carrying cash ???

Best way to carry cash in vegas ??


Can I cash travelers check at the cage , no problem ?

I hate carrying cash, so I used to use travelers checks, which they cash in the cage.

Now, I use ATMs, because my bank gives me unlimited free ATM transactions. Go Fifth Third!

Quote: DonPedro

Can I cash travelers check at the cage , no problem ?

Usually yes. Be sure to differentiate between 'cashing a check' and 'buying chips with the check'. It often means delays if you want to "cash" a check.

So I could buy chips from the cage ?

I was thinking cashing my travelers check, then buying chips from the table . Is that possible ?

Drive to Target, Kmart, or Walmart and buy a 'traveler's wallet'. They are located back by the luggage area. These are waist belts that you wear around your waist tucked into your pants. Do not buy the kind that you wear around your neck. Keep most of your money there and just a thousand or two in your regular wallet. The travelers wallet is also a great way to carry your chips. You could comfortably carry 20k in hundreds in one of these wallets.


You will be fine carrying money in Las Vegas. Everyday people are walking around carrying thousands of dollars on the strip. If you're on the strip you will be fine. Off the strip is a different story.

Don't try to buy your chips at the cage. You should by them at the table with your players card. If don't want to play with cash, then you can wire your money in advance or arrive with cashiers checks. It's sometimes a good idea to fax copies of your cashiers checks in a advance if you want better treatment from the host, however you must still present the checks on a arrival. Most places will hold the checks rather than depositing them and will only deposit enough to offset your loss if you should lose at the end of your trip. The remainder of your checks can be returned to you upon request.
By doing it this way you will be signing markers at the table in order to play against the cashiers checks that the casino is holding.

I'm a big fan of cashing a personal check at the cashier. I just discovered this recently that they will do this for you for free. It takes a little while to set up, but afterwards you can do it as often as you like, within certain limits and approvals.

I no longer have an ATM card (long story, I have an online bank), and I only carry one credit card.

So just set it up before hand ? how long does it take ?

It's very easy to do. Simply contact a casino host. The easiest way is to simply take a check(s) or cashiers check(s) with you. For faster service you can fax copies in advance. However, you still must present the actual check(s) when you arrive. It's best to use more than one check for your casino play. For one, this enables you to collect the unused checks at the end of your trip.

Depending on how much you plan on depositing, they will sometimes arrange for a limo pickup for you at the airport. These days, every hotel is eager to send the limo out and they have zillions of them. This is another reason to fax copies of the checks in advance to your host. It's also a good idea to talk with your host about airfare reimbursement requirements before you arrive. Meaning how much play you must make in order to meet the required level for reimbursement.

And finally, don't forget to ask about rebates on any losses that you may have.

Quote: Keyser

Drive to Target, Kmart, or Walmart and buy a 'traveler's wallet'. .

These show up on the airport scanners. What do
you tell them is the reason you have 20K around your waist?
Whatever you say, theres still a chance they'll seize it.

Quote: Keyser

Don't try to buy your chips at the cage.

Casinos sell chips at the cage? Which ones do that,
I've never seen it. What I have seen is people being
told they have to buy chips from a dealer.

Quote: Evebob

These show up on the airport scanners. What do
you tell them is the reason you have 20K around your waist?
Whatever you say, theres still a chance they'll seize it.

Obviously you don't want to wear the belt through the airport. However, before the body scanners many people use to wear them through the scanners. Do you remember the part where TSA asks you to empty your pockets etc before entering the scanner?

Simply put your money in envelops with your name and address on them and place them in your carry on bags or computer bag to go through security. Afterwards simply take the money back out of the bags.

Security won't take your cash unless you're traveling in or out of the country with more than 10k.
However, there's really no limit when flying in the country. That being said, they can make you prove that it's not drug money if they have a reason to believe that it is. (be sure to clean the envelops after you put the money in them.) If you are pressed, all you have to do is tell them where you gambled and where got the cash.

Quote: Keyser

Security won't take your cash unless you're traveling in or out of the country with more than 10k.

LOL, who told you that? If you have a lot
of cash at any airport, flying anywhere,
they can seize it if they don't like you for
whatever reason. And you'll play hell getting
it back.

I've never had a problem. I have also spoken with security about the issue.

If you are so concerned then you should just wire your money in advance or carry checks.

Quote: EvenBob

These show up on the airport scanners. What do
you tell them is the reason you have 20K around your waist?
Whatever you say, theres still a chance they'll seize it.

