CCW at Venetian

[GuyFawkes]

Drove to Vegas recently with my family for a vacation. I have a CA CCW and AZ CCW so I carried on the way there with no issue. We arrived at Venetian valet (I normally don't like valet but had too many kids and too many bags to lug around) and had the hotel take our bags at the curb up to the room. I had my CCW on me in a holster. I was worried there would be metal detectors going into casino or at the elevators but there weren't. They just have a security guard at elevators checking for room keys. I didn't notice any signs anywhere.

So I got to the room fine but our bags weren't there yet. I get a call on the room phone asking me to verify my information and to describe my bags and then they hang up. I get another call that they have found some prohibited items in my bag and that I need to report to the security desk in the casino. That's when I remember that I have my lockbox and a spare mag in my bag that they took at the curb. They must have x-rayed the bags and saw the magazine. (

I go to the security desk and he asks if I have a firearm on me. At this point I could have just said no and refused a search and left the hotel but the problem is I had my family with me and didn't want to screw up our trip. So I said yes I am licensed to carry and have a handgun on me. He said that no guns are allowed on their property, even with a license. I asked if there were any legal issues or if it was just Hotel policy and he said it was just the hotel's policy which they have begun enforcing strictly since Mandalay Bay.

He said I need to take the firearm to the armory and lock it up while I'm staying at the hotel. I waited for an armed guard who walked me to this back room with a large safe where I had to wait for a supervisor. Once he arrived he had me clear the gun and they placed it into the safe and gave me a receipt. He commented that he liked my S&W Shield and asked me about the stealthgear holster.

He said that I could come and get it anytime I leave the hotel but that it may take 15-20 minutes to wait for a supervisor to come from Palazzo where they normally are and they would have to escort me out the hotel once I take the gun. So it wasn't really practical for everyday when I'm with other people. I just left it in the armory until I checked out of the hotel.

The rest of my stay in Vegas was great. I went to Caesar's Palace, New York New York, Paris, Stratosphere, and a few other places. The only place that had visible metal detectors was the entrance to go to the top of the Stratosphere (not the main door).

So some things I learned is not to keep anything in my bag that would give away that I'm carrying. Never check bags at a hotel (they will search them without consent). Don't valet car (they probably search that too). Security in Vegas is all just a show (I carried up to my room without them knowing). None of the guards seemed to agree with the policy and they never criticized me for carrying. The guard at the desk even mentioned that the policy wasn't fair since they don't advertise it very well anywhere. I won't be staying at the Venetian/Palazzo again.

Anyone else have any experiences carrying at other hotels in Vegas?

[ScottyXbones]

They searched your bags eithout your consent? I've never experienced anything remotely like this at any vegas hotel, Venetian included.

[Mesa Defense]

They never check my bags. Interesting story.

[GuyFawkes]

Originally Posted by ScottyXbones

They searched your bags eithout your consent? I've never experienced anything remotely like this at any vegas hotel, Venetian included.

When was the last time you went?

[Erion929]

Originally Posted by ScottyXbones

They searched your bags eithout your consent? I've never experienced anything remotely like this at any vegas hotel, Venetian included.

Probably just ran it through an xray machine. After Mandalay, wouldn't surprise me at all to xray bags that you give them.

.

[BigFatGuy]

There actually is, as far as I know, ONE "no guns" sign at the Venetian.

If you are at Treasure Island, and take the over-pass walkway to The Venetian, at the bottom of the staircase you walk past a large stone looking wall... I think it's an elevator. Once you pass it, turn around. There is one small sign, placed in such a way that you would never notice it entering the property.

However, be advised, most hotels also, now, have a one-contact-every-day rule... a hotel employee (the maid) MUST enter your room once every 24 hours... so be very careful what you leave about.

[ocabj]

However, be advised, most hotels also, now, have a one-contact-every-day rule... a hotel employee (the maid) MUST enter your room once every 24 hours... so be very careful what you leave about.

Last time I was a Bellagio (last November) for two nights. No one entered that room aside from me. Had do not disturb sign. Put a piece of tape on door when I was not there to detect entry. Never broken / peeled.

