Casino Safety Awareness

Casino safety is one priority that should never be underestimated when visiting. Casino robberies are infrequent but they do happen.


The type of robbery that happens most often is the theft of money and valuables from unsuspecting patrons. Despite excellent surveillance systems, the criminal element will jump at the first opportunity to steal. They are mostly non-violent, and many times the victims are unaware that they have been a target until they reach for their valuables. Whether your day tripping or on an extended stay to play your favorite gambling game, it’s wise to know how to protect yourself and make casino safety a top priority while at a casino. Here are some tips:


When Driving

After reaching your destination valet your car. Most casinos offer this service for a small charge, or for free.  It’s easy access to the front door and you won’t have to worry about walking through a dimly lit garage to the elevator. The service is well worth a few dollars.

Casino Safety at an Elevator 

If someone makes you feel uncomfortable while waiting for an elevator do not get on with that person. Wait for the next car. Try to position yourself against the back wall. This will give you a clear view of everyone in the car and will protect you against a “Light Finger Louie.”

In the Casino

Gentlemen: Guard your wallet and your cash. Try carrying your wallet and/or cash in a deep side pocket. If you must keep it in the back pocket make sure you button it. Try wrapping a rubber band around it. This will make it more difficult to lift from your pocket.

 Ladies: Keep your purse zipped, latched, or buttoned at all times. Do not carry it straight over the shoulder. Put the strap diagonally across your body if possible. Do not open or display the contents in front of a crowd, and always secure it immediately after using. Never carry money or other valuables in a fanny pack as the straps can easily be cut. All patrons should always beware of a bump when walking in a crowd. Many pick pockets work in teams to create a distraction. If you do get bumped reach for your valuables to make sure they are still there.

While Playing

Never put a purse or other valuables on the ledge between slot machines. Someone could easily reach through from the bank of machines on the other side to steal them. Keep your purse closed and on your lap in front of you. Pay attention to the bill acceptor while putting your money in. Sometimes the machine will not accept the bill and it will slide out of the slot where it can be stolen at the slightest distraction.

Case in point: The buffalo news reported that a woman fell asleep at a slot machine in the early AM hours at the Seneca Niagara Casino. After security woke her, she told them $900,an ATM card, and a credit card were missing from her purse. The surveillance video confirmed the theft.

When cashing out keep your eye on the collect ticket slot. The tickets are about the size of a dollar bill and will protrude about 2/3 of the way out of the slot and stay there until someone takes it. While playing table games, guard your casino chips as well. Especially when playing craps. Put a few one dollar chips on each end of your stack on the rail with your largest denominations in the center.

Be aware! stay safe!

Other Tips

If you’re lucky and win a large amount of chips, have a security guard escort you to the cage.

Put your cash away at the cage or at the kisok. Do not carry it in your hand through the casino.

If you’re staying overnight use the room safe or a safety deposit box that most casinos provide.

Remember, the path to becoming a responsible gambler starts with casino safety awareness. Good Luck!

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