No one can confiscate your money unless you're carrying it across a border and don't declare it (usually only applies to amounts in excess of $10,000). I carry large amounts through airports all the time and I actually do use the kind of "traveler's wallet" that Keyser mentioned.

Nightfly there are many cases of money being confiscated within the U.S.

It can even be less than 10k,You have been fortunate not to experience this.

I've never had a problem. Coming in and out of LV, it's reasonable to be carrying large amounts of cash.

My last trip I was carrying 2500 in 100s (I know this is not an alarming amount) but I was assigned to one of the scanners. TSA told me to take everything out of my pockets. I whispered to the agent that I was headed to a casino and was carrying a large amount of cash that I did not wish to be waving around in the airport. TSA agent just told me to take it out of my pocket and hold it in my hand that was over my head. Since it was only 25 bills, it was easily concealed. The agent never asked how much.

Quote: EvenBob

LOL, who told you that? If you have a lot
of cash at any airport, flying anywhere,
they can seize it if they don't like you for
whatever reason. And you'll play hell getting
it back.

I gotta call you on this one too. Let's see the evidence.

Quote: EvenBob

LOL, who told you that? If you have a lot
of cash at any airport, flying anywhere,
they can seize it if they don't like you for
whatever reason. And you'll play hell getting
it back.

Ummm...no. I mean, I guess they *can* do it. But it'd be theft. They *may* not confiscate anything that is not included on a pretty narrow list of disallowed items. I think you're confusing airport security (all flights, the TSA) with airport customs (international arrivals, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office).

Quote: Wizard

I gotta call you on this one too. Let's see the evidence.

There was a thread about it some time ago. I'll look for it.

BTW you can carry as much money as you want into the US, but if you're carrying more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments (bonds, checks, gold, etc) you have to report it.

CBP can convisgate money if you don't declare it on your border crossing card if flying by air. If you are leaving the country via air, CBP will also confiscate things you don't declare (anything over 10K).

As for the TSA, there was a directive due to a case made by the ACLU in November 2009 in which a man was interrogated and arrested for carrying $4,700 through an airport. As well, there have been TSA agents who have been fired due to theft (of money or baggage).

So no, the TSA can't seize money for any reason if they like. CBP of course can seize anything. For example, if you tell them that you have $1,000 of cash with you but you are discovered having $5K they will seize the cash and probably fly you to gitmo (exagerration)... but they will seize the cash and probably turn you back at the border. If you wanted to bring a briefcase with $1,000,000 in $100 bills in it through security for a domestic flight, you could.

Quote: Wizard

I gotta call you on this one too. Let's see the evidence.

Not a problem.

"An unrelated aside that the TSA are dumb asses, a good friend of mine was stopped by TSA for carrying... a big block of cash. They pulled him aside with a supervisor, said "We think it is suspicious that you have a large block of cash and we are going to take it into custody." Well, my friend is a semi-professional power player, and he explained that he was going to Vegas for a poker tournament, and the money was his buy in plus a bit, and had the boarding pass to prove it. The TSA people didn't care and said they were going to seize the cash anyway."

You see stuff like this all the time, its everywhere. If you have a big wad
of cash, they immediately suspect you of being a criminal. This guy got
it back but a lot of them don't.

So if I want to travel w/ some $$$, what is the best way to make it LV and back ???

W/O any hassle from the casino/TSA?

I usually do not stay at where I play, and do not want any hassle, getting access to my own $$$$.

Travelers checks ?

Reg. check ?

Cashiers check ?

Money order ?

Other ?

This is right from the TSA itself:

"When presented with a passenger carrying a large sum of money through the screening checkpoint, the TSA officer will frequently engage in dialog with the passenger to determine whether a referral to law-enforcement authorities is warranted. The TSA officer may consider all circumstances in making the assessment, including the behavior and credibility of the passenger. Thus, a failure to be forthcoming may inform a TSA officer’s decision to call law-enforcement authorities."

Apparently the magic number is now $4700, which is exactly what
a teller at my bank told me a year and a half ago. The Fed's now
consider anything over $4700 to be enough to make you suspicious
of an illegal activity.

TSA BLOG

Remember this from 2009? It was all over cable, but
the link has been removed from YouTube. I remember
this well.