[71MUSTY]

I would have claimed my firearm every hour for a walk around the building and rechecked it when I returned.

Of course the real message is carry your own bags.

[SkyHawk]

I carry at the Venetian regularly, every single stay. Last visit was a few months ago. I also carry to all shows and other hotels when we’re there. Only a few comedy clubs have metal detectors.

As you noted, you messed up when you left your gear in someones elses hands.

[Gryff]

I was at the Venetian for work last month. I saw the Firearms Prohibited signs on many of the doors to the building (or just inside the doors). Usually those signs don't give me pause, but strip casinos wield a lot of power in Vegas. I'm concerned about out what the repercussions can be if I get caught violating their rules.

[Neil McCauley]

Hmm I never had this problem always had my firearm in locked container and everything else it needs in it. Stayed at all hotels including Venetian.

[71MUSTY]

Originally Posted by Gryff

I was at the Venetian for work last month. I saw the Firearms Prohibited signs on many of the doors to the building (or just inside the doors). Usually those signs don't give me pause, but strip casinos wield a lot of power in Vegas. I'm concerned about out what the repercussions can be if I get caught violating their rules.

Ultimately Casinos don't want anything to interfere with the flow of $$$$.
They instituted No Gun Policies to appease the protests and show they are doing something.

They will enforce it when doing so costs them less then not.

Metal detectors etc. cost money and remind people of the shooting.

Losing the business of law abiding gun owners also costs them money.

Making a scene interrupts the flow of money.

If you are printing or they become aware you may be armed they have to take action. The prudent action is to discreetly ask you to check it or leave. If you refused of course they would likely treat you no better then a pick pocket, but that is not their preferred outcome.

However most Casino's are not going to invest the manpower and expense of total compliance and wants to keep john Q public focused on the flashing lights.

With a few exceptions Concealed is Concealed. I carry in many a Casino. On occasion I have had Casino Security make obvious eye contact, nod and walk away, but I have never been spoken to.

[BigFatGuy]

Originally Posted by ocabj

Last time I was a Bellagio (last November) for two nights. No one entered that room aside from me. Had do not disturb sign. Put a piece of tape on door when I was not there to detect entry. Never broken / peeled.

That's good to hear... I assume they are leaving the high-rollers at Bellagio alone. I know the policy is still hotel-by-hotel, but spreading, much like the same way free parking died.

My last stay at Excalibur, the room was made up when we left the room with do-not-disturb on the door. Annoying, but we stayed there because it was cheap, not because it was nice. :-)

[bbgughj]

Glad they are doing their jobs.....Thanks for sharing

[baggss]

Meh. My experience over the holidays in Vegas was slightly differed. Stayed at the Cosmopolitan. Carried the whole way as well, including checking into the hotel and up to the room. Let the Valet take my bags, which had my Pelican case, spare mags, some extra ammo (that I forgot to take out) and a secondary holster. Not a peep out of the hotel. If they searched or x-rayed the bags they said nothing and there was nothing "incriminating" in my car. No "No Gun" signs on entrance to the hotel that I used for the 3 days we were there. Carrying was a non-event.

[edgerly779]

This is not new. Many casinos do not allow firearms in room. 15 years ag I went to mesquite and had to put in security. I received receipt and got it when I left.

[deephouse]

Good to know, thanks for sharing. Boy Shotshow is gonna be a mess this year!

[Yodaman]

Originally Posted by deephouse

Good to know, thanks for sharing. Boy Shotshow is gonna be a mess this year!

Hahah

[Lebaneseblonde]

https://www.wired.com/story/the-las-...of-its-casino/



This is concerning

[Lebaneseblonde]

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/04/u...-security.html


Interesting read

[Yodaman]

Originally Posted by Lebaneseblonde

https://www.wired.com/story/the-las-...of-its-casino/



This is concerning

Wear lead underwear!

[Don the savage]

About a month ago i stayed at the Wynn. As i was walking in from valet, a security guard said, “sir, the wynn has a no weapons policy”. I was like, crap, am i printing? Nope. He saw the knife in my pocket. Security asked me to put the knife in my pocket and leave it in my room. No problem dude. I guess the Glock on my hip didnt show. I had no other issues.
I stay at the caesers properties monthly and always valet, and never have an issue or a question in those hotels. But i never use bell services.

