Page 25 - May 2012 • Southern California Gaming Guide

Bill Burton: About Gambling
PIersonal Casino Safety
called my friend Don the other day, and got his voice mail. I didn’t think anything about it because I knew he was spending a few days at the casino. He returned my call the next day and told me that he had not called me back sooner because he had lost his cell phone. He
had been walking through the casino to the co ee shop, and when he sat down and reached for his phone, it was not in the case on his belt. I asked if he had purchased a new phone, and he told me he was using the old one. After he lost the phone, he reported it to casino security, and they contacted him in his room a few hours later to say that somebody had found it and turned it into the casino. Don had an old-style cell phone, and I told him he was lucky that it was not an expensive smartphone, or he may not have gotten it back.
Don’s story is hardly unique. Over the years I have heard of people losing things in the casino, either through their own negligence or by being the victims of crime. Casinos do their best to protect players and themselves from the criminal element with surveillance cameras and large, well-trained security forces. However, we must always be vigilant to insure our own safety, and protect our personal belongings at the casino. Here are ten simple and practical tips to help you do this.
valuables. If you wear your phone on your belt, place a hand on top of it to make sure it stays secure. Note that many pickpockets work in teams, and one could bump you, and the other could lift your wallet. If you do get bumped, you should immediately reach for you wallet to insure it’s still there.
Watch the Bill Receptor
When you feed a bill into the receptor of a slot machine, make sure you watch
Watch Your Belongings
Purses, cameras and other valuables should never be placed in the spaces 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 on your shoulder or on your lap while you play.
Watch Your Wallet
“Casinos do their best to protect players and themselves from the criminal element with surveillance cameras and large, well-trained security forces. However, we
must always be vigilant to insure our own safety and protect our personal belongings at the casino.”
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 your machine.
Pocket Your Cash
When you get paid at the cashier’s cage, take
the morning, or just want some added safety, then valet is the way to go.
Be Aware in the Elevator
Never get into an elevator with someone that makes you feel nervous. is is good elevator safety wherever you are. You can always wait a minute for the next car. When riding in an elevator, try to stand against the back wall or on 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.
Carry Emergency Identification
I think this is the most important tip that you can follow. 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 whenever you travel. If you have your wallet or purse stolen, there is still a way to be identi ed. Although we think that it can never happen to us, it is better to be safe than sorry. Even keeping your players club card in a di erent pocket will
help to identify you in an emergency.
Most of these tips are common sense. I hope they will
help you have a worry-free, happy and safe casino visit.
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 billburton.com. Burton is also an instructor for Golden Touch Craps: thecrapsclub.com.
Many men carry their
wallets in their back pocket. is makes it easier for a nimble- ngered pickpocket to snatch. Carry your wallet in a front pocket, and wrap an elastic band around it. is will make it more di cult to lift from your pocket.
Take Care of Your Fanny Pack
I notice that fanny packs are used often by both genders in the casino. Most are worn on the side. While they are convenient for sunglasses, players club cards and other incidentals, you should never carry wallets or other valuables in them. e straps can be easily cut, and a thief can make o with it in an instant.
Beware of the Bump
If you walk through a crowded area where people are bumping into each other, make sure to secure your
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 your cash.
Get a Security Escort
When you 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 could put the money in a safe that many casinos make available to hotel guests. If you are traveling by car, ask security to walk you to your vehicle to make sure you get there safely.
Valet Your Car
All casinos o er valet parking, and at many 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
MAY 2012
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GAMING GUIDE
PAGE 25