"Should we be surprised that a guy named Steve Bierfeldt who tried to board a commercial airline flight in St. Louis Missouri March 29th was detained by the TSA (the ones who make us take our shoes off) for having approximately $4700 in cash? I suppose not. No I'm not surprised one bit. The cool thing about this though is that the dude Steve had an iPhone. When he was taken into a closed backroom at Lambert International in St. Louis to be "questioned" he managed to hit the record button on the phone and got every bit of this quaint little interview."

Here's a link that works. Listen to the tape, its amazing.

TSA

I'm sorry, but that just hasn't been my or anyone elses experience that I know.

I've had TSA ask what was in the envelops and I have even told them, "cash" for or from my gambling trip. They have felt the envelops and have simply said, "congratulations" and then have sent me on my way. (This is when I have held envelops in my hands in the body scanner). I have also been stopped carrying several times that amount in chips as well and have had no problem whatsoever. The clay chips in a computer bag will sometimes get some looks, but once they see what they are, they just wave you through the screening.

I should also add that I fly a great deal.

Quote: Keyser

I've had TSA ask what was in the envelops and I have even told them, "cash" for or from my gambling trip.

You'll come across the right agent, be patient.

How would you know Evenbob? I get the feeling that you don't fly very often.

Quote: Keyser

How would you know Evenbob? I get the feeling that you don't fly very often.

LOL! What you don't know is what you don't know.

Whatever you say Evenbob. What has your experience been with regards to flying with money?

Quote: Keyser

As I recall you had a thread where you were being sued for not paying your bills. That's what I know.

Then I guess you know it all! LOL

Quote: DonPedro

Best way to carry cash in vegas ?? Can I cash travelers check at the cage , no problem ?

I guess this is a two-part problem: getting funds to Vegas and strolling around Vegas while carrying all or some of your bank roll with you.

As for physical carry: Any travel store will sell a zillion varieties of nifty velcro-wrap wallets for various places on the body. Dealers often have personal items such as tissues, gum, id, their own cash, in such a device because they have no pockets and can't reach anywhere without clapping their hands before and after. Even a girl who wants to flip some errand strand of hair out of her way can't do it without clearing her hands before and after.

As for getting the cash to Vegas, some people open credit accounts so as to sign markers and pay them when they get back home, but I think it is wiser to open what the casinos call a Front Money Account. Its simply a deposit that you make at the casino and draw from via your player's card and signature. They are not extending you credit, they are just issuing to you the chips that are already being held by them. Less paperwork and no credit checks into your finances since they are not lending you any money at all. The floor person just checks your balance or you go directly to the cage. It only takes a few moments and is often quicker than having the dealer spread cash for the camera and do a count.

The Venetian was hesitant to cash my cashier's check (since those are so easy to print on a home computer) but this turned out to be a misunderstanding since what I really wanted was chips. All I did was take the cash and buy chips at the craps table which is what I was used to anyway. Some other casinos just wait until the bank opens and calls to see if the check is good. I'm told wire transfers are the best way to move larger amounts of cash, but I once had a branch manager give me the wrong digits so be sure the bank clerk knows what they are doing. The casino cashiers will help you if you email either your host or the email address given on the casino's web site under credit applications. The casino personnel seem more knowledgeable than some of those young branch managers at the banks these days.

I'm sure some muggers or thieves can "get lucky" but rarely is anyone robbed in Vegas who didn't ask for it in some fashion. If you are a female you watch your drink being mixed always no matter what city you are in. If you are a male you watch your drink being mixed when you are in a Vegas bar. Otherwise some hooker and her pimp will help you off the bar stool and take you to your room, dump you on the bed and clean out your pockets and hotel room. Sure its rare, but it does happen. If you are the type of male who partakes of hookers its best to be careful about who you take to your room. Some hookers are Dedicated Women. In Vegas, most seem quite willing to take more money than you've given them. So if you want female companionship either pickup a girl on vacation or ask a dealer for a phone number. He will get a cut from the girl and the girl will not jeopardize her future referrals by filching your wallet.

If you just want to go "casino hopping" there is no way a thief will know that you are loaded if you color up your chips or just carry some cash. Its only if you act as if you've got a wad on you or flash it around that you need worry. Beth Rayner's very first stint doing Pick-Ups and Deliveries for a Bookie was to deliver eighty grand to a guy she was to meet at the roulette table. She drove from the bookie's office to the casino carry eighty grand and never acted differently than she would normally have acted. No one knows you are carrying money unless you telegraph it.

I used to wear a zippered money belt. It looked like any other black belt with a cheap brass fastener. It provided me with a measure of comfort and safety but it also proved a nuisance and when it became worn, I just never replaced it.

