Are there other women out there in the same situation?

[yesiamred]

After reading a current post about “hustlers and safety” I decided to post my situation. Being a female and traveling alone to various casinos at times I feel extremely vulnerable going to the parking lot to my car or even in the hotel elevator.

My purse is either clipped to my jean belt loops or a purse with a long strap to comfortably wear it strapped across my torso so either way it doesn't come off easy.

Yes, I could go to the parking valet but refuse to for numerous reasons. I try to stay near groups of people and lock my car doors immediately upon getting into it. I park under lights and am aware of my surroundings at all times. (I can even have security walk me out but never have)

I have had young studs hit on me stating their ride wasn’t ready to leave, his ride left him or his ride is in the room with a girl, etc. but I am there for one reason only…to make money not get involved in a one nighter with a total stranger who may rob me blind or worse! :yikes:

I am actually contemplating getting a “permit to carry” to ease some tension of traveling alone. Are there other women out there in the same situation, and if so, how do you handle it?

Thanks, Red

 

[Southpaw]

After reading a current post about “hustlers and safety” I decided to post my situation. Being a female and traveling alone to various casinos at times I feel extremely vulnerable going to the parking lot to my car or even in the hotel elevator.

My purse is either clipped to my jean belt loops or a purse with a long strap to comfortably wear it strapped across my torso so either way it doesn't come off easy.

Yes, I could go to the parking valet but refuse to for numerous reasons. I try to stay near groups of people and lock my car doors immediately upon getting into it. I park under lights and am aware of my surroundings at all times. (I can even have security walk me out but never have)

I have had young studs hit on me stating their ride wasn’t ready to leave, his ride left him or his ride is in the room with a girl, etc. but I am there for one reason only…to make money not get involved in a one nighter with a total stranger who may rob me blind or worse! :yikes:

I am actually contemplating getting a “permit to carry” to ease some tension of traveling alone. Are there other women out there in the same situation, and if so, how do you handle it?

Thanks, Red

I may be wrong, but you are probably the only frequent, female poster at the moment. More power to you.

Keep your distance from the creepjobs,

Spaw

 

[BrianCP]

First off, be happy that women are almost never thought of as APs by Casino staff right off the bat. Second off, stun guns and Tazers are a good option if you have issues with firearms (though I do not). The 50k volts force the muscles to contract, rendering the assailant helpless. Even if they can't feel pain, they still can't move. Also, consider taking a self defense course if you feel it is necessary, casinos are seedy places and knowing how to hurt someone and run is a useful skill to have. If you don't have a problem with firearms, go ahead and get a conceal and carry permit. Take some lessons at a local firing range, learn how to maintain your weapon of choice and keep it locked and unloaded at all times. Safety first with a gun.

I'm not a women, but I know a lot about self defense ust in case I have to go all Mike Tyson on some mugger's ear.

 

[Automatic Monkey]

Keep in mind that when a guy approaches you at a casino the chances are excellent he's a perfectly good person just looking for a girlfriend. Nothing wrong with that, right? Count your blessings! You don't want to lead him on but in case he is a psycho you don't want to antagonize or humiliate him either. (And if he's a nice guy you wouldn't want to do that either, so there's no reason to do it at all.) Lots of assaults are triggered by a rejected advance. May I suggest a fake wedding ring? No shame in that, AP's do all kinds of fake stuff.

A gun is good but consider that the "nuclear option." Once you're to the point where you are drawing or firing a gun things have already gone to hell and you probably should have taken a different path to lead you to a different place. I feel the same way about any confrontation; once I'm grappling with a robber or exchanging blows with someone at a casino I'm already in deep -EV territory, and it probably means I've screwed up.

Keep nothing of value in your purse. There is no way to defend a purse. In fact, keep only real girly stuff in it, so the thief will feel like a total fem as he's rifling through it. An excellent body wallet is available in the luggage section at Walmart.

And don't be bashful about having security escort you to your car. I've done it, more than once, and for the aforementioned reason- it's not that I'm cowardly or anything but just having to deal with those people at all means I'm already -EV.

 

[blackjack avenger]

Most Important Protection Considerations?

Would you sit at a restaurant or club table with wads of cash or piles of chips in front of you? Of course not, so why do that in a casino? Have small cash amounts separated so you only pull out so much at once. If you are gathering chips hold, hide them in your hand or get them off the table. The casinos may not like this but they are not to concerned about your safety once you leave.

For a woman perhaps leave the purse and jewelry at home, casinos are not that safe.

:joker::whip:
flaunting cash and jewerly is actually not that smart.

 

[NightStalker]

there are many

take it easy and take care

 

[FLASH1296]

If you win a lot of money, ask the cashier to exchange your chips for a check.
They cannot normally add cash to the transaction, (without knowing you anyway);
but just buy-in repeatedly for each session and never cash the chips until you are ready
for departure. just keep the chips to a reasonable amount, as 10K creates a separate issue.
If you are robbed. The casino will stop payment and reissue you a new check after a short wait.

I do this frequently.

In fact, I take large "teller's checks" or "bank checks" made out to me, to
casinos and
deposit them as "front money" [along with the phone number of my local bank manager],
who confirms that the funds are available. For that matter, I can "deposit" checks as needed;
and buy them back at the end of the day. Of course you need to speak to the head cashier
during banking hours (adjusted for time zones when needed.)

If I am traveling to far-flung venues, small casinos, etc. I do not employ this stratagem.

 

[RorySF]

I've lurked on this site for a couple years now, but this is my first post.

I normally travel to casinos with my SO (significant other), but there are times I do go by myself.

