Any good casino theft story's?

I have had 3 thefts in a casino I know of.
1. At craps when leaning over to get my winnings, a guy reached under my extended arm and help himself to my chips. I didn't see it. A minute later security showed and quitely walked the guy away from the table. My chips were replaced.
2. I won $500 in slots. The machine malfunction before paying me. The girl reset the machine and then said I won NOTHING. I asked to see the tape. They said no. I asked again. They said no. Security showed up. More security showed up. Then a security guy I have known for years showed up. He said sorry, they won't pay you. He and I went to lunch.
3. Just 2 weeks ago on a full high end table, I was on 1st base. Third base was playing two very long hands and we were all watching. The house busted. When the dealer and the rest of us looked at my cards/bet to pay me, my bet and some chips was gone. Second base stole my bet and some chips and took off. They played the tape and gave me my chips and bet back and paid me my winnings. Strange thing, he left $200 bet in his circle and took my bet.

I've had no thefts involving chips, only had a pickpocket incident in AC last year - with my wallet in my front pocket, I think they must've gotten me to shift out of my seat, by bumping into me on purpose, so it fell out and they took all my cash. Lucky for me it was not all my bankroll, as I had decided to increase my buy-in at the blackjack table. I did get the empty wallet back about 2 hrs later, but unfortunately, I had to deal with the hassle of replacing credit cards, etc. And since it wasn't chips I lost, I was SOL. My wife told me to include it in my "gambling losses" for that trip. :)

-B

Quote: toastcmu

My wife told me to include it in my "gambling losses" for that trip.

That's pretty funny. I'm usually figuring it the other way -- well, I got all those free drinks and a buffet comp, so it's OK that I lost $100. I have to rationalize it that way or I'll beat myself up.

Oh yes, beware especially of getting bumped into, etc. Last time I worried about it, a nice enough looking woman squeezed into the craps table placing a bet, not seeming to care she was pressing her breast into my arm. After a second or two, I checked for my wallet. Still there!

Something tells me everyone here knows it, but in case you don't, if bumped into etc, there is something that goes on in the brain alerted for action, you can't feel someone taking your wallet [it doesnt have to fall out].

[edited]

An old trick, put a rubber band around your wallet when travelling. It is really a pain to get your wallet out of your pocket.

Quote: likeplayingcrapsandbj

An old trick, put a rubber band around your wallet when travelling. It is really a pain to get your wallet out of your pocket.

Not my own experience but that of a friend, and not in a casino. He believed that his pocket could/would not be picked because his wallet was fat and so tight in his pants pocket that even he had difficulty removing it. Naturally, he lost his wallet to a pickpocket. The technique was to use a razor blade and cut his trousers around the wallet, removing it rather than sliding it out. Caught my friend a bit by surprise.

This happened in Europe -- Spain, I think.

When in Vegas I use a money clip and leave my wallet in the hotel room safe. I just carry cash, my ID, my players club card, and 1 credit card if needed.

I tried using an old rubber band instead of a money clip. It made me feel like a thug when I would buy in to a table with cash.

Quote: Doc

The technique was to use a razor blade and cut his trousers around the wallet, removing it rather than sliding it out. Caught my friend a bit by surprise.

Wow sounds like some slick-ass work. I've never had much of a problem (not like I put off a rich-boy image). I don't find much of a problem if I at least keep it in my front pocket... that money clip idea of gambler's sounds like a winner though.

I do have a question though: What does everyone else do about bringing ID to Vegas. My biggest fear is getting my wallet stolen or lost, losing my ID, and being stuck in Vegas. I -think- I've heard (maybe from here) that you can get a note from the police that can act as your ID. Is this true?

Quote: ahiromu

I -think- I've heard (maybe from here) that you can get a note from the police that can act as your ID. Is this true?

It's not a mere 'note'. That sounds like a grade school type of thing.

The 'note' is your copy of the police report.

When the police are done getting all your info, you sign it, and get a copy. Since it's a felony to file a false report, your copy works as a temporary I.D.

But I don't know how temporary it is. I.E. Do you use it for the duration of your trip, as well as boarding the plane home, and take care of things when you get home? I don't know.