Cops and the IRS like to seize money since such asset forfeitures result in federal funds for their department. Texas is particularly prone to such putative drug money seizures and vehicle seizures. This happens even if its less than ten grand. Statistically you are safer at an airport screener than on a Texas interstate with out of state plates. Nowadays, I'd love to be leaving Vegas with more than ten grand! I try to avoid carrying chips across a state line but don't even know if thats still illegal or not. Nobody would really care much about it though.

Quote: EvenBob

This is right from the TSA itself:

"When presented with a passenger carrying a large sum of money through the screening checkpoint, the TSA officer will frequently engage in dialog with the passenger to determine whether a referral to law-enforcement authorities is warranted. The TSA officer may consider all circumstances in making the assessment, including the behavior and credibility of the passenger. Thus, a failure to be forthcoming may inform a TSA officer’s decision to call law-enforcement authorities."

Apparently the magic number is now $4700, which is exactly what
a teller at my bank told me a year and a half ago. The Fed's now
consider anything over $4700 to be enough to make you suspicious
of an illegal activity.

TSA BLOG

Remember this from 2009? It was all over cable, but
the link has been removed from YouTube. I remember
this well.

"Should we be surprised that a guy named Steve Bierfeldt who tried to board a commercial airline flight in St. Louis Missouri March 29th was detained by the TSA (the ones who make us take our shoes off) for having approximately $4700 in cash? I suppose not. No I'm not surprised one bit. The cool thing about this though is that the dude Steve had an iPhone. When he was taken into a closed backroom at Lambert International in St. Louis to be "questioned" he managed to hit the record button on the phone and got every bit of this quaint little interview."

Here's a link that works. Listen to the tape, its amazing.

TSA

I must've missed the part where detention=confiscation...

Quote: EvenBob

Casinos sell chips at the cage? Which ones do that,
I've never seen it. What I have seen is people being
told they have to buy chips from a dealer.

It may depend on (a) the casino and (b) how many chips.

I collect $5 chips, and I think there was only one place on/near the strip or on Fremont Street (I can't remember which one off-hand) where I couldn't just walk up to the cage and "buy" a single $5 chip (although I do remember a number of cashiers asking me why I wanted just one, and one casino wouldn't sell me a "regular" chip, but it had to be one of the ones advertising one of their current shows).

Quote: boymimbo

CBP can convisgate money if you don't declare it on your border crossing card if flying by air. If you are leaving the country via air, CBP will also confiscate things you don't declare (anything over 10K).

As for the TSA, there was a directive due to a case made by the ACLU in November 2009 in which a man was interrogated and arrested for carrying $4,700 through an airport. As well, there have been TSA agents who have been fired due to theft (of money or baggage).

So no, the TSA can't seize money for any reason if they like. CBP of course can seize anything. For example, if you tell them that you have $1,000 of cash with you but you are discovered having $5K they will seize the cash and probably fly you to gitmo (exagerration)... but they will seize the cash and probably turn you back at the border. If you wanted to bring a briefcase with $1,000,000 in $100 bills in it through security for a domestic flight, you could.

I needed to quote myself because EvenBob felt the need to state this very case in a post above. The detainment of $4700 (that EvenBob) referred to was challenged by the ACLU. The ACLU dropped the lawsuit against TSA when new directives came out instructing agents to not improperly detain people who were carrying large sums of money. This was back in 2009.

Of course, the TSA's responsibility is to ensure that things do not get onto planes that shouldn't. That includes drugs. People who carry large sums of money without explanation are inherently suspicious and probably would be subject to secondary inspections to ensure that they are also NOT carry drugs onto the plane. I don't have a problem with this, because there probably are alot of drug mules out there carrying drugs and money through airports. Of course, a boarding pass into LAS, BDL, or ACY would help as well as a hotel reservation near said casino.

And of course, if you are coming into or leaving the States with an undeclared amount of cash (no matter what it is), CBP has the right to detain it. This I've seen personally at YYZ when we were pulled into secondary. The person next to me what yanking money out of his socks, his pants, his shirt... because he didn't declare his money, I thought it was probably going to get confisgated. But he was allowed to take his money and leave after some stern talking to.

Quote: boymimbo

And of course, if you are coming into or leaving the States with an undeclared amount of cash (no matter what it is), CBP has the right to detain it. This I've seen personally at YYZ when we were pulled into secondary. The person next to me what yanking money out of his socks, his pants, his shirt... because he didn't declare his money, I thought it was probably going to get confisgated. But he was allowed to take his money and leave after some stern talking to.