I keep my purse locked up in my trunk. I already have my players cards, so I don't need my ID and if I do need it, I'll go back out and get it.

I carry what I call my "blackjack bag," which has my players cards, cell phone and bankroll. My bankroll is replenishable and the cell phone can be replaced.

Although I stay aware of my surroundings, I've never really felt threatened, so I've never thought of having security take me to my car or using the valet. I also have never had any young studs hitting on me

I'm in California, so the gun has to stay home

I don't know if any of this has been helpful, but I just wanted to let you know that you're not the only woman who goes alone to casinos. I fell in love with the game when SO took me to Tahoe for the first time and I watched him play, and after he taught me how to play, too, nothing could keep me from the tables.

Safe travels and knock 'em dead at the tables

 

[creeping panther]

Red

After reading a current post about “hustlers and safety” I decided to post my situation. Being a female and traveling alone to various casinos at times I feel extremely vulnerable going to the parking lot to my car or even in the hotel elevator.

My purse is either clipped to my jean belt loops or a purse with a long strap to comfortably wear it strapped across my torso so either way it doesn't come off easy.

Yes, I could go to the parking valet but refuse to for numerous reasons. I try to stay near groups of people and lock my car doors immediately upon getting into it. I park under lights and am aware of my surroundings at all times. (I can even have security walk me out but never have)

I have had young studs hit on me stating their ride wasn’t ready to leave, his ride left him or his ride is in the room with a girl, etc. but I am there for one reason only…to make money not get involved in a one nighter with a total stranger who may rob me blind or worse! :yikes:

I am actually contemplating getting a “permit to carry” to ease some tension of traveling alone. Are there other women out there in the same situation, and if so, how do you handle it?

Thanks, Red

Red,

My wife is a big slot player and has a CCW, as does my daughter,,I say go for it Red!

CP

 

[FLASH1296]

ccw ?

 

[johndoe]

"Carry a Concealed Weapon (permit)"

Certainly a handy thing to have, as I'm normally armed myself. But being armed in Native territory is generally a big no-no.

I'll sometimes make use of the valet, or at the very least delay my departure (grab a bite) so I'm less likely to be followed.

 

[Blue Efficacy]

Of course if you're looking to carry guns, one must remember that (typically) a man can physically overpower a woman.

It would not be a good thing to have one's own gun used against them. Therefore, I have to advise against carrying a concealed weapon. I mean yeah, the gun might get you out of the situation, but what if it doesn't? If you're dealing with someone faster or stronger than you who can disarm you, you have just made a bad situation a whole lot worse.

Just swallow your ****ing pride and get a security escort if you're that worried about it.

 

[creeping panther]

Ccw

ccw ?

Carry concealed weapon.

CP

 

[Albee]

I do and also recommend you do also.....pepper spray. They have many types and styles. I just bought one for my wife that looks like a perfume sprayer, but it's pepper spray.

Ever since a close call in the Strat parking garage a few years ago, I carry it now. When I fly, I mail it to the hotel prior to leaving and I pack a priority mailer in my bag w/postage. When I check out, I ask the front desk to drop it in the mail for me.

I feel 100% more comfortable with it than without it.....yet I still stay out of 'shady' area's.

 

[creeping panther]

option

I do and also recommend you do also.....pepper spray. They have many types and styles. I just bought one for my wife that looks like a perfume sprayer, but it's pepper spray.

Ever since a close call in the Strat parking garage a few years ago, I carry it now. When I fly, I mail it to the hotel prior to leaving and I pack a priority mailer in my bag w/postage. When I check out, I ask the front desk to drop it in the mail for me.

I feel 100% more comfortable with it than without it.....yet I still stay out of 'shady' area's.

A knife carried in concelaed area, such as ankle sheath, or for a women with shorts or dress, simply in the purse.


Klein tools has a new "Utility Knife", that is simply NASTY!
CP

 

[Blue Efficacy]

Pepper spray is the most advisable, it will neutralize the attacker and allow for an escape without the ramifications of shooting or killing somebody. For that very reason also, when it comes down to it, it would be easier to pull the trigger.

 

[Albee]

The objective with pepper spray is to keep your distance. Spray and exit. I would not want an attacker to be close enough to me or my spouse to have to use a knife or other weapon on them. They may also have a weapon.

Just be aware of your surroundings and be prepared.

 

[jack.jackson]

You could also try the G2 Nitrolen. Which when set to 120 lumens, will temorarily blind and disorient you. Very legal and inexspensive. see Flash Strobes.

(Dead link: http://www.surefire.com/G2-Nitrolon)

 

[BrianCP]

Another thing occurred to me, my mom has always kept a hammer in the car just in case.

 

[moo321]

Honestly, most casinos aren't going to let you carry a gun. In fact it's probably a crime to do so. Also, guns are good if you're proficient with them, but most people are not proficient, certainly not with pistols which are quite hard to fire when you are stressed. Furthermore, when you pull a gun, you basically need to start shooting, because you don't want your gun taken.

On the other hand, less lethal options tend to be safer for you, more legal, and easier to use. Pepper spray can be good, as well as a taser. Tasers will completely subdue a single attacker. I also think using/carrying a taser would be viewed very differently by law enforcement than a gun, especially for a single woman.

Flashlights are very underrated for personal safety. You can illuminate dark areas, and you gain considerable initiative if you light someone up who is lurking planning to harm you. They can't see well, you can prepare your taser, etc. They are quite likely to run away. Also, a flashlight can be used to blind someone at night and hit them.

I agree with AM about the fake wedding ring. Cubic zirconia shouldn't cost much at all, and only a jeweller can tell the difference.