Best way to get your winnings home?
January 6th, 2010 at 8:50:34 AM
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A couple of weeks ago I won almost 6K at craps. New to winning money in Vegas I wasn’t sure if the Cashier’s Cage could give me something besides cash to carry home. They said they couldn’t give me traveler checks or anything else besides cash. I was leaving Sunday morning so all the Las Vegas banks were closed. When you win big in Las Vegas what’s the best way to get your winnings home?
January 6th, 2010 at 9:05:33 AM
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I'd preffer travelers checks or a bank check. Are there any AMEX offices in Vegas? In Mexico any AMEX travel office sells travelers checks even on Sunday, so do currency exchanges at the airport.
If you must carry cash, keep it in your person at all times and be discreet about it. If possible avoid passing it through the X-Ray machine. If the casino gives you a receipt, carry that with you, too.
You could try hanging around the front desk or the cage and wait for a guest to try to exhcange traveler checks, but I'd advice against it. You'll draw attention to yourself.
If you must carry cash, keep it in your person at all times and be discreet about it. If possible avoid passing it through the X-Ray machine. If the casino gives you a receipt, carry that with you, too.
You could try hanging around the front desk or the cage and wait for a guest to try to exhcange traveler checks, but I'd advice against it. You'll draw attention to yourself.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
January 6th, 2010 at 9:09:21 AM
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Quote: NareedIf possible avoid passing it through the X-Ray machine.
Care to elaborate?
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
January 6th, 2010 at 9:23:28 AM
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Travelers checks? No. They accept them, but they're not a bank, so they don't issue them. However, they should be able to give you a regular business check.
Casinos don't want to give you anything other than cash, simply because it's easier to continue gambling if you have cash rather than a check.
That said, if you get resistance, got to the main cage and/or talk to a supervisor. They SHOULD be willing to issue a check. They would probably be more willing if you only wanted a PARTIAL check. I.E. Take that $6K as $5K in a check, and $1K in cash - giving them the feeling that they have a chance you'll gamble that $1K.
Another alternative is to go to the credit office and ask them for alternatives. I don't have experience with this, but it seems to me that if they allow you to get credit, gamble it and lose, and then send a check when you get home, that the exact opposite must also apply. I.E. They should allow you to deposit your winnings, then you ask for a check to be mailed to you when you get home.
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Real story:
5 years ago at Foxwoods, my wife hit a straight flush on Let It Ride. She had won two small hands before that, so her base bet had been pressed up slightly. Sweet! With the base bet and the bonus pay, that one hand paid her almost $13K. When she was finally done playing, she went to the cage, and got TWO checks. One check for $7K, one for $4K and cash for the rest. It was no problem at all.
I forget what it said on the check, but it didn't say 'Foxwoods'. It had the name of the Indian Tribe, as well as a comment that indicated that the account was used exclusively to pay winners.
Casinos don't want to give you anything other than cash, simply because it's easier to continue gambling if you have cash rather than a check.
That said, if you get resistance, got to the main cage and/or talk to a supervisor. They SHOULD be willing to issue a check. They would probably be more willing if you only wanted a PARTIAL check. I.E. Take that $6K as $5K in a check, and $1K in cash - giving them the feeling that they have a chance you'll gamble that $1K.
Another alternative is to go to the credit office and ask them for alternatives. I don't have experience with this, but it seems to me that if they allow you to get credit, gamble it and lose, and then send a check when you get home, that the exact opposite must also apply. I.E. They should allow you to deposit your winnings, then you ask for a check to be mailed to you when you get home.
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Real story:
5 years ago at Foxwoods, my wife hit a straight flush on Let It Ride. She had won two small hands before that, so her base bet had been pressed up slightly. Sweet! With the base bet and the bonus pay, that one hand paid her almost $13K. When she was finally done playing, she went to the cage, and got TWO checks. One check for $7K, one for $4K and cash for the rest. It was no problem at all.
