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! 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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Always Watch Your Machine.

Always keep an eye out on the machine you’re playing and don’t turn your back, not even for a second. It doesn’t take very long for someone to press the “Cash Out” button, grab the ticket and run!

Make Sure The Machine Has Accepted Your Money.

Watch the money as it goes into the machine and don’t look away until the machine has registered the inserted bill or ticket.

Ask A Casino Employee To Watch Your Machine.

Don’t trust that a complete stranger will keep an eye on your machine and definitely not the credits in your game! If you need to leave the machine for any reason, don’t leave money in the game. Always, always, always cash out your money – even if you’re just simply getting up to get an ashtray close by or calling over an attendant. This same rule applies for table game players.

Be Careful With Free Slot Play.

If you download free slot play onto your machine, be aware that you must play through all the slot play before you can cash out. In other words, if you download $20 but only play with $5, then when you cash out you will only receive the amount you won using the $5. The leftover $15 in free slot play will be left in the machine. All too often, players aren’t aware and walk away from a machine with credits remaining.

When Visiting The Restroom, Use The Buddy System.

The public restroom at the casino can be a very vulnerable place. Whenever possible, go with someone else who can watch your back.

Don’t Get Into An Elevator With Someone That Makes You Nervous.

You can always wait for the next elevator if someone looks suspicious or makes you feel uncomfortable. Better to be safe than sorry.

Take Advantage Of Casino Services.

Use the valet parking because a small tip, or even a small fee, is an insignificant price to pay for the added safety and peace of mind. Ask for a security escort to your car if you’ve won a large sum of money. Then, make sure you’re not being followed home.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings.

Always be aware of the people that are playing next to you and standing around you. Be cautious of any person that is behaving in a suspicious manner. Careless behavior gives people a reason to lurk around the casino watching and waiting for an easy opportunity. Have fun and stay safe!

Keep the questions coming! Write us at PO BOX 20636 Mesa, AZ 85277 or email us at Editor@AZGamingGuide.com. $