Masika Jackson
Masika Jackson is a compliance and internal audit professional in the casino gaming industry based in Detroit, Michigan. She currently serves as a Senior Internal Auditor with PENN Entertainment, Inc while previously holding the role of Compliance Supervisor at Greektown Casino-Hotel for over six years. With approximately a decade of experience in casino operations, her career has evolved from compliance-focused roles into broader audit responsibilities overseeing regulatory adherence across complex entertainment and hospitality environments.
In her work, Masika specializes in monitoring and evaluating casino and hotel operations to ensure compliance with state gaming regulations, government requirements, and IRS-related standards. She is responsible for reviewing internal controls and observing operational procedures across multiple departments, including slots, table games, finance, security, sportsbook, human resources, and food and beverage. A key strength in her role is her ability to build trust and collaboration with teams, encouraging open communication that supports proactive and preventative compliance practices across the organization.
Masika is pursuing her Bachelor of Business Administration at the University of Phoenix, where she has demonstrated strong academic performance alongside her professional commitments. She is also active in professional development and industry affiliations focused on auditing, compliance, and leadership. Her professional philosophy centers on integrity, transparency, and continuous learning, with a strong emphasis on helping teams operate within regulatory frameworks while maintaining efficiency and accountability.
• ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists)
• AIA (Association of Internal Auditors) membership
• Level 1 Gaming License
• Diversity and Inclusion Trainer at Penn
• Leadership and Management Certificate with 4.0 GPA
• Working toward CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) certification
• University of Phoenix - BBA
• ACAMS (Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists)
• AIA (Association of Internal Auditors)
• Penn Women
• Victory City Center (Executive Pastor role)
• AAU basketball organizations (assisting with children's teams)
• Victory City Center community empowerment (non-profit)
What do you attribute your success to?
I'm definitely spiritual, so for sure, the higher power. My support system of family and friends has been crucial. I also attribute it to my drive, my willpower to want to be empowered, to want to be better, to want to reach higher goals and standards. These three elements - my spirituality, my support network, and my internal motivation - have been the foundation of everything I've accomplished.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I'll give you two pieces of advice that really stick out to me. First, never be afraid to apply yourself, even if you think you may not be certain about your qualifications. Whether it's a position or a task, if you have all of the credentials and knowledge, don't be afraid to take that chance. Don't allow fear to interfere or interrupt your dreams or your goals. The second piece of advice is to always be honest with yourself and with others. Integrity goes a long way, and that honesty and transparency will serve you throughout your career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up. Never stop. Don't stop pushing. Regardless of what hurdles you may feel, or barriers that you may feel are in the way, don't be afraid to jump over those hurdles or push past those barriers to get to the other side. The obstacles you face are not insurmountable, and with determination and courage, you can overcome anything that stands between you and your goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the largest challenge right now is the world of evolution. Things are forever ever-changing, and trying to stay consistent, trying to stay on top of things, trying to keep up while still achieving whatever goals and opportunities are out there for us is demanding. This field is forever growing, so staying current with the rapid changes and keeping up with the times while maintaining excellence is the main challenge I see.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Definitely integrity is at the top of my list. Communication is essential, along with being thorough and not being afraid to be transparent, so transparency is another key value. Honesty goes hand-in-hand with integrity. And most importantly in business, I'm big on love, which means making sure you're being mindful and considerate. Being considerate, mindful, and having awareness and alertness in how you interact with others and approach your work are the values that guide everything I do professionally and personally.
Locations
PENN Entertainment, Inc.
Detroit, MI 48227