Protect yourself at all times, part II

[The following article is excerpted from Frank's new book Cutting Edge Craps: Advanced Strategies for Serious Players!] It continues Frank's look at the ways the criminal enemies of the player go about their nefarious business.

Credit: In order not to carry wads of cash around the casino before playing, getting credit is a good way to go. Of course, if you win a bundle then you have to carry your chips or credit slips to the cage.

Ask for Security: If you do win a bundle as many dice controllers have, then do not leave the table and walk to the cage without security coming along with you. Do not go to your car without security coming with you. Do not go to your room without security coming with you. Thieves hang around the tables just looking for big winners to jump when they get a chance. In Atlantic City one of the Captain's best friends, Jimmy P., was tackled as he entered the elevator and had thousands stolen from him in the process.

Ask for a Check: If you have an outrageously good session and you win over $10,000, you might consider having the casino write you a check as opposed to taking cash. It is an added safety measure. Any win over $10,000 is reported to the IRS so asking for a check is no big deal.

Do Not Flash: Everyone is happy to win big. But flashing your chips as you walk to the cage is a sign that reads, "Hey, you criminals, look how much I have won!" Put your chips in your pockets and then keep your hands in your pocket too. Ladies, you might consider wearing pants with pockets as well when you play those table games. Of course, if your pants pockets have buttons that helps too. Then all you do is make sure your hands stay outside those pockets, preferably touching them to feel those chips as you walk to the cage.

Chipping Correctly: Check out how the casinos lay out their chips. In the center are the high-denomination chips, the maybe $5,000 or more in the middle; then the next levels on either side of those, then the $500 chips on either side of those; then the $100 chips on either side of those; then the $25 chips on either side of those; then the $5 chips on either side, then the $1 chips on either side. The chips are arranged this way so that if someone wants to reach over and steal chips the closest chips to the thief will be the lowest denomination. When you are playing craps (or any other table game) do the exact same thing. Railbirds who attempt to scoop up some chips from you will have a much tougher time if your lowest denominations surround your high denominations.

The Watchmen and Watchwomen: No, these folks aren't the new breed of superhero; they are the individuals who stand right behind you at the tables. Most of the time they are just harmless watchers of the game, but sometimes they are criminals looking to assess how much you have won or how much you have in your rack. No one has to deal with these people. Just say to the floor person that the individual should move back as he is making you uncomfortable. If you want, you can turn around and tell the person to move back.

See the Whites of Their Eyes: I've never understood this. You think a criminal is following you so … you don't turn around to see. Do you think the person, if he is there and if he is actually following you, will go away? Criminals don't want to be noticed. In a casino, if you think someone is following you, turn around and look him right in the eyes. Usually that is enough to make them pretend they aren't following you and they will walk away looking for another victim. If the person seems to be of a stronger bent, then walk over to the security desk and ask to be escorted to your room. Rarely will a criminal tackle you and a security guard.

My Kingdom for a Valet: I once saw a video of a horrifying crime in the self-parking garage of a major casino. Several thugs jumped and almost beat to death a middle-aged man and his wife as they were opening their car. The thieves robbed them and then stole the car. From that moment on I realized that valet was the way to go. Do not be so cheap that you risk your well being to save a few bucks. You don't want on your tombstone: "He Never Paid for Parking."

Elevator Trip Not Mandatory: You are standing waiting to get on the elevator and someone comes up to get on as well. Something about this person makes you feel uncomfortable. Most people will think, "Oh, I can't just not get on the elevator. I might hurt this person's feelings." Nonsense. The least feeling of discomfort you experience and you do not get on the elevator. Now what if the person who makes you feel uncomfortable gets on the elevator when you are all alone and in the elevator already? Walk out. If other people are on the elevator get off when the first person gets off and wait for another elevator. Do not allow yourself to ever be alone on an elevator with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable.

Wall Flower: Once you are in an elevator try to stand against the back wall or the side walls with your back to the wall. That gives you a good view of everyone on the elevator.

Bump and Grab: If someone bumps you, immediately put your hand to your money. Men, that means grab your wallet and women hold on to that purse with a death grip.

Never Yell "Help!" in a Hallway: So the guy is about to jump you in the hallway or he has jumped you. If you scream out "help!" or "help me!" the likelihood is that no one will fling open their door and come storming into the hallway to rescue you. You'd be lucky if someone even bothered to call security and if they did you'd be lucky if security arrived within ten minutes. So how do you get help? Yell "FIRE! FIRE! FIRE" as loud as you can. Every door on the floor will open and some people will actual run into the hallway. Good chance the criminal will get out of there. With many people viewing the situation there is more pressure for them to at least call for security so they don't look like total cowards by not doing so.

Get the Edge! Join Frank Scoblete in Las Vegas, October 21, 2011 for Advantage-Play Friday.