PLAYERS TALK
Q: Dear AZGG, Last night I was at the casino and a security guard approached me and informed me that I need to hold my purse in my lap. At the time, I had it sitting in between my machine and the other person’s machine. I asked him why and he said that he didn’t want my purse to get stolen. Of course, I understand and it makes sense that someone can snatch my purse a lot easier if I’m not holding on to it. However, I guess I just didn’t feel I needed to be that overly cautious. Somehow, I’ve always just felt safe at the casinos with all the guards and the employees running around all the time. Do I have a false sense of security? I’ve never personally witnessed any occurrences at any of the casinos I go to, so I was wondering if you know whether theft is a problem at these places? How safe are the casinos? I really enjoy picking up a new Gaming Guide each month. Thank you and keep up the good work. Francis Lawson – Phoenix, AZ A: Francis, thank you very much for your kind words and for being an Arizona Gaming Guide fan! If you’ve seen the movie Casino, then you surely remember Robert de Niro’s character as a casino manager and his narration about casino security – The dealers are watching the players. The pit bosses are watching the dealers. The shift bosses are watching the pit bosses. The floor manager is watching the shift bosses. The casino manager is watching the floor manager. And, the “eye in the sky” is watching them all! Let’s face it, a casino is probably one of the safest places to be. Anyone who tries to do something there they shouldn’t be doing will most likely get caught. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautionary measures to keep yourself safe!
06 Arizona Gaming Guide | April 2021 | azgamingguide.com
This pandemic, the economy, change of government leadership and many other reasons can make people uncertain about the present and fearful about the future which can lead to desperate behavior. Here are some simple and practical tips to protect yourself while at the casino: Watch Your Purse And Wallet. Just as the casino security personnel cautioned our reader, pay close attention to your purses and wallets! Ladies, the safest way to carry a purse or hold it in your lap is in a crisscross fashion over the shoulder. It is much more difficult for someone to snatch the purse and run. Men, never carry your wallet in your back pocket. It’s in a much more secure location when in a front pocket! Put Away Your Money. Don’t hold your money in your hand. When you’re at the cage or ticket machine, make sure to put away your money safely into your purse or wallet immediately before you walk away. Guard Your Tax Slip. Keep the tax slip you receive for hand pays in a secure location. Your name, address, social security number and other personal information is contained on tax slips given out by the casinos.
Don’t Use Any Slot Trays. Slot trays weren’t meant to house personal belongings such as purses, wallets, keys and cell phones. Someone can easily reach in and grab these items without your knowledge.
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