Got rack jacked, guy got 86'd

I'm going to forego specific details for personal reasons. Played craps at a strip casino (one of MGM/CET) and the guy next to me palmed a black chip. After some time, security came down and confronted him. He made it right (gave me $100, basically admitting guilt) and was kicked out (and trespassed I think).

Here is my question: Is it normal to not arrest people for this? I see that theft of under $250 is a misdemeanor in Nevada, but it bugs me that the police weren't involved. It seems like it sets a bad precedent to let something like that slide, I heard the conversation and they explicitly told him that they had video of the theft.

You could have insisted that the casino call metro if you were inclined to do so.

Is it normal? Apparently so. Obviously the casino doesn't want to tack on to the crime statistics already recorded. Remember the thread about what happens when guests die in hotel rooms. https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/off-topic/27031-death-and-sex-in-lv-insider-secrets/

Just curious, did you notice the theft or did the casino notify you it happened?

Eons ago I had a dealer or BoxMan suggest I keep my chips more tightly racked.

Its fairly common for casinos to not make a big deal about things when everyone is having so much fun and they will only tell the judge it was an impulse crime after having been plyed with alcohol by a casino that took all their money.

It is YOUR money, watch it more closely.

You've noticed how a crap's tables bank is arranged with higher denomination chips toward the middle. I sure hope your rack is similarly arranged. If someone is going to reach for them make them really reach for it. Alert surveillance there but players should be alert too.

I know its offensive to even think somone may have done this railbirding stuff but why do you think surveillance watches women's hands. The casino wants the man to bet those chips not for the woman wearing a wrap to cash them in.

White chips for tips .... and protection from theft.

Quote: onenickelmiracle

Just curious, did you notice the theft or did the casino notify you it happened?

I/friend noticed it and informed them. I kept a mental note of my chip amount and a friend I was playing with caught him in the act (then I confirmed I had a chip missing).

Quote: FleaStiff

You've noticed how a crap's tables bank is arranged with higher denomination chips toward the middle. I sure hope your rack is similarly arranged. If someone is going to reach for them make them really reach for it. Alert surveillance there but players should be alert too.

Yup, would be a good habit not to have the blacks on the end.

casinos do not want the police involved at anytime if they can help it.

had you insisted the cops be called they possibly might have done so but not without first trying to talk you out of it, explaining that they had everything under control...it is a public relations issue mostly...they want everything handled by their own security if at all possible.

tom p

Quote: ahiromu

Here is my question: Is it normal to not arrest people for this? I see that theft of under $250 is a misdemeanor in Nevada, but it bugs me that the police weren't involved. It seems like it sets a bad precedent to let something like that slide, I heard the conversation and they explicitly told him that they had video of the theft.

They weren't the only ones following the precedent, you were too. You needed to be the one to make a citizens arrest and / or call the police.

I imagine you'd have to fill out some forms, then you'd be asked if you were going to be available for the trial. Without the victim testifying, the DA may not go ahead with the trial.

Quote: billryan

I imagine you'd have to fill out some forms, then you'd be asked if you were going to be available for the trial. Without the victim testifying, the DA may not go ahead with the trial.

His friend that actually witnessed the theft would be key, they wouldn't get a guilty without both, since there is the right to cross examine witnesses. They could try prosecuting, but the case would be dismissed if there weren't continuances granted and speedy trial considerations aren't in play. The guy got off really easy so far, I'd applaud if he sought charges, because people shouldn't blatantly steal like that and get away with it. Too bad the thief didn't get his ass kicked.

I was not entirely sober, hence not in a position to be more accusatory. If I had been of clear mind, I may have actively accused and made a stink if there was no prosecution. As is, I told the pit that I had lost a chip within the last five minutes and was 100% sure that I had not bet it. I did not personally accuse him, though that was implicit.

Ahiromu,

Thank you for posting this.

I tend to get lazy and actually forgot the practice of putting the biggest chips in the middle of your rack (this was a good reminder for me). The other thing I do (which was a topic I posted some time ago), is I'm completely unaware of how much in chips I have when I have the casino towel my money so I can use the bathroom. In the thread I posted, many admitted they have no idea how much money they leave when asked to be toweled also. Seems like that would be another opportunity for people to steal from you (I question how closely the dealers are watching your chips in that situation). In any event, thanks again. I have a couple of trips planned over the next two months so I'll be more diligent.