Quote: ahiromu

I do have a question though: What does everyone else do about bringing ID to Vegas. My biggest fear is getting my wallet stolen or lost, losing my ID, and being stuck in Vegas.

You need ID to sign up for any player card. If you're driving, you need to have your license along. Finally in case you hit a big payoff, you may be asked for ID.

I keep my wallet in my front pants pocket, where it's not possible to get at it without my notice. I carry ID and credit cards in a separate wallet (a smaller one), in my front shirt pocket, which is also a tough place to reach in without my noticing it.

In order to leave Vegas I only need my passport. That I keep at the hotel, either in a safe deposit box or the in-room safe.

Quote: Nareed

You need ID to sign up for any player card. If you're driving, you need to have your license along. Finally in case you hit a big payoff, you may be asked for ID.

I keep my wallet in my front pants pocket, where it's not possible to get at it without my notice. I carry ID and credit cards in a separate wallet (a smaller one), in my front shirt pocket, which is also a tough place to reach in without my noticing it.

In order to leave Vegas I only need my passport. That I keep at the hotel, either in a safe deposit box or the in-room safe.

A trick we used to use in Mexico was to make clear copies of your passport, and laminate the copies. Also make high quality copies of your drivers license which are always laminated. When you must produce identification for a hotel room or for a Mexican policeman produce the copies first. With policeman it is alway helpful in Mexico since so many expect a bribe in order to return your license.

In general, if you have copies of identification they are sufficient to get what you want. If it is a more official inquiry keep the real identification someplace where you can get to it (in your car in a hidden place, in your shoes, in your hotel room). I wouldn't give a US policeman a copy of a drivers license. But for hotel rooms or to drink in bars you can often argue that your original was lost.

Quote: pacomartin

A trick we used to use in Mexico was to make clear copies of your passport, and laminate the copies. Also make high quality copies of your drivers license which are always laminated. When you must produce identification for a hotel room or for a Mexican policeman produce the copies first. With policeman it is alway helpful in Mexico since so many expect a bribe in order to return your license.

Of course. How else will you prefer a bribe over a very cheap fine? But Mexican cops these days will be offended if you try to pass a copy off as an original. I would advise agaisnt it.

It's also rude to offer a bribe before you're threatened. After all, the cop in question might be short of his quota, or in the middle of a show crackdown on corruption, and be unable to take a bribe. Tempting him is rude. Wait til he says either 1) I'll have to keep your license/registration, 2) I'll have to take you in, 3) I'll have to tow your car, or 4) this will cost you plenty.

Once the threat is made, you can ask "can we settle this some other way, officer?" Then you're expected to suggest an amount. Offering bribes is a crime, but the cop won't report it. Soliciting bribes is also a crime, and you may report the cop. So he won't ask for one.

20 years ago in Mexico I was pulled over for Nothing. The cop told me I needed to follow him to the station. He then said I could just pay the fine here and he would file it. I paid it($20), got the hell out of there and have never driven South of the border again.

Quote: likeplayingcrapsandbj

20 years ago in Mexico I was pulled over for Nothing. The cop told me I needed to follow him to the station. He then said I could just pay the fine here and he would file it. I paid it($20), got the hell out of there and have never driven South of the border again.

That's a dammned lie! When you get pulled over for nothing, the bribe never exceeds $10 :P

Quote: Nareed

That's a dammned lie! When you get pulled over for nothing, the bribe never exceeds $10 :P

At first he said something like 2,000,000 pesos, I said what is that in American and he said $20.

Quote: likeplayingcrapsandbj

At first he said something like 2,000,000 pesos, I said what is that in American and he said $20.

I was joking.

But at the current rate of exchange, 2 million pesos is about US $157,000

Quote: Nareed

That's a dammned lie! When you get pulled over for nothing, the bribe never exceeds $10 :P

errr, bribe ? Didn't you mean the fine never exceeds $10 ? ;-)

Quote: RaleighCraps

errr, bribe ? Didn't you mean the fine never exceeds $10 ? ;-)

Actually if you want to use a euphemism, you say it was a "tip."