I forget what it said on the check, but it didn't say 'Foxwoods'. It had the name of the Indian Tribe, as well as a comment that indicated that the account was used exclusively to pay winners.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
January 6th, 2010 at 9:49:51 AM
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I mean the X-Ray machine at the airport. An envelope with bills shows up in a rather easily identifiable way (I've seena few). Aside from possible risks of theft by airport security personnel, it may draw their attention to you as a security risk. Most people don't carry large amounts of cash with them. That's why I also suggest carrying the casino's receipt, to be able to prove where the money came from.
Ideally I'd tell you to carry the cash in an envelope in an inner jacket pocket. But few people wear jackets in Vegas. Still, any light-weight jacket worn inside an air conditioned airport wouldn't be conspicuous.
Ideally I'd tell you to carry the cash in an envelope in an inner jacket pocket. But few people wear jackets in Vegas. Still, any light-weight jacket worn inside an air conditioned airport wouldn't be conspicuous.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
January 6th, 2010 at 10:03:58 AM
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Hi, I never had a problem getting a check from any of the cages at any Harrah's property in Vegas.
January 6th, 2010 at 10:40:54 AM
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This is getting out of my area, but the general policy is that a casino may give you a check for winnings only. They are supposed to guard against being used to launder cash. It is easiest to establish the fact that winnings are winnings if you use a marker to begin with. 6K is not a large amount to a lot of casinos, and may not warrant the fuss of writing up a check. For 6K, I would fold it, wrap it with a rubber band, and keep it in my pocket, including through the x-ray machine. Luggage stores sell hidden pouches that can store up to 20K or so, but for 6K, I wouldn't fuss with it. If your local bank has a branch in LV, you could make a cash deposit there.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
January 6th, 2010 at 10:49:10 AM
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There can be some miscommunication involved too.
Often I've brought a check and asked the cashier to cash it. I was used to taking cash to the table to buy in and had formerly brought it with me in my wallet. Casino would probably have gladly issued me chips for it but I didn't realize that.
It may be the same with your departure. If you go to the cashier when you are about to leave, its less likely they will be able to do anything for you then. Go to the cashier give them five of the six thousand and ask for a check, that would be easier. Ofcourse six thousand is not all that bulky but if seized at an airport good luck with all the paperwork!
I know with all these new treasury regulations things are getting more strict.
Congratulations on LEAVING the casino with money. Its rare for me!
Often I've brought a check and asked the cashier to cash it. I was used to taking cash to the table to buy in and had formerly brought it with me in my wallet. Casino would probably have gladly issued me chips for it but I didn't realize that.
It may be the same with your departure. If you go to the cashier when you are about to leave, its less likely they will be able to do anything for you then. Go to the cashier give them five of the six thousand and ask for a check, that would be easier. Ofcourse six thousand is not all that bulky but if seized at an airport good luck with all the paperwork!
I know with all these new treasury regulations things are getting more strict.
Congratulations on LEAVING the casino with money. Its rare for me!
January 6th, 2010 at 11:38:59 AM
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Quote: FleaStiffCongratulations on LEAVING the casino with money. Its rare for me!
Oh, btu it's easy. Just bring along the amount you want to gamble, call it X, plus an extra amount, call it Y. Then you'll always leave with Y dollars. No trouble at all, as long as Y=> $1.
Seriously, I posted elsewhere about my first trip to Vegas. I ended saying "I gambled, I saw the sights, I did some shopping and had over $100 left. To me that means I did ok."
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
January 6th, 2010 at 3:41:21 PM
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$6,000 is chump change to a casino.
But I do have a question. Is there a problem with having cash show up on the x-ray machine? Lets say you have 10 grand in there... I mean is there a law about how much money you can bring through airports lol? In all honesty, ok so that brings attention and they ask you where did you get this money... You don't have to say anything right? If it's not illegal than it's not illegal. If you aren't legally required to answer that question, then...?
