Don’t let yourself become a victim when spending a day at the boats
Whenever money is involved, you are bound to run into some dishonest people. At the casino there are a lot of players walking around with large amounts of money and this can cause some problems.
“When there are large amounts of money, people without good intentions will want to take it,” said Mark Natale, Bossier City Police's public information officer. “The Bossier City riverboats have excellent security procedures in place and when something comes up involving thefts, they call our department immediately.”
The casinos do their best to protect the players and themselves for the criminal element with the surveillance cameras and a large security force, but patrons should also take it upon themselves to help insure their own safety.
“When anyone is at a location that has crowds of people, the best thing to do is to go in groups or more so those people can watch out for one another,” said Natale.
Here are ten simple and practical tips that you can do to help insure your personal safety and the safety of your hard earned money.
Go with a friend — Going to a casino in pairs or more is the safest way to go. Try to stick together and come up with a game plan before going in. If you do go alone you need to always be on guard. Make sure you have a cell phone on you when you are in the casino.
Watch Your Wallet and Purse — Men, carry your wallet in the front pocket and wrap an elastic band around it to make it more difficult to lift from your pocket. Ladies, keep your purse wrapped around your shoulder or set it in your lap while you play.
Purses, cameras and other valuables should never be place on the tray between slot machines. You could easily forget them or someone could reach over from the other side of the slot bank and grab them. Or, wear a fanny pack or man's wallet carried in the front pocket.
“The general rule — women should keep purses close to them, don't set them under a table or on a gaming machine. And men should keep wallets in their front pocket to remove any risk,” said Natale.
The use of a fanny pack is quite common, but be aware to never carry money wallets or other valuables in them.
Don't flash your cash — Never make an open display of how much money you have while you are at the casino, you are more apt to be targeted by a thief. When you get paid at the cashier’s cage, take a minute to put your money into your pocket or purse. If you win big at the casino, have the cash office hold your winnings until you leave. When leaving, have the security guard walk you to your car.
Use the valet — Most casinos offer valet parking and at some 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 the morning or just want some added safety, then valet is the way to go.
Emergency Identification
Carry emergency identification — Keep some sort of ID on you in a place other than your wallet or purse. If you get knocked unconscious and have your wallet or purse stolen, there is still a way to be identified. Even keeping your player’s card in a different pocket will help to identify you in an emergency.
Lastly, avoid any dark corners or vacant areas. Also, let someone know that you are going to a casino.
