Player Development Host

Ellis Park offers live thoroughbred horse racing during the summer season, with simulcast wagering 365 days a year, 300 HHR machines, exciting promotions, convenient sports betting, The Pea Patch Deli, Dade Park Grill and more.

JOB SUMMARY

Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, located in Henderson, Kentucky, is a premier racing and gaming entertainment destination owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated. The property features historical horse racing, live thoroughbred racing, dining, and entertainment experiences designed to deliver exceptional guest service.

The Player Development Host is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with valued guests to enhance loyalty, increase rated play, and create memorable guest experiences. This role focuses on proactive player engagement, personalized service, and supporting promotional and marketing initiatives that drive visitation and guest satisfaction.

FUNCTION

The Player Development Host plays a critical role in enhancing the overall guest experience at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming by fostering a welcoming, engaging, and service-driven environment. This position is responsible for developing relationships with players, identifying opportunities to grow loyalty and visitation, and supporting promotional and player development initiatives. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, a passion for hospitality, and an understanding of gaming and guest engagement strategies.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations. This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive, but a general illustration. It may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities deemed necessary.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for players, providing exceptional guest service and responding promptly to guest inquiries and needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with players through personalized engagement and consistent communication.
• Identify opportunities to increase guest loyalty, visitation, and rated play through proactive outreach and relationship management.
• Assist in coordinating and hosting player events, promotions, and tournaments to increase guest participation and satisfaction.
• Gather guest feedback and insights to identify trends, service opportunities, and potential improvements, communicating findings to leadership and relevant departments.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Operations teams to support promotions, campaigns, and player development initiatives.
• Monitor player activity and guest engagement opportunities to identify potential outreach and relationship-building opportunities.
• Assist guests with gaming-related questions and provide information regarding property amenities, promotions, and services.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable gaming regulations, internal controls, and company policies.
• Promote a positive team environment while supporting departmental and property-wide initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent; degree in hospitality, marketing, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience in customer service, hospitality, or gaming operations preferred.
• Knowledge of gaming regulations and standards is a plus.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit or stand; walk; use hands to finger reach, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee may also be required to lift, push, and pull up to 50lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. The employee is required to circulate throughout the assigned areas, including the smoking area, actively observing players and the functioning of machines.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

Work With Us

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view. We believe diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We're always learning, evolving and growing. We innovate through mutual respect of ideas and collaboration. This allows us to build a common language that inspires our team members and propels us toward the achievement of our vision.

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