But I do have a question. Is there a problem with having cash show up on the x-ray machine? Lets say you have 10 grand in there... I mean is there a law about how much money you can bring through airports lol? In all honesty, ok so that brings attention and they ask you where did you get this money... You don't have to say anything right? If it's not illegal than it's not illegal. If you aren't legally required to answer that question, then...?
January 6th, 2010 at 5:19:18 PM
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Quote: playpianokingBut I do have a question. Is there a problem with having cash show up on the x-ray machine? Lets say you have 10 grand in there... I mean is there a law about how much money you can bring through airports lol? In all honesty, ok so that brings attention and they ask you where did you get this money... You don't have to say anything right? If it's not illegal than it's not illegal. If you aren't legally required to answer that question, then...?
International travelers are required to declare any amount over $10,000 they bring with them, be it cash or by other means (such as checks, traveler checks, letters of credit, etc). I've never carried anywhere near that much. Sometimes the immigration agent will ask how much money I have with me, typically I answer "about $X and two credit cards."
However, most people don't travel with large amounts of cash on them or in their luggage. I've read about cases where the money's been impounded when the person carrying it couldn't prove where he got it from. Something about the money might be proceeds of a crime, usually drug related.
Then, too, there's always the chance of robbery. Security agents aside, other people can glimpse the screen at the machine. And security might be on to something illegal, too. You never know. When I carry more thana couple of hundred in cash, I'm extra careful and vigilant. Mostly I try no to give any indication I'm carrying anythign significant, but it also means not letting the cash show at all.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
January 9th, 2010 at 4:16:02 AM
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I normally bring about 1,000 to Vegas, so nothing too crazy. But what about really rich people that may want to gamble with 10k, which to them may be normal? I know if you are a real high roller you can get casino credit, but to some 10k isn't a big deal. I think some people would just keep it inside their coat pocket. Maybe most plan on cashing a check at the casino cage.
On a side note, you don't have to prove where you got your money from. That's like asking where did you get that nice Rolex watch from. Just keep your mouth shut and they have to let you go - it's not against the law.
On a side note, you don't have to prove where you got your money from. That's like asking where did you get that nice Rolex watch from. Just keep your mouth shut and they have to let you go - it's not against the law.
January 9th, 2010 at 7:42:35 AM
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High rollers do indeed usually have lines of credit. Absent that, they might bring a check or bank draft, but should be pre-approved. The casinos don't like to just cash either one to someone who doesn't play. For carrying large amounts of cash, there are cash belts and things you wear like a necklace that can hold $20,000 each. However, they probably just put the cash in a small bag.
The police have the right to seize property they suspect are connected to illegal drug sales/smuggling. The owner will have to fight to prove there is no connection to get it back. I know it sounds terribly un-American, but it is true. There was a piece on 60 Minutes about it. The example they used was a private pilot who was hired to give some guy a ride, who unknown to the pilot had drugs on him. The authorities somehow caught the passenger and seized the pilot's plane. The pilot had been fighting the courts for years to get it back, and at the time was still unsuccessful.
I personally know a guy who was pulled over for speeding, the police found cocaine in the car, along with a lot of legitimate cash from casino winnings. The police seized the cash, car and everything in it. He eventually got everything back, but it took several months, and had to wage a difficult fight. If the owner doesn't successfully get his money/items back, they become the property of the police, which they will auction off, motivating the police to make such seizures. I can't point to a specific incident, but many $100 bills have trace amounts of drugs on them, and I've heard that being used as a spurious excuse to seize legitimate money the police come across. Basically, the tenet of "innocent until proven guilty" applies to people, not things.
The police have the right to seize property they suspect are connected to illegal drug sales/smuggling. The owner will have to fight to prove there is no connection to get it back. I know it sounds terribly un-American, but it is true. There was a piece on 60 Minutes about it. The example they used was a private pilot who was hired to give some guy a ride, who unknown to the pilot had drugs on him. The authorities somehow caught the passenger and seized the pilot's plane. The pilot had been fighting the courts for years to get it back, and at the time was still unsuccessful.