I've never flown to Canada. Was it Canadian customs officials in Toronto who were visiting with the cash stuffer? Or do you clear U.S. Customs in Toronto and not in your arrival city?

I don't know about YYZ, but in Vancouver, American customs and officials do the clearance in Canada. Very odd being bossed around by overly officious US border guards on Canadian soil.

Quote: thecesspit

I don't know about YYZ, but in Vancouver, American customs and officials do the clearance in Canada. Very odd being bossed around by overly officious US border guards on Canadian soil.

When going into/out of Canada, you also have to declare anything over $10,000 to Canadian customs.

Quote: EvenBob

Here's a link that works. Listen to the tape, its amazing.

TSA

From your own link:

"Traveling with cash of any amount is not illegal. When traveling internationally passengers are only required to report cash in their possession if the amount exceeds US$10,000, so Mr. Bierfeldt’s $4,700 should not have caught anyone’s attention."

"In reality $4,700 wouldn’t even register on the DEA’s radar and travelers are not required to provide any documentation of why they may be traveling with cash."

"Following the conversation Mr. Bierfeldt was released without the cash ever being physically counted,"

I would file this under isolated incidents of cocky security guards looking to stir up trouble. Such incidents happen with casino security and professional gamblers playing fairly, usually with the result of the player winning a five-figure or low-six figure judgement for illegal detainment.

My point is that I think your incident is an exception to the rule. I know a lot of professional gamblers who fly around with lots of money and never once heard of a story like this happening to them.

This was an enormous legal headache for years. If you ever get the chance to do some research on airport drug courier arrests, a surprisingly large number of them have been collared simply because they were flying with large amounts of cash, and more than a few completely innocent people were detained simply because they travelled with large sums of money. In several cases, large amounts of cash had been confiscated from otherwise apparently innocent travellers who were suing to recover when I encountered them.

It's been two, maybe three years since I was involved with those cases. I'm sure I can dig up notes from a few of them if anyone wants examples of people having money confiscated by US authorities simply because they were flying with a large amount of it.

Quote: heather

It's been two, maybe three years since I was involved with those cases. I'm sure I can dig up notes from a few of them if anyone wants examples of people having money confiscated by US authorities simply because they were flying with a large amount of it.

If those examples apply to 100% domestic travel, I'd like to see them.

They do not. I only dealt with cases involving international flights, unfortunately. Several involving US citizens, though.

I have had a number of people claim that they were unconcerned about possible violation of our rights after 9-11 when there were some claims going around, including a relaxation about listening to phone conversations.

I don't want to get into those particulars, some of the claims were overblown, but it bothers me when someone comes up with the wrong response such as "I don't care if they want to do xyz, I am doing nothing illegal and have nothing to hide." My response to that is that we can go down the entire Bill of Rights and make the same breezy claim, if our "protectors" could be trusted absolutely.

IMO the TSA incident cited here is a perfect example. See what happens when authorities are allowed to search as they please? They start to abuse the privilege. No, sorry, we don't want unreasonable searches or any other usurpation against our rights.

Anyone who travels internationally with more than $10,000 USD should really know that a paper trail comes with the territory. It's not a bad thing either. All customs care about is that the money is legitimate and not a result of any illegal activities such as drugs or money laundering operations. Why wouldn't an honest gambler bending over backwards to provide documentation where their money originated from? It helps your case!!! All big payouts are recorded at the casino anyway, getting a receipt upon request isn't that unreasonable especially considering you are going to be questioned by customs. As was mentioned earlier, wire transfers and the casino writing you a check are also good options. Even without that documentation, as long as you declare it, you'll be fine. Even if you are questioned heavily, you can still trace the big cashout at the casino with your player's card or ID. Plenty of people leave Vegas with more than 10K to take home to their country and are not well versed in the do's and don'ts of traveling with cash. As long as they are upfront and declare their winnings, I doubt customs will turn it into front page news. They just want to know the money is legal and not suspicious. So if you go out of your way to avoid a paper trail and don't declare your honest winnings, you kinda deserve to get the fallout.

When travelling from Toronto (YYZ), you clear US Customs at the airport. And as Heather stated, all of her cases involved international travel.

Quote: boymimbo

If you are leaving the country via air, CBP will also confiscate things you don't declare (anything over 10K).

How can they know? There are no outbound inspections that correspond to the inbound checks.

