When Bao Nguyen started as a table games dealer at Turning Stone Resort Casino in 2002, he hadn’t even graduated high school. Today, Bao is our newest pit manager—the highest position on the casino floor.

“I am living proof of the growth opportunities people have when they work for Oneida Nation Enterprises,” he said. “It’s pretty exciting to be able to say that.”

Bao joined the team when he was 17 and, at the recommendation of a brother who was working for Turning Stone at the time, enrolled immediately into dealer school. As soon as he turned 18, he hit the casino floor as a blackjack dealer. In 2014, he was promoted to floor supervisor. Then, earlier this summer, he received the call: He was getting promoted again, this time to pit manager.

The opportunity was unexpected but appreciated; Bao said he’s worked hard every day.

“It’s great to be recognized for the effort you put in,” he said.

In his new role, Bao will oversee pit managers and take stock of all the action in a specific section of table games on the gaming floor. He’ll interact with players. He’ll oversee dealers. He’ll make sure games are running smoothly. 

The responsibilities are similar to what they were when he was floor supervisor; now he’s just responsible for an entire table games pit.

Bao is no stranger to tackling tough tasks. He was born in Vietnam and came to Utica with his family when he was 6. At that time, Bao knew almost no English. He learned the language in school and from friends as he grew up.

Today Bao is fluent in both English and Vietnamese. 

“The fact that I speak Vietnamese is helpful when we have Asian guests,” he said. “I can talk to them in their native language and make them feel comfortable—that’s huge.”

When Bao isn’t patrolling the table games pits, he likes to spend time at home with his family: his wife, his 17-year-old son, and 10-year-old daughter. He said Oneida Nation Enterprises has been a huge part of their upbringing, too.

“I’ve worked here their entire lives,” he said. “I’m thankful to be part of a company that values employees and continues to challenge them with new and exciting opportunities as they grow.”