[deephouse]

What sucks is - if something goes down and you don’t have your CC on you, and something happens to you or your family? Someone’s getting sued...

[raidersofthenight]

They do not xray your bags at hotels. If this is the case, they will xray every visitor that walks in with a suitcase. Something alerted the bellhop. Now they are all trained to keep an eye out for something. When he saw your lockbox he had to say something otherwise he wouldn't be doing his job. I've been to Vegas way too many times, used the bell service every time because of all the kids I have and I am positive no ones ever gone through my stuff. After the Mandalay incident, hotels are going to be more vigilant, either that or they open themselves up to lawsuits if something happens.

[johnthomas]

Originally Posted by Gryff

I was at the Venetian for work last month. I saw the Firearms Prohibited signs on many of the doors to the building (or just inside the doors). Usually those signs don't give me pause, but strip casinos wield a lot of power in Vegas. I'm concerned about out what the repercussions can be if I get caught violating their rules.

No guns signs
Signs do not have the force of law on private property. In public buildings, only concealed carry is banned where 'no guns' signs are posted or metal detectors are present at each public entrance (NRS 202.3673).
(If you are asked to disarm and don't, you can be charged with no trespass.)
JT


Bar carry
It is legal to carry concealed or openly in a bar or restaurant, even while consuming alcohol. One cannot possess a firearm if their blood alcohol content is more than .10 BAC (NRS 202.257).



Casino carry
It is legal to carry openly or concealed inside a casino, on the Las Vegas Strip, or at the Fremont Street Experience. Most casinos will ask you to leave or disarm if they observe you carrying firearms, but it is not a crime unless you refuse to leave or comply (only trespassing). You do not have to consent to any search.

[johnthomas]

Originally Posted by GuyFawkes

Drove to Vegas recently with my family for a vacation. I have a CA CCW and AZ CCW so I carried on the way there with no issue. We arrived at Venetian valet (I normally don't like valet but had too many kids and too many bags to lug around) and had the hotel take our bags at the curb up to the room. I had my CCW on me in a holster. I was worried there would be metal detectors going into casino or at the elevators but there weren't. They just have a security guard at elevators checking for room keys. I didn't notice any signs anywhere.

So I got to the room fine but our bags weren't there yet. I get a call on the room phone asking me to verify my information and to describe my bags and then they hang up. I get another call that they have found some prohibited items in my bag and that I need to report to the security desk in the casino. That's when I remember that I have my lockbox and a spare mag in my bag that they took at the curb. They must have x-rayed the bags and saw the magazine. (

I go to the security desk and he asks if I have a firearm on me. At this point I could have just said no and refused a search and left the hotel but the problem is I had my family with me and didn't want to screw up our trip. So I said yes I am licensed to carry and have a handgun on me. He said that no guns are allowed on their property, even with a license. I asked if there were any legal issues or if it was just Hotel policy and he said it was just the hotel's policy which they have begun enforcing strictly since Mandalay Bay.

He said I need to take the firearm to the armory and lock it up while I'm staying at the hotel. I waited for an armed guard who walked me to this back room with a large safe where I had to wait for a supervisor. Once he arrived he had me clear the gun and they placed it into the safe and gave me a receipt. He commented that he liked my S&W Shield and asked me about the stealthgear holster.

He said that I could come and get it anytime I leave the hotel but that it may take 15-20 minutes to wait for a supervisor to come from Palazzo where they normally are and they would have to escort me out the hotel once I take the gun. So it wasn't really practical for everyday when I'm with other people. I just left it in the armory until I checked out of the hotel.

The rest of my stay in Vegas was great. I went to Caesar's Palace, New York New York, Paris, Stratosphere, and a few other places. The only place that had visible metal detectors was the entrance to go to the top of the Stratosphere (not the main door).

So some things I learned is not to keep anything in my bag that would give away that I'm carrying. Never check bags at a hotel (they will search them without consent). Don't valet car (they probably search that too). Security in Vegas is all just a show (I carried up to my room without them knowing). None of the guards seemed to agree with the policy and they never criticized me for carrying. The guard at the desk even mentioned that the policy wasn't fair since they don't advertise it very well anywhere. I won't be staying at the Venetian/Palazzo again.

