Tourism
CHANGING THE ODDS for females in gaming
Women maY be under-represenTed in arizona’s gaming indusTrY, buT TheY are maKing progress bY JoeL miLLer
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ccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up 47 percent of the total labor force. In the tribal gaming industry in Arizona, that statistic is significantly lower. “In tribal gaming, women account for only 25 percent [of the labor force], far less than the U.S. standard,” says Patricia Tate, senior vice president and chief financial officer for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. “Throughout my career, I have found women in management to be rare,” Tate says. “To get started and to work in the gaming industry, I don’t see barriers for women. To rise into management, however, there are obstacles.” Tate explains that the concept of the “glass ceiling” still exists, and pay inequalities as well as differences in perception pose challenges for women in the gaming industry. “[An] assertive or ambitious [woman is] often considered a 20 AB | July-August 2012
‘witch,’” Tate asserts. “However, men who demonstrate the same assertive or ambitious traits are often considered ‘leaders.’” Tate adds that with so few female executives in the industry, it is important to recognize women who stand out and to encourage them to continue to grow and achieve. “I believe better training needs to be established in the area of leadership and not just for women,” Tate says. “Once better training is accomplished, then developing women throughout the industry can be accomplished in tandem.” Though not targeted specifically toward women, Casino Arizona’s “Pathways to Success” mentoring program benefits members of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, many of who are women. In addition, leadership classes are offered to all employees. Tate considers these programs to be an investment in the future of Casino Arizona both in terms of profit and career