Management, 45 hours.
  • Sponsorship Marketing in Tourism, 60 hours.

    Free Electives:
  • Introduction to Psychology, 45 hours.
  • Shopping Mall Management, 60 hours.
  • Airline Services Management, 45 hours.
  • Mathematics for Business, 60 hours.

    Dimensions International College (Dimensions): Diploma in Integrated Resort Management:
    The Diploma in Integrated Resort Management course is structured to allow students to acquire skills and knowledge related to Food and Beverage Operations, Accommodation Operations and Gaming Management. On-The-Job training (Industrial Attachment) is also incorporated to enable students to gain real life job experiences.

    This course consists of 9 modules with sequence set by the Scheme of Work.

    The programme consists of two components:
  • Theory and practical class lessons conducted at Dimensions International College (9 months).
  • Industrial Attachment (IA), students will be trained at hotels, resorts, country clubs or restaurants and write a project report (6 months).

    Students must satisfy the following pre-qualifying requirements prior to the school's arrangement for their IA posting:
  • Complete and pass the practical and theory assessments of the Course.
  • Achieve at least 90% attendance rate.
  • Pass the Interview Screening Test comprising of:
    > Technical Test.
    > Performance Test.

    Note:
    IA posting is not guaranteed and will be subject to approval of relevant passes by Ministry of Manpower (MOM). No further IA posting will be arranged if a student withdraws or is terminated from the IA centre.

    Age restricted entry requirements:
    All students must be at least 18 years of age.

    Conclusion:
    In terms of content, the Diploma compares favourably with qualifications from jurisdictions at the leading edge of the gaming industry. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with a Diploma in Hospitality Management at NQF Level 6.

    This qualification articulates vertically with any Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    One internal moderator and one external moderator must moderate exit level examinations. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors/examiners/moderators must possess an applicable or equivalent qualification which is at least one level higher than the level of the subject assessed.

    Assessors/examiners must have at least two years of experience as a lecturer in the relevant field.

    Persons who have been recommended for appointment should also, where applicable, have had relevant experience in industry. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or registered on the National Qualifications Framework, are public property. Thus, the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction: it is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.