Anyone else have any experiences carrying at other hotels in Vegas?

Before I moved to Henderson, right outside of Vegas, we stayed at different hotels and did use bell hop, I stayed with our luggage the whole time and never had a problem. I have my AZ CCW, it is no good for me now that I am a resident. I received my NV CCW a couple of weeks ago. Lately I have been using a 380 and ankle holster and a 9mm in my jacket holster, I carry everywhere it is legal to carry.

[sigstroker]

Originally Posted by 71MUSTY

If you are printing or they become aware you may be armed they have to take action. The prudent action is to discreetly ask you to check it or leave. If you refused of course they would likely treat you no better then a pick pocket, but that is not their preferred outcome.

They would probably trespass you. For life.

Originally Posted by Don the savage

About a month ago i stayed at the Wynn. As i was walking in from valet, a security guard said, “sir, the wynn has a no weapons policy”. I was like, crap, am i printing? Nope. He saw the knife in my pocket. Security asked me to put the knife in my pocket and leave it in my room. No problem dude. I guess the Glock on my hip didnt show. I had no other issues.
I stay at the caesers properties monthly and always valet, and never have an issue or a question in those hotels. But i never use bell services.

The Wynn made a big deal about how it has a bunch of hidden metal detectors. Guess it was BS.

The only place I've seen in Vegas that was posted is the SLS.

[GuyFawkes]

Originally Posted by Featureless

Snarky comments removed by Admin

If you read my post again you'll see where I explain that my weapon was concealed on my person the whole time. I did not have any weapons in the luggage. In my luggage I did have a lockbox with a spare magazine locked inside. They must have either x-rayed my bag or just opened my bag and searched it and assumed that I had a weapon on me. Bringing the lockbox was not the mistake, I had children with me so I have to lock it up when I go to sleep or if I have to leave it behind. My mistake was allowing someone else to handle the bag. My other mistake was choosing the Venetian/Palazzo. I will accept criticism for those two points. Neither one will happen again.

Not sure I understand your second point. Do you really think Las Vegas is so safe that I wouldn't need to carry a firearm for protection? From my experience I would have to strongly disagree with you.

[Featureless]

Originally Posted by GuyFawkes

If you read my post again you'll see where I explain that my weapon was concealed on my person the whole time. I did not have any weapons in the luggage. In my luggage I did have a lockbox with a spare magazine locked inside. They must have either x-rayed my bag or just opened my bag and searched it and assumed that I had a weapon on me. Bringing the lockbox was not the mistake, I had children with me so I have to lock it up when I go to sleep or if I have to leave it behind. My mistake was allowing someone else to handle the bag. My other mistake was choosing the Venetian/Palazzo. I will accept criticism for those two points. Neither one will happen again.

Not sure I understand your second point. Do you really think Las Vegas is so safe that I wouldn't need to carry a firearm for protection? From my experience I would have to strongly disagree with you.

What is it you're expecting to happen if there's an incident/something goes down? You won't be in the communications loop of either faction and you won't be recognized by the other participants. You'll just be one chump standing there with a weapon, likely to draw fire from either or both. So you've not only placed your own life in danger, but anyone else around, near or behind you. Even if it were allowable to walk around armed in the casino, it's a stupid idea.

[raidersofthenight]

for the most part, the strip is pretty safe. North Vegas, Fremont area, you need to be carrying. Now on the strip, if theres a casino I'd carry in it would be the Casino Royale, that place is as scummy as they come.

[GuyFawkes]

Originally Posted by Featureless

What is it you're expecting to happen if there's an incident/something goes down? You won't be in the communications loop of either faction and you won't be recognized by the other participants. You'll just be one chump standing there with a weapon, likely to draw fire from either or both. So you've not only placed your own life in danger, but anyone else around, near or behind you. Even if it were allowable to walk around armed in the casino, it's a stupid idea.

