According to the 2008 American Gaming Association’s Annual Report, one-quarter (25%) of the U.S. adult population visited casinos in 2007, and they made more visits to casinos than in any previous year…376 million trips to be exact. The average number of trips per gambler also increased to 6.9 trips in 2007.
Now there is no doubt that in 2008 and this first half of 2009 there have been a few steps backward due to the economy. But the fact remains that casino visitation is still among the most popular sources of entertainment in America. Therefore, two factors enter in to a review of player safety concerns that casino security personnel feel will protect you most. The two factors:
- Players’ lack of diligence to protect their own valuables and personal safety.
- The tough economic conditions out there now bring petty thieves to where there is money to be had via factor #1.
The major casinos have some of the most sophisticated surveillance technology available today. Thus, it is pretty tough to cheat the casino in spite of the Hollywood scripted scams. But personal safety is up to you. Let’s take a look at what casino security experts typically agree are important.
Playing Slots
For today’s new generation machines that use your casino club cards to hold your money, the would-be criminal simply waits until you get up and walk off and leave your club card in the slot. Your Pin #? No problem. He simply watches you put your pin in…then waits. What to do? This is where the products of CasinoSentry can help.
The personal carrying cases and vests all have D-rings conveniently located to attach the lanyard containing your club card. If you try to walk off and leave your card, you can’t because you are “tethered” to the machine. Fun for us to watch…safe for you!
For casinos that still use the ticket-in/ticket-out machines, Tony Weiss, a respected casino surveillance authority, pointed out that some would-be criminals will buy in for a very small amount at the machine near yours and generate a voucher for $1 or less. Then they’ll swap your voucher with theirs and walk away with all your cash. Keep your SideKick bag in front of you with the zipper locked, when you cash out, put your hand up to the slot to receive the ticket, and DO NOT BE DISTRACTED FOR THAT SHORT TIME. The would -be criminal may drop something on your foot, like a coin, and cause you to look down. That’s all it takes. They’re gone and so is your ticket or they may have swapped tickets in that instance.
Table Games
Pay attention to your chips. Too many people-especially at craps-take their eyes off their stack as the action on the table heats up. With so many people gathered round, it’s easy for someone to sneak a hand in and help themselves to your money
Guys, Watch Your Wallets! Gals, Watch Your Purses!
Don’t be an easy target for pickpockets. Ladies should not carry a handbag. A case with a place for everything you will need like our favorite, the SideKick, allows you to strap it about your waist and/or clip it to your waistband, keeping it in front of you at all times.
Men should never put a wallet in their back pockets. If you must carry a wallet, put it in your front pocket. Better yet, strap a SideKick about your waist or clip it to your waistband. Another option is the BlackJack vest with its zippered and locked “money belt” pockets and other options for secure carrying of all valuables.
Leaving The Casino With Your Big Win!
For starters, set aside money to valet park upon your arrival. It not safe to wander around a parking lot upon arrival or when leaving. If you’re staying overnight, it’s a good idea to stay in the casino hotel if they have one and it is possible for you. This way security can accompany and see you safely to your room.
Next, if you have a big win, don’t do a lot of broadcasting about it. (I know this is hard considering that the casino likes its patrons to see the floor personnel counting out the money into your palm. Makes everyone around you start frantically playing!). If the casino agrees, ask for a cashiers check. If you want cash or you can’t get a check, then when you leave, ask security personnel to accompany you (and they will) to your car or casino hotel room.
So what should you do? Stop going? What?! And miss the bright lights, good (and often free) food and camaraderie of fellow gamers? Heck no! Even if that includes congratulating the guy next to you who just hit a jackpot on the machine into which you just pumped the better part of your bankroll with no luck. You can go, enjoy yourself, but just Play it Safe.
Good Luck!
Joan Roberts
Editor CasinoSentry® News
Learn More
Be sure to visit our web site at TheCasinoSentry.Com to obtain full information regarding CasinoSentry®, CasinoGear™, and the full SideKick™ product lineup. We also maintain our CasinoSentry News blog to keep our customers up to date on the latest casino and gaming news. At this blog you will find full product detail pages for the CasinoGear™ SideKick™ Gambler™, WildRose™, and HighRoller™ and be able to access a complete product tour.