Quote:

As for the TSA, there was a directive due to a case made by the ACLU in November 2009 in which a man was interrogated and arrested for carrying $4,700 through an airport.

For what viiolation? He most like had some ancillary problem.

Quote:

CBP of course can seize anything.

An utterly baseless assertion.

Quote:

If you wanted to bring a briefcase with $1,000,000 in $100 bills in it through security for a domestic flight, you could.

Remember, ordinary passengers are not allowed to bring weapons aboard. Sort of limits one's security options.

Obviously it is better to remain anonymous if you are carrying huge wads of cash, but I wouldn't think there is legal (yes, I'm a lawyer - but this is an off the cuff opinion) basis for seizure. It isn't illegal to carry large sums of cash. If you were carrying cash on an international flight and hit customs that's a different story, but domestic flight shouldn't be a problem. Be upfront and say it is from/for gambling.

I pulled some TSA blogs from their legal counsel.

A TSA agent when he finds large sums of cash may engage a passenger in a dialog to determine whether the cash is part of an illegality. Based on passenger disposition or truthfulness they are permitted to contact other law enforcement authorities. Whatever you do - DON'T LIE - lying to federal authorities is illegal and will piss them off - and a pissed off low level bureaucrat can make you very miserable.

Here's my suggestion - be honest - it's for or from gambling - if you are flying to Nevada, et al show them the proof -- if you are uncomfortable having you thousands shown in public - ask to talk to a supervisor as you get in line and show your id - tell them the whole story and explain your desire for things to be low key. TSA gets hassled all the time -- by being upfront and dealing with them in a courteous manner you'll probably be pleasantly surprised by their response because they just aren't used to being treated decently.

How to bring money to Las Vegas?

I'm flying in this Friday, and will have about 3 grand in cash in my carry on bag, with a $10K line of credit at MGM for gambling.

If you want to run with the big dogs, you have to lift your leg up high.

Quote: EvenBob

This is right from the TSA itself:

"When presented with a passenger carrying a large sum of money through the screening checkpoint, the TSA officer will frequently engage in dialog with the passenger to determine whether a referral to law-enforcement authorities is warranted. The TSA officer may consider all circumstances in making the assessment, including the behavior and credibility of the passenger. Thus, a failure to be forthcoming may inform a TSA officer’s decision to call law-enforcement authorities."

The TSA admitted that the cursing and tone of the TSA employee in this case was inappropriate.

A TSA employee and members of the St. Louis Airport Police Department can be heard on the audio recording. TSA holds its employees to the highest professional standards. The tone and language used by the TSA employee was inappropriate and proper disciplinary action was taken.

It seems to me that the parameters of this case are very routine. A major fault is with the TSA for not providing it's officers with a standard comment like the Miranda rights. The passenger should be informed of why he is being questioned and what his rights are in response.

Steve Bierfeldt was asking what his rights are. The fact that the TSA officer responded by saying "if you have nothing to hide, then you can answer" is juvenile. He should have been equipped with a standard response to this reasonable question.

Even domestic travel to an auction event can result in a seizure.

Security issues are heightened nowadays and cops are far more numerous. TSA people are McDonald's rejects with a badge.

I've traveled with cash and kept it well out of sight. It helps to be ticketed to or from Las Vegas though. They sort of understand that.

At that darned Agricultural station heading back to Los Angeles, I just slowed down, leaned out the window and said "Vegas" and he motioned me right on through. Three young men in a rented car who spent the weekend in Vegas were not bringing Gypsy Moths into California and they were not going to waste their time putting me in the line for searchlights, mirrors and portable xrays. Nowadays, I don't know if they are as understanding or not.

The only casino that ever frisked me was the Barbary Coast which from the name you know was a long time ago. A guy came out of an unmarked wood panel, walked in a virtually empty casino to the aisle I was in and brushed past me despite there being a zillion empty aisles and my aisle being quite wide enough without his brush and straying hands as he apolligized for bumping into me. Then he returned immediately to the unmarked wood panel and I left the casino. I don't know quite why this happened but I sure wasn't going to wait around for anything to be repeated or to escalate. They seemed satisfied after the frisk but I wasn't going to push the issue in a town where the only industry is gambling and the casinos are king. I had previously enjoyed gambling there but I never went back.

I try to never take gambling chips across a state line but doubt anyone would much care.

I think one of the reasons for the decline in Vegas Visitors is the lines and security check point indignities at the airports.