Players have gotten into the spirit as well, joining casinos in fund-raising slot tournaments that benefit various charities. That’s just what you’re supposed to do,” she said.

Now that the roles are reversed, it’s almost a no-brainer.

“Fifty years ago, they were needy, they were on the other end of the giving stick. Fields, who is the subject of this Casino Guide’s Employee Spotlight, said Sycuan’s philanthropic effort is driven by a sense of pay-it-forward gratitude.