Meet Gretchen Burton, the woman behind the Surveillance Screens.
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
For 26 years, Gretchen Burton has built her career in an environment where observation, vigilance and attention to detail are essential. Today, as a Surveillance Shift Manager at Boardwalk Hotel and Casino, she is one of the women helping ensure that operations remain compliant, secure and aligned with the regulations governing the gaming industry.
Surveillance is often misunderstood, with many people imagining that the role simply involves sitting behind a bank of monitors watching “TV” all day. For Gretchen, however, the reality is far more complex.
“As a Shift Manager, you are responsible for implementing policies and procedures and ensuring compliance with the requirements set out by the gaming regulator,” she explains.
Her team plays an important role in safeguarding company assets, supervising and evaluating monitoring officers, and identifying and reporting improper activity or behaviour for further investigation. They also help ensure that departments operate in accordance with the rules and regulations set out by the regulator — something that is critical to avoiding penalties and protecting the continued operation of the casino.
After spending more than two decades in surveillance, Gretchen says the experience has also changed how she approaches life outside of work.
Meet Gretchen Burton, the woman behind the Surveillance Screens.
“You are more aware of your surroundings and more vigilant to what’s out there,” she says.
Breaking barriers
While surveillance and security-related roles have traditionally been viewed as male-dominated spaces, Gretchen believes that the industry has changed significantly — and that women have an important place in it.
“There is a definite progression from the typical man’s world to where we are today,” she says.
For Gretchen, success comes down to dedication, continuous learning and commitment. She believes women should not allow the perception of a male-dominated industry to limit their ambitions.
Her own career provides a powerful example of that philosophy.
One of the moments that stands out for Gretchen came while she was working in the Compliance section. With her manager attending an EXCO meeting, she was asked how she would improve the organisation’s GIA audit rating to 90%.
She had to think quickly.
Gretchen implemented pre-audit checks before the GIA audits. The result was a significant improvement, with the team achieving scores above 90% for three consecutive quarters.
For her, moments like these demonstrate the value of being able to step forward, find solutions and deliver results.
“I have a voice to be heard”
Her career has also taught Gretchen something important about herself: “I have a voice to be heard.”
That confidence is something she hopes to pass on to younger women considering careers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Her advice is simple: “Be confident in what you do. Produce and show results. Be yourself.”
And when asked to complete the sentence, “I am a woman who…”, Gretchen's answer captures the belief that has carried her through 26 years in her career: “I am a woman who trusts and believes.”
As part of Women’s Month, Gretchen’s story is a reminder that women are not only entering traditionally male-dominated fields — they are building careers, leading teams, solving problems and making their voices heard.
For more, visit: Boardwalk Hotel and Casino
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