I personally know a guy who was pulled over for speeding, the police found cocaine in the car, along with a lot of legitimate cash from casino winnings. The police seized the cash, car and everything in it. He eventually got everything back, but it took several months, and had to wage a difficult fight. If the owner doesn't successfully get his money/items back, they become the property of the police, which they will auction off, motivating the police to make such seizures. I can't point to a specific incident, but many $100 bills have trace amounts of drugs on them, and I've heard that being used as a spurious excuse to seize legitimate money the police come across. Basically, the tenet of "innocent until proven guilty" applies to people, not things.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
January 9th, 2010 at 6:28:15 PM
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I would never have a problem carrying a signfican amount of cash on my person. In fact I pretty much always bring my entire bank for a gambling trip in cash. Ditto for leaving with winnings. $10-20k can easily be carried in jacket pockets. As long as it isn't obvious there is no more risk of being robbed than usual. Getting a receipt from the bank or casino as verification of the origin of the money is a good idea though.
January 9th, 2010 at 8:53:01 PM
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International travellers are required to declare that they are carrying $10,000US or more both when they enter and when they leave the USA. If not, the funds can be seized by the border services people and will not be returned no matter what the source of funds was. The attempt of not declaring it is the reason for the forfeiture not the question of whether the source of funds was legal or illegal. In 2009 the Seattle regional office was responsible for seizing more than 4 million dollars.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:52:48 AM
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Some online casinos, poker rooms, bookmakers credit back not only the deposits, but the winninngs, too to the bank card from where I deposited. But I never heard this in a live casino. Why don't pay back to the card the winning?
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:17:15 AM
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Though this doesn't solve the $10,000 issue--and I understand there is also some scrutiny of transactions "close" to that limit in certain businesses--it does make carrying the money a lot easier for me.
For our usual bankroll of 4k-6k, I don't want to touch the ATM machines. Fees eat whole bets pretty quick... I go to the credit union and get a cashier's check made out to the casino. I get it 3-5 days ahead of the trip. I fax a copy of it to the casino cashier. They verify it with the bank. When I arrive, I deposit it. I can then either withdraw money at the cage (rarely need to) or use a marker at the tables. I have also gotten a marker for slots; they aren't as efficient at the process as the tables in the casino we frequent.
If I have any large wins, I add them to the account at the cage rather that carry around a large amount of cash. If it is a mid-size amount (less than 2k), I just use it as my budget dictates for the next few sessions.
At the end of the trip, I get a check from the cashier and head home. No more cash on hand than needed.
I have done the same thing using traveler's checks as the deposit. It is just a hassle to sign all of them!!
This keeps me from using casino credit and also from carrying a large amount of cash.
For our usual bankroll of 4k-6k, I don't want to touch the ATM machines. Fees eat whole bets pretty quick... I go to the credit union and get a cashier's check made out to the casino. I get it 3-5 days ahead of the trip. I fax a copy of it to the casino cashier. They verify it with the bank. When I arrive, I deposit it. I can then either withdraw money at the cage (rarely need to) or use a marker at the tables. I have also gotten a marker for slots; they aren't as efficient at the process as the tables in the casino we frequent.
If I have any large wins, I add them to the account at the cage rather that carry around a large amount of cash. If it is a mid-size amount (less than 2k), I just use it as my budget dictates for the next few sessions.
At the end of the trip, I get a check from the cashier and head home. No more cash on hand than needed.
I have done the same thing using traveler's checks as the deposit. It is just a hassle to sign all of them!!
This keeps me from using casino credit and also from carrying a large amount of cash.
February 23rd, 2010 at 7:59:29 AM
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That's fine, if you play at just one casino.
Otherwise, a good way is to have an account in a national bank that has a branch in both your home town and Las Vegas, e.g. Bank of America.
