When to Request a Security Escort after a Big Win

I was fortunate enough to walk away from a $25 minimum table with a little over $1,000 fairly recently. Before leaving, I had the pleasure to have the following thought run through my mind: "Would it be a good idea to ask for a security escort to my car?"

I have never been faced with such a 'luxury problem.' For me, $1000 is considered a big win.

I know security brings added attention, but the cool thing is that, as I am not a card counter, they cannot give me a hard time for counting. In fact, sometimes I even turn my head away from the table when the dealer flips over her hole card after I have busted to show that I don't care what her card was. But I am aware they can still give me a hard time for winning and being an advantage player. And from what I've heard, depending on the casino, one can be backed off or banned even without the casino providing a 'good' reason.

Does anyone have any input as to guidelines before asking for a security escort? For example, someone may suggest there is no need unless your win is over, say, $5,000.

I am not a small man, and I would hope to think that it is fairly obvious that I work out. But still the possibility of mugging, etc. exists. Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks ahead of time!

As your are not a card counter What ever amount you feel is a large amount use security. I would suggest you take BJ school listed to the left under Blackjack Basics. Good cards

There are some places I feel uncomfortable walking to my car after cashing for $20. However, I would feel fine walking to my car at Bellagio's parking lot with $20K+ in my pocket. I try to be very observant and use common sense at all times.

I've never requested a security escort, but I would do so if I felt it was needed.

Their friends might be waiting in your driveway when you get home.

You are only calling attention to yourself. Color up and pocket chips then cash out at your convenience. Bruno and Vinnie the security guards don't have to know what you're carrying.

Here is a situation that happened to me several years ago at the dumpiest casino in Southern California, Soboba!

On my way there I had an appointment to see someone in my business who was going to buy a large amount of merchandise from me. Perfectly leagal business but often we do deals in cash. I took about $150,000 worth with me, he bought around $50,000, and paid 20 of that in cash.
Now I am heading to Soboba with his 20, plus 10 of my own in cash, a check and about $100,000 in merchandise in my car trunk.

I do not know if the dump has changed but Soboba was in those tent like buildings, a huge open, poorly lite parking lot, horrible food but famous for having some of California's biggest flies all over the casino. It is the place the sheriff of Riverside County told people not to go to.

Anyway, I get there and upon joining their club get an amount of free play for machines. I go to a video poker machine (by a heavily traveled area) and in a minute the thing (10 hands) deals me 4 Aces with a kicker for $5,000 and I have a large amount of onlookers.

The place was mainly a lowroller type place and on the one $25 6 deck game (S-17 back then), I not only get a real good count but all the cards. Winning perhpas 8 straight max bets, the pit comes next to me (figure I'm done) and whispers, "do you want me to thin out the crowd?" I peek and realize I have a huge audience, so I tell her yes.

Anyway, the night goes on, I keep winning. I have about $60,000 in cash on me, the stuff in my car and I am parked at the far end of the parking lot and can not see very far because of fog.
I ask security at the door if they have someone on a golf cart or pickup who goes around the lot and he tells me he will get him for me.
Hop on the cart, give the guy a $20 and point in the right direction.
Maybe the best $20 investment I ever made but actually I only felt somewhat safe about 25 or so miles later when I was both off the reservation and on the freeway.

...it wasn't in the first place very intelligent going to this dump casino parking lot with $100K merchandise in your car trunk.

You might impress little kids but not us!

Thanks for sharing a positive story with a happy ending. It's fun to read veteran antidotes amongst the strategy discussions! Keep it up!

I agree, it was stupid on my part and since that time similar circumstances have come up and I have always locked my stuff up in a business associates safe first or just changed plans.

And Don.......DOH!