When the topic of a major tourist destination comes up, Las Vegas may not be the first city that pops to mind. However, pre the pandemic, over forty-two million people visited it annually, and in 2021, this figure was thirty-two million, an improvement of the 2020 low of nineteen million.
Naturally, the list of reasons to visit Sin City is vast. The two-and-a-half-mile-long section of the Las Vegas Boulevard called the Strip is a bustling area boasting high-class entertainment, fine dining, stunning attractions, and a wealth of casino games. Of course, fun in the Entertainment Captial of the World does not get limited to this part of the city because Freemont street and the rest of the downtown district, found in the center of the Las Vegas valley, also feature many staggering attractions.
Nevada, in general, gets considered a very safe state by many, with Vegas, in particular, boasting a reputation for having increased police surveillance and stringent laws that aim to prevent public disturbances. That said, no city is 100% crime-proof, and those visiting the US’ top gambling hub would be wise to take extra precautions when enjoying themselves in America’s adult playground.
Below, we rattle off ten vital tips that should help keep tourists and locals safe when out and about the world’s casino Mecca, whether at one of its many roulette tables, on its streets, or in the hundreds of hospitality venues it offers, or inside its public transportation solutions.
If you jaywalk in Las Vegas, you can get a fine of $160.
1. Do Not Jaywalk
Instead of trying to memorize tips on how to win at blackjack or Casino War, it is wise to remember not to jaywalk in Las Vegas. In the past, people who jaywalked in Nevada faced up to six months in jail, plus a fine of $1,000. Now, since a new policy took effect in July 2021, the Battle Born State decriminalized this offense, making it a misdemeanor, listing for it a fine of $160. Nevertheless, repeat offenders can get arrested, and the same applies to those that have caused a car accident. So, it is best to wait for stop lights and cross only where street signs state it is allowed to do so.
2. Stay Within Tourist Areas
The chances of you becoming a victim of a violent or property crime in Las Vegas is one in thirty-five. It is crucial to note that these odds are above the US average, and based on FBI data, Vegas does not rank as one of the safer Nevada regions. That should get expected, given its foot traffic frequency. That said, staying within tourist areas is the best way to avoid incidents in Nevada’s most populous city. These have the highest police presence and security cameras everywhere, discouraging criminals from attempting to ply their trade.
3. Watch Out For the Heat
Vegas is scorching hot in July and August.
Here is some health-related advice. During July, Vegas reaches average high temperatures of 104°F, with humidity levels hovering around 24%. Moreover, the surrounding desert gives the city an oven-baking feel. Hence, wearing sunscreen outside, staying under shade at the pool, or enjoying some baccarat action is likely the best course of action from around 10 AM to 5 PM.
4. Don’t Wear Too Much Jewelry in Public
Flashing bling is never a good idea. While the temptation of getting dressed up for a night on the town may be massive, you should avoid wearing expensive watches and jewelry that attract attention from nefarious individuals. Criminals may choose to target you if they notice that you are carrying luxurious accessories, especially if they pick up that you are new to Las Vegas, inexperienced with many of the scams and theft scenarios criminals run in the city.
5. Be Mindful of the Items You Carry
If you are planning a prolonged Vegas stay, during which you will do loads of gambling, consider buying a blazer with zippered inside pockets. These are available for men and women and can get purchased at travel-wear shops. Also, invest in a slash-proof bag if you like to carry one. These get sold at specialty stores and online. One famous tactic many street criminals implement is walking up to individuals carrying bags, slashing their straps, snagging, and running away with them. Such incidents happen in most busy metropolitan areas, but for some reason, their occurrence in Nevada’s premium spot has unjustifiably led to many regarding Las Vegas as a dangerous place. Also, if you refuse to have your wallet in your front pockets, practice some common sense, and get a tightly chained one that you can strap to your belt.
Always ensure that your room door is closed/locked, and keep valuables in the provided safe.
6. Ensure Room Security
It is a false belief that if you leave items inside your room, they will be safe. Despite hotels’ security efforts, they cannot save their customers from themselves. Accordingly, it is essential that you check to see if your door is 100% closed at all times and securely locked. Do these checks, even when going out to get some ice. Furthermore, never give your room number to acquaintances or people you hardly know, and keep your room card in your wallet. A pro tip is to hang the Don’t Disturb sign when you leave your room and keep the TV on when you are not in it as a form of deterrence. Be wary of disgruntled maids, so try not to leave valuables around. If your room has a safe, use it, and look for ways to boost its security online.
7. Gamble Discreetly
Maintain a low profile when strolling a casino’s gaming floor. Try not to show exuberant emotions when playing craps or any other table classic when good fortune smiles upon you. You don’t want to garner attention from onlookers. If you cannot contain expressing yourself physically, stick to online play. To boot, at Vegas establishments, always keep your eyes on your chips, as thieves may try to distract you and exchange your higher denomination stacks with lower-value ones. If you get lucky on slots, keep your winnings as credits in the machine until you finish your session, and never leave an active device unattended so that someone can swoop in and cash out while you are not there.
8. Consider Requesting a Security Escort
Know that if you do happen to win big, you can ask your casino to provide you with your winning as a cashier check instead of cash, and you may ask for someone from the property’s security team to escort you from the gaming floor to your room or car. Do this if you have noticed someone eyeing you amidst your session, after you have claimed your sizeable reward, or if you spot anyone displaying any suspicious activities.
Females should always be mindful of their drinks at nightclubs and bars.
9. Beverage Safety Is a Must
Never buy food or drinks from street vendors. These are people on the sidewalk selling stuff out of coolers. They generally do not have a license for this, meaning the goods they peddle do not adhere to safety codes. As a rule of thumb, do not accept beverages given to you from anyone besides a property’s wait staff or a bartender. That holds particularly true when attending parties at bars or nightclubs, where you should never leave your drink unattended. Following this simple nugget of well-meaning wisdom decreases the chances that someone may slip something into your beverage. Females are the ones most at risk of this. Equally, consider how much alcohol you are consuming. Disorderly conduct charges are the most frequent legal offense tourists face in Las Vegas. And you for sure do not want to drive drunk.
10. Learn to Identify Law Enforcement
Before visiting the City of Lights, or as we call it, the town of many nicknames, do an internet search regarding the Visitor Information Visitors Assistance and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Learn about the uniforms and distinct identifiers Vegas police officers and VIVA volunteers wear and what identification you can ask that they present if you are worried that you have met an impostor. Some crafty criminals dress up as police and approach people in parking lots, the Mccarran International airport, and the Las Vegas Strip, tricking them into various scams. If the possibility of such incidents occurring scare you, you may be more suited to gambling at online casino USA sites and not coming to Sin City altogether.
