Casino safety

13 August 2016

By John Marchel

Although casinos make sure that safety comes first, there is never a complete assurance about one's absolute safety.

Casinos are open to the public, so it is easy for all types of people to enter the establishment, including those that have undesirable motives. For most people, going to a casino is fun, entertaining along with some excitement.

If you just use common sense — the same way you would with everyday movement in an unknown environment — you will be fine. When traveling overseas, you would normally take some extra precautions that you wouldn’t do when going to a grocery store. The same should be true when visiting a casino.

Casinos have quite a bit of security in place already. They have their own security force; they have the “eye in the sky” cameras, and even undercover personnel moving around the casino itself.

But, you are the one who is most responsible for your own safety. Don’t take chances; keep your wits about you while playing in a place that is a little different than your home or business.


BET YOU DIDN'T KNOW

• Most casinos in the U.S. will provide free drinks to those playing at the tables and machines. Moderation is the key to a good time. Excessive drinking will cloud your judgment while playing, but also affect your common sense on what is going on around you.

• Wrap a rubber band around your wallet and carry it in your front pocket. This will make it more difficult for pickpockets to lift your wallet.

• The use of a fanny pack has become quite common for both genders while traveling. They are convenient for carrying sunglasses, player’s club cards and other incidentals. But, you should never carry money or other valuables in them. The straps can be easily cut and a thief who can quickly be out of sight before you know it.

• When you get paid at the cashier’s cage, take a minute to put your money into your pocket or purse. Don’t walk away from the cage with stacks of dollar bills in your hand. Flaunting your money can be inviting trouble.

• Never get into an elevator with someone that makes you feel nervous. You can always wait for the next car. When in an elevator try to stand up against the back wall or either side of the car. This gives you a clear view of everyone in the car and will alert you to any unwanted movement on their part.

• Purses, cameras and other valuables should never be placed on the area between slot machines. Your valuables are the main target of petty criminals inside the casino. Someone could reach over from the other side of the slot bank and grab them. Keep your purse wrapped around your shoulder or set it in your lap while you play.

• When you feed a bill into the receptor of the machine, be sure you watch it go into the machine. Sometimes the receptor will spit the bill back out if it is crinkled or inserted wrong. If you look away when the bill comes back out, a quick thief can snatch it, leaving you to wonder why the credits did not register on the machine.

• Most casinos offer valet parking, and in most cases it is free. Even if you have to pay, it is worth the cost for your safety. If you are planning to play into the late hours of the morning or just want some added safety, you should consider using the valet.