Long odds for FireKeepers applicants

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) - More than 14,000 people applied for the 1,500 open spots at the FireKeepers Casino, and applications continue to come in.

A human resources spokesperson for the casino told 24 Hour News 8 the applicants span the spectrum of ages, skills and education. A number of people have college degrees, some are already retired and want some work, still others are transitioning from one industry to another.

"Pretty much going in, people had said, you may get 20,000 applications. So I know I was going to have to set up a process that would work and we would be prepared," said the casino's Peggy Houston.

Interviews are underway, and she said they're talking with about 200 people each day. "You'd be surprised at how many very well educated people go to work at a casino as a dealer," she said, adding that what they look for is "great guest service. We are all about people who make great eye contact, smile and interact with people."