Meet one of the Faces Behind Casino Marketing: Dan Gura

We sat down with one of the faces behind casino marketing here at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Dan Gura, Director of Casino Marketing is a comical, yet sharp executive who knows how to treat both guests and team members.

Read why he’s a positive asset to the Hard Rock.

What inspired you to break into the casino marketing industry?

I enjoy the casino environment.  I graduated from Florida State University with a degree in marketing and then went right into sales.  From sales, I moved to the casino industry because I felt it would be a great fit for me because I felt that the vibe, experience and atmosphere were aligned with my personality.

What do you like best about working at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa?

That is an easy question for me. It is 100% the team members that I work with each day, as well as the guests. The relationships that I’ve made here have created an atmosphere where it feels like they’re my second family.

What changes do you foresee in the marketing future here at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa?

I want to continue the trends that we’ve been implementing and continue to focus on treating each guest with VIP service. Our local market will always be a top priority, but we have also just started to scratch the surface of what we can do in marketing to the high-end and international guest.

What departments do you oversee?

I work with our Player’s Club, XCard Services, Guest Relations and I have a Marketing Coordinator.

How many team members do your currently oversee?

111.

What’s your favorite game at the casino and why?

I enjoy playing blackjack because it is fun, but I enjoy it as long as you are at a table with energetic and fun players.

What are some of your goals for the upcoming year?

It’s important for my department to meet and exceed goals and continue to grow the level of service offered here at the casino.  One of the most important responsibilities for us is to treat our guests with VIP service. Our goal is to continually grow our Market Metrix scores as they relate to Guest satisfaction.

We have had a couple of exciting changes in the department to help us achieve this, one of which is “All Access Staffing” where we have flipped our traditional business model and have our staff start on the floor instead of behind a counter.  This helps us initiate the engagement with Guests and allows us to be more approachable.

If you were to describe Hard Rock Tampa in one sentence, how would you do that?

It’s one hell of a time.

Fun Fact: Dan won the employee poker tournament and is currently the best poker player on property.