Active Surveillance is NOT the only thing you have to worry about?

[MJGolf]

OK, I was trying to understand true meaning of "active surveillance" on other threads. And to what extent it can really be defined. So was searching and googling and came across this...........and although it's a couple years old, it's SCARY!!

Especially in light of the recent shootings by police in various states and jurisdictions. Do we WANT casino security similarly "equipped"?

Link: www.worldgameprotection.com/the-catwalk/poll/BOSVIEW/Should-casino-security-officers-be-armed/



I am NOT trying to start a political thread on Ferguson or ANY of the recent incidents. Just trying to discuss it in reference to our GAMING environments. Would the arming of security guards NOT be a concern to you? Funny how some of comments from industry "insiders" say 'no way' to typical "floor personnel" but say that it might be needed to prevent a degenerate gambler massacre of casino employees.

[Norm]

This is likely to get political very quickly.

[Jabberwocky]

Not with the mad censor lurking about.

[RWM]

All my early years of play were in Vegas where security was always armed. I really never stopped to consider that some places they aren't.

[Exoter175]

I think this guy hits the nail on the head as well as any of them comments I've read have.

7 years and counting as Casino Security here, currently in middle management. I don't think it's a black and white "Yes" or "No" question. Context is huge here. That being said, I'm leaning towards the "Yes" answer...but only for Casino Security Management. The guys on the floor are rarely qualified or the types of people who you'd want with a weapon. Far from it. Others, however, can be, such as ex-military (like myself, who served in the infantry) or even ex-police, of which there are many in the Casino Security industry. The use and responsibility of firearms is a given for these types of people and is really no big deal. This is where position, past experience and seniority all come into play. My greatest fear is not a robbery; just give them the money and no one gets hurt. My greatest fear is a distraught gambler who has lost his house, family and job because of his problem and is going to go in and take out as many people involved with the casino as he can, as he has nothing to lose. One or two qualified, senior and responsible Security Management members with firearms could prevent a massacre. And it's only a matter of time before that type of massacre happens.

He makes a very valid point about NOT putting weapons in the hands of those not qualified to use them. Being that I'm a BIG 2nd amendment supporter, that's something that weighs heavily on my opinions, qualifications and experience.

[Marlene]

Just curious - are there any states where you can enter a casino with a firearm if you have a conceal to carry permit? LA, MS?

[MJGolf]

All my early years of play were in Vegas where security was always armed. I really never stopped to consider that some places they aren't.

That's funny. I had more of the opposite opinion but didn't worry about it that much. Some were armed; mainly ones wheeling around the money collection carts. But most generally around casino, I thought were NOT armed. I figured anyone in cage; by cashier; counting rooms, etc. would be.

[Three]

That's funny. I had more of the opposite opinion but didn't worry about it that much. Some were armed; mainly ones wheeling around the money collection carts. But most generally around casino, I thought were NOT armed. I figured anyone in cage; by cashier; counting rooms, etc. would be.

My understanding is that if armed security and casino personnel are not to discharge their weapon in the casino. The guns may as well be empty with a handy clip to load it when needed. Once an armed robber gets outside risk of lawsuits from casualties of an indoor gun battle is gone. At that time a gun battle may erupt. So in effect even if they have a gun they aren't armed until they can fire it outside the casino. I know I have deterred a couple murders without having to fire a shot simply by threateningly displaying a weapon, so maybe you could consider them armed in the casino even though they will not be discharging their firearm within the casino.

[mofungoo]

Just curious - are there any states where you can enter a casino with a firearm if you have a conceal to carry permit? LA, MS?

In LA and MS concealed carry or open carry is not allowed in establishments that serve alcohol, or where the proprietor forbids it.

[Blitzkrieg]

Just curious - are there any states where you can enter a casino with a firearm if you have a conceal to carry permit? LA, MS?

If that rule was allowed we would have people getting killed over card games in the casino.

[mofungoo]

I used to play in a private poker game where half the people were packing. No one ever pulled over a game related dispute, the weapons were in case of a robbery attempt.

[Blitzkrieg]

I don't think casino security guards should be armed with firearms. That's what the police are for and that's their job, not the job of casino security. In fact if the casino should be robbed by a bandit wielding a weapon the best thing to do would be to give the person the cash and to call the cops. The casino has insurance and most thieves are looking to score without a fight.

[Blitzkrieg]

I used to play in a private poker game where half the people were packing. No one ever pulled over a game related dispute, the weapons were in case of a robbery attempt.

In a game like that it's amazing that nobody ever got shot over a disputed hand.