Meet Player Development Manager: Eli Brooke

Our team members go above and beyond the everyday call of duty to treat every single guest at our property like the celeb that they are. Our star-studded lineup of multilingual casino hosts are always ready and waiting to make your time at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa an unforgettable ride. We sat down with Player Development Manager, Eli Brooke to see what it takes to break into the casino industry. Click here to join his team.

How did you get started in the casino industry?

I moved to Tampa from New York City in 2009 in search of a different lifestyle. I met Lisa, a friend of a friend, who at the time was an administrator for player development at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. She approached me, knowing of my background in business suggesting I would be a great casino host and should apply. A few months later, I joined the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa team which started my career in the casino industry.

When did you join the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa team?

I started at the casino in 2009 as a casino host. In 2012 I was promoted to an executive host and a short three years later (2015) I was promoted to player development manager, which is my current position.

What is your most memorable moment at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa?

An elderly man stopped me while working and asked me to stay with his wife while he went to the restroom and of course I agreed. When the man started to walk away I noticed his wife walking after him with her arms reaching out for him. Her husband said, “You have to wait here with this young man. I will be right back.” I stayed with his wife and while he was gone she kept reciting her name and address over and over again. The minute she saw her husband walking towards her she ran towards him with her arms reaching out for him like she had not seen him in years. The true act of love that this couple had for one another has stuck with me to this day and will continue to be the most memorable moment I’ve had working for Seminole Hard Rock Tampa.

What do you like most about the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa?

I love the energy that this casino brings to the table. Day-to-day life in the casino is never the same. There are different guest interactions, obstacles and atmosphere each day.

What advice would you give someone trying to follow in your footsteps?

Be very diligent and beat down the door. Being in player development is basically like being in sales in any other industry so you have to shine and really get into it. We really admire someone who is very outgoing and always striving to be the best.

Think you have what it takes to be a casino host? Apply here!

FUN FACT: The reason my family and I moved to New York was because my dad was a leading actor on Broadway in the ‘70s.