Page 6 - December 2009 • Southern California Gaming Guide

Bill Burton: About Gambling
SIafety Refresher Course
am a certi ed rst responder for medical emergencies, and each year I am required to attend a refresher course to keep my skills up to date and go over new safety procedures. ankfully, I have never had to use my training in a life or death emergency, but the training insures
that I will know what to do if an emergency arises. I have found that taking the yearly refresher course also makes me more aware about safety in general in my everyday life.
when you reach for something else. is applies to both men and women.
Watch Your Purse
Purses and other valuables should never be placed in the area 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 with your arm looped through the strap.
Safety in Numbers
Travel with friends and stay together when you can. If you are alone and you win a large hand-paid jackpot, you can ask to have a security guard walk you to the cage. If you are traveling by car, you can also ask security to walk you to your vehicle to make sure you get there safely.
Elevator Safety
Never get into an elevator with someone that makes you feel nervous. You can always wait for the next car. When riding in an elevator, try to stand up against the
back wall or at either side of the car. is gives you a clear view of everyone in the car and helps protect you against someone lifting your wallet.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
As simple as it may sound, the best way to remain safe is to be aware of where you are and the people around you. Staying focused and staying alert is the best way to stay safe.
I want to take this opportunity to wish all of the readers of the Southern California Gaming Guide a very happy holiday season.
Until next time, remember: “Luck comes and goes.. Knowledge Stays Forever.”
Bill Burton is the author of 1000 Best Casino Gambling Secrets and Get the Edge at Low Limit Texas Hold’em available online at www.billburton.com. Burton is also an instructor for Golden Touch Craps: www.thecrapsclub.com..
Our safety is something we sometimes take for granted, and many of us do not even think about it on a conscious level. We obviously will stay away from putting ourselves in situations that we know can be dangerous or reckless, but we tend to be lax in situations and places where we feel comfortable. Casinosdotheirbesttoprotectplayers,andthemselves, from the criminal element with surveillance cameras and a large security force, but you should still do a few things to ensure
stickers you can place on your phone. And if you have an iPhone you can get an app that lets you put your ICE contact on the main screen.
Pocket Your Cash
Your slot voucher is as good as cash, and you should secure it when you cash out from a slot machine. Don’t wave it around as you are walking through the casino. If you are playing a table game, you should
You should always carry
emergency identi cation
in a place other than your
wallet or purse. is is not
just for trips to casinos,
but it is a good practice
to do whenever you are
traveling. If you should
become unconscious and
have your wallet or purse
stolen, there is still a way
to be identi ed. Keeping
your casino players club
card in a di erent pocket will help to identify you in an emergency. Most of us carry cell phones, and you should program a number of a person to contact In Case of Emergency (ICE). ere are also ICE
to ensure your own safety. Manyofyoumayhave
thinking about your safety.”
put your chips in your pocket instead or trying to carry a stack in your hand. If someone bumps into you, your chips could go ying all over the casino oor.
After 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 bills in your hand. ere is no need to advertise that you have money.
Watch Your Wallet
Many men carry their wallets in their back pocket and this makes it easier for a pickpocket to snatch. You should
carry your wallet in your front pocket and wrap an elastic band around it. is will make it more di cult to lift from your pocket. If you carry loose bills in your pocket, make sure they don’t all fall out
your own safety. Many of you may have heard these tips before, but it is always best to take a
“refresher course” to keep you thinking about your safety.
Carry Identification and ICE Your Phone.
“Casinos do their best
to protect players, and themselves, from the criminal element with surveillance cameras and a large security force, but you should still do a few things
heard these tips before, but it is always best to take a ‘refresher course’ to keep you
Page 6
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
December 2009
About Gambling with Bill Burton