Does MGM Resorts hire felons?

MGM Resorts does hire people with felony records for many non-gaming positions including housekeeping, food service, maintenance, and landscaping. Gaming floor positions (dealers, slot attendants) require state gaming licenses, which are typically denied for people with felony convictions.

Does MGM Resorts do background checks?

Yes. MGM runs background checks on all new hires. Non-gaming positions use standard third-party background checks covering 7 years. Gaming positions require a separate investigation by the state gaming commission.

Can I be a dealer at MGM with a felony?

It is very difficult. Casino dealer positions require a state gaming license, and the gaming commission conducts its own background investigation. Most felony convictions — especially theft, fraud, and drug offenses — will result in denial of a gaming license.

MGM may drug test for certain safety-sensitive positions. Non-gaming hotel positions like housekeeping may not always require pre-employment drug testing, but this can vary by property and state.

What is the best MGM position for someone with a record?

Housekeeping/room attendant and back-of-house kitchen positions (dishwasher, prep cook) are typically the most accessible. These roles have high hiring volume, less direct cash handling, and are not subject to gaming license requirements.

Does MGM Resorts partner with reentry programs?

Yes. MGM has partnered with organizations like Hope for Prisoners in Las Vegas and other local reentry programs to connect people with records to employment opportunities. These programs can provide referrals that strengthen your application.

Does MGM Resorts International Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sometimes

MGM Resorts hires some people with records for non-gaming hospitality positions. Gaming positions require state licensing, which is more restrictive.

MGM Resorts International does hire people with felony records for some positions, particularly non-gaming hospitality roles. MGM Resorts is one of the largest casino and hotel operators in the world, with properties on the Las Vegas Strip (Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Aria, etc.) and across the United States. The company employs approximately 75,000 people. Non-gaming positions such as housekeeping, food service, landscaping, and maintenance are the most accessible for people with records. Gaming positions (dealers, slot attendants, security) require state gaming licenses, which involve thorough background checks by the state gaming commission — felony convictions are often disqualifying for these roles. MGM Resorts has participated in second-chance hiring initiatives and partners with local reentry organizations, particularly in Las Vegas.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Housekeeping / Room Attendant	Case-by-case	Yes	Large housekeeping staff at every property. One of the most accessible positions for people with records.
Food Service / Kitchen / Dishwasher	Case-by-case	Yes	MGM operates hundreds of restaurants. Back-of-house kitchen roles are accessible entry points.
Landscaping / Groundskeeping	Case-by-case	Yes	Outdoor maintenance of resort properties. Less customer interaction.
Maintenance / Engineering	Case-by-case	Yes	Facility maintenance roles. Technical skills valued. HVAC, plumbing, electrical certifications help.
Valet / Parking	Case-by-case	Yes — driving record checked	Requires clean driving record. DUI/theft convictions may disqualify.
Dealer / Gaming Floor (requires gaming license)	Rarely	Yes — state gaming commission review	State gaming license required. Felony convictions are typically disqualifying per gaming regulations.

Gaming vs. Non-Gaming Positions

The most important distinction at MGM Resorts is between gaming and non-gaming positions. Gaming positions (dealers, slot attendants, casino cashiers) require licensing from the state gaming commission (e.g., Nevada Gaming Control Board). These agencies conduct thorough background investigations, and felony convictions — especially for theft, fraud, or organized crime — are typically disqualifying. Non-gaming positions (housekeeping, food service, maintenance, landscaping, bell services) do not require gaming licenses and have more standard background check processes. MGM's background check for non-gaming roles uses individualized assessment similar to other large hospitality employers.

Background Check Policy

For non-gaming positions, MGM Resorts conducts background checks through a third-party provider, typically covering 7 years of criminal history. The company uses individualized assessment, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position. For gaming positions, the state gaming commission conducts its own independent investigation, which can go back further than 7 years and may include financial history. MGM follows FCRA procedures for all employment decisions based on background checks.

What Disqualifies You

For non-gaming positions: violent felonies within 5-7 years, theft convictions (particularly relevant for roles with access to guest rooms or valuables), and sex offenses are the most common disqualifiers. Drug possession older than 3-5 years is generally less of a barrier. For gaming positions: most felony convictions are disqualifying per state gaming regulations. This includes theft, fraud, assault, drug trafficking, and any organized crime connections. The gaming commission has broad discretion to deny licenses.

Second-Chance Initiatives

MGM Resorts has participated in second-chance hiring initiatives, particularly in Las Vegas. The company has partnered with local organizations like Hope for Prisoners and the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation to connect people with records to employment opportunities. Las Vegas's hospitality industry has chronic labor needs, and MGM has recognized that fair-chance hiring helps fill positions while giving people meaningful opportunities. Non-gaming hotel and restaurant positions offer a path into the hospitality industry.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at mgmresorts.com/careers or through specific property career pages. Target non-gaming positions first.
2.Housekeeping, food service, and maintenance are the most accessible departments for people with records.
3.If you are in Las Vegas, connect with Hope for Prisoners (hopeforprisoners.org) which has direct referral relationships with MGM.
4.Do not apply for gaming floor positions if you have a felony record — the state gaming license process will be a barrier.
5.Highlight hospitality experience, customer service skills, and any relevant certifications (food handler, HVAC, etc.).
6.Union positions (through Culinary Workers Union Local 226 in Las Vegas) offer additional protections and benefits once hired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MGM Resorts hire felons?: MGM Resorts does hire people with felony records for many non-gaming positions including housekeeping, food service, maintenance, and landscaping. Gaming floor positions (dealers, slot attendants) require state gaming licenses, which are typically denied for people with felony convictions.
Does MGM Resorts do background checks?: Yes. MGM runs background checks on all new hires. Non-gaming positions use standard third-party background checks covering 7 years. Gaming positions require a separate investigation by the state gaming commission.
Can I be a dealer at MGM with a felony?: It is very difficult. Casino dealer positions require a state gaming license, and the gaming commission conducts its own background investigation. Most felony convictions — especially theft, fraud, and drug offenses — will result in denial of a gaming license.
Does MGM drug test?: MGM may drug test for certain safety-sensitive positions. Non-gaming hotel positions like housekeeping may not always require pre-employment drug testing, but this can vary by property and state.
What is the best MGM position for someone with a record?: Housekeeping/room attendant and back-of-house kitchen positions (dishwasher, prep cook) are typically the most accessible. These roles have high hiring volume, less direct cash handling, and are not subject to gaming license requirements.
Does MGM Resorts partner with reentry programs?: Yes. MGM has partnered with organizations like Hope for Prisoners in Las Vegas and other local reentry programs to connect people with records to employment opportunities. These programs can provide referrals that strengthen your application.

Take Action — Direct Links

MGM Resorts Careers
Official MGM Resorts careers page with openings across all properties.
Hope for Prisoners
Las Vegas-based reentry program with employer partnerships including MGM Resorts.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).