Do your transaction at the teller's cage.
Otherwise, a good way is to have an account in a national bank that has a branch in both your home town and Las Vegas, e.g. Bank of America.
Do your transaction at the teller's cage.
"What, me worry?"
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:24:42 AM
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Actually, it works okay for multiple casinos. I may take a 1k marker at the table and play a session with a $200 loss limit; then I take the $800 (or, if things go well, more!!) to the other casinos with me. I have never had any problem having enough cash to play multiple casinos. I suppose it could become an issue if the numbers were larger and I was having to carry around larger amounts of cash, but it works fine at my level of play and comfort.
A bank account would also work; there would just need to be branches available to use near the places I planned on playing. Also, ATM transactions are often free at the bank you have an account with. I find the cashier more convenient because it is in my home hotel and they are home 24/7!! I have also taken a few hundred out at the cage; it is not much harder than taking a marker.
I guess you could also put money on deposit in multiple casinos if you were playing larger numbers...and didn't want to use casino credit.
A bank account would also work; there would just need to be branches available to use near the places I planned on playing. Also, ATM transactions are often free at the bank you have an account with. I find the cashier more convenient because it is in my home hotel and they are home 24/7!! I have also taken a few hundred out at the cage; it is not much harder than taking a marker.
I guess you could also put money on deposit in multiple casinos if you were playing larger numbers...and didn't want to use casino credit.
February 26th, 2010 at 12:51:48 AM
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Also note that there are many banks, i.e. Charles Schwab and Ally, that offer free reimbursements at any ATM.
For deposits of cash, the new cash and check reading ATMs at places ike Chase and Bank of America work well.
For deposits of cash, the new cash and check reading ATMs at places ike Chase and Bank of America work well.
February 26th, 2010 at 11:48:06 AM
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Quote: canuckInternational travellers are required to declare that they are carrying $10,000US or more both when they enter and when they leave the USA. If not, the funds can be seized by the border services people and will not be returned no matter what the source of funds was. The attempt of not declaring it is the reason for the forfeiture not the question of whether the source of funds was legal or illegal. In 2009 the Seattle regional office was responsible for seizing more than 4 million dollars.
Last time I was in YYZ (Toronto) going through US Customs, I was sent to secondary for a commercial issue and another inspection was going on and they found wads of cash on the person (I think I overheard $40,000). Unfortunately I don't know what happened to the guy as I was out of there before they were done with him.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
February 26th, 2010 at 12:08:15 PM
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I do have a contingency plan in the very unlikely event that I hit a big payout in Vegas:
1) Get a check for the winnings
2) call my accountant
3) Open an account at a local bank and deposit the check (unless the accountant says diferently)
4) Then it depends. The money can be transferred elsewhere, kept there, divided, drawn, etc.
1) Get a check for the winnings
2) call my accountant
3) Open an account at a local bank and deposit the check (unless the accountant says diferently)
4) Then it depends. The money can be transferred elsewhere, kept there, divided, drawn, etc.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
August 4th, 2010 at 8:36:30 AM
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Quote: FleaStiff
It may be the same with your departure. If you go to the cashier when you are about to leave, its less likely they will be able to do anything for you then. Go to the cashier give them five of the six thousand and ask for a check, that would be easier. Ofcourse six thousand is not all that bulky but if seized at an airport good luck with all the paperwork!
q
On a recent trip to California I won about 10,000. I did not have time to go deposit it at the Bank of America branch in the city I was in before my flight. I put some in my wallet and some folded up in my front pants pocket. They scanned my wallet and I went through the X-ray machine. No problems whatsoever! They didn't even bat an eye at me. This was at a fairly busy airport as well SFO!Come short with my cash and you'll be dancing like it's "Hammer Time"!
August 4th, 2010 at 8:43:01 AM
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Now if you really hit a mega jackpot take the $ and run to the Cayman islands!
