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Casino Safety

3 June 2011

If everyone were as honest as you and me, we would never have to worry about safety. Unfortunately whenever there is money involved, you are bound to run into some dishonest people, and at the casino there are a lot of players walking around with a lot of money. Casinos do their best to protect the players and themselves from the criminal element with the surveillance cameras and a large security force. However, we as individuals must also take it upon ourselves to help ensure our own safety. Here are 10 simple and practical tips that you can follow to help ensure your personal safety and the safety of your hard-earned money.

Watch the Bill Receptor
When you feed a bill into the receptor of the slot machine, make 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 quickly, leaving you to wonder why the credits did not register on your machine.

Watch Your Wallet
Many men carry their wallets in their back pockets. This makes it easier for a nimble-fingered pickpocket to snatch. Carry your wallet in the front pocket and, better yet, wrap an elastic band around it. This will make it more difficult to lift from your pocket.

Watch Your Purse
Purses, cameras and other valuables should never be placed between slot machines. You could easily forget them or 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.

Fanny Packs
The use of a fanny pack is quite common among both genders of casino patrons. Most of these are worn on the person's side. While they are convenient for sunglasses, players club cards and other incidentals, you should never carry money, wallets or other valuables in them. The straps can be easily cut and a thief can quickly make off with the pack.

Beware of the Bump
Many pickpockets work in teams. One will bump you and the other will lift your wallet. If you do get bumped, you should immediately reach for your wallet to ensure it is still there.

Pocket Your Cash
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. There is no need to advertise that you have money.

Security Escort
If you should win a large hand-paid jackpot, you can ask to have a security guard walk you to the cage. If you are staying at the casino, you should put the money in a safe deposit box that most casinos make available to hotel guests. If you are traveling by car, you can ask security to walk you to your vehicle to make sure you get there safely.

Valet Your Car
Most casinos offer valet parking and at some casinos 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 wee hours of the morning or just want some added safety, then valet is the way to go.

Elevator Safety
Never get into an elevator with someone that makes you feel nervous. You can always wait a minute for the next car. When riding 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 helps protect you against someone lifting your wallet.

Emergency Identification
I think this is the most important tip that you can follow. You should always carry emergency identification on you in a place other than your wallet or purse. This is not just for trips to casinos. It is a good practice to do this whenever you are traveling. If you should become unconscious and have your wallet or purse stolen, there is still a way to be identified. Although we think that it can never happen to us, it is better to be safe than sorry. Even keeping your players card in a different pocket will help to identify you in an emergency.

Most of these tips are common sense. I hope they will help you have a very happy and safe casino visit.

Until next time, remember:
"Luck comes and goes...Knowledge Stays Forever!"

Bill Burton
Bill Burton is a gambling expert and best-selling author of Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold'em and 1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets. He is the former Casino Gambling columnist for About.com.

Burton's Texas Holdem book was published in 2002 long before the game became a national phenomenon. The producers of Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown used his book during the first season to teach the game to the participants.

He writes for several national gaming magazines and newsletters. These publications include: Casino Player, Strictly Slots, The Southern California Gaming Guide, Midwest Gaming and Travel magazine, Southern Gaming and Destinations magazine, Midwest Player and Blackjack Insider.

Burton is an instructor for the Golden Touch Craps dice control seminars teaching players how to gain the advantage in craps. He is an expert at all casino games and can teach players how to play any casino game as well as offering them advice to get the most out of their casino visits.

Bill Burton Websites:

www.billburton.com
www.goldentouchcraps.com

Books by Bill Burton:

> More Books By Bill Burton

Bill Burton
Bill Burton is a gambling expert and best-selling author of Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold'em and 1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets. He is the former Casino Gambling columnist for About.com.

Burton's Texas Holdem book was published in 2002 long before the game became a national phenomenon. The producers of Bravo's Celebrity Poker Showdown used his book during the first season to teach the game to the participants.

He writes for several national gaming magazines and newsletters. These publications include: Casino Player, Strictly Slots, The Southern California Gaming Guide, Midwest Gaming and Travel magazine, Southern Gaming and Destinations magazine, Midwest Player and Blackjack Insider.

Burton is an instructor for the Golden Touch Craps dice control seminars teaching players how to gain the advantage in craps. He is an expert at all casino games and can teach players how to play any casino game as well as offering them advice to get the most out of their casino visits.

Bill Burton Websites:

www.billburton.com
www.goldentouchcraps.com

Books by Bill Burton:

> More Books By Bill Burton