You’re right, if there was an active shooter somewhere in the hotel or casino or anywhere for that matter it would be stupid to go looking for them to take them out. That’s why I would never do that nor have I suggested I would do that. My reasons for carrying are selfish, it’s to protect my life and the lives of my family. If there was an active shooter my priority would be to get my family as far away from them as possible. The only time I would pull my firearm out is if I was somehow unable to escape and I was being directly threatened by the shooter.

Is there a reason you’re being so hostile and resorting to insulting me personally? Have I done something to offend you?

[SkyHawk]

Originally Posted by Featureless

What is it you're expecting to happen if there's an incident/something goes down? You won't be in the communications loop of either faction and you won't be recognized by the other participants. You'll just be one chump standing there with a weapon, likely to draw fire from either or both. So you've not only placed your own life in danger, but anyone else around, near or behind you. Even if it were allowable to walk around armed in the casino, it's a stupid idea.

Of course. Why would anyone ever carry a gun at all, amiright?

[phdo]

You should carry a backpack. Whenever I travel I always bring a backpack with me. The main items I keep in it are spare mags, first aid kit, tourniquet, and a lockbox. If I ever need to disarm then my gun goes in the lockbox. The backpack goes everywhere with me. No one touches my backpack. My wife is good at enforcing this rule, too. I would carry an AR pistol in a backpack on long road trips. A backpack is also handy when you have kids. I put all sorts of my kids’ crap in there.

I would’ve just anchored (if you had a cable) the lockbox under the car’s seat instead of leaving it with security. Let them hold on to it while you get situated then get your gun back when you leave the hotel. They probably won’t even know if you bring it back in. Last time I was in Vegas I stayed at the Aria. We valeted and had the bags sent to our room. I carried my backpack up later to put all the contents in the room’s safe. I had my Shield and a spare mag in an Incog holster the whole time I was in Vegas. No one batted an eye. I frequent Reno and this is the same way I do it there, too.

[JCHavasu]

Originally Posted by Featureless

What is it you're expecting to happen if there's an incident/something goes down? You won't be in the communications loop of either faction and you won't be recognized by the other participants. You'll just be one chump standing there with a weapon, likely to draw fire from either or both. So you've not only placed your own life in danger, but anyone else around, near or behind you. Even if it were allowable to walk around armed in the casino, it's a stupid idea.

Yeah, he's more likely to just have the gun taken away from him and used against him right?

By your rationale it would seem there is never a reason to carry a gun because "You won't be in the communications loop of either faction..." If someone tries to injure/kill OP or his family he is in the communication loop for one faction, his family. Nothing says he needs to jump into the middle of a shootout between two rival gangs or whatever scenario you are envisioning.

[GuyFawkes]

Originally Posted by phdo

You should carry a backpack. Whenever I travel I always bring a backpack with me. The main items I keep in it are spare mags, first aid kit, tourniquet, and a lockbox. If I ever need to disarm then my gun goes in the lockbox. The backpack goes everywhere with me. No one touches my backpack. My wife is good at enforcing this rule, too. I would carry an AR pistol in a backpack on long road trips. A backpack is also handy when you have kids. I put all sorts of my kids’ crap in there.

I would’ve just anchored (if you had a cable) the lockbox under the car’s seat instead of leaving it with security. Let them hold on to it while you get situated then get your gun back when you leave the hotel. They probably won’t even know if you bring it back in. Last time I was in Vegas I stayed at the Aria. We valeted and had the bags sent to our room. I carried my backpack up later to put all the contents in the room’s safe. I had my Shield and a spare mag in an Incog holster the whole time I was in Vegas. No one batted an eye. I frequent Reno and this is the same way I do it there, too.

That's a good idea. I'll take a backpack next time that always stays with me.

Once they did confront me about the checking the firearm I did tell them that I would just keep the gun locked in my car's console safe but they said the firearm can't be anywhere on their property unless it's in their control, even the parking lot. So he said if I'm staying at the hotel it would have to stay in their armory.

[phdo]

Originally Posted by GuyFawkes

That's a good idea. I'll take a backpack next time that always stays with me.



Once they did confront me about the checking the firearm I did tell them that I would just keep the gun locked in my car's console safe but they said the firearm can't be anywhere on their property unless it's in their control, even the parking lot. So he said if I'm staying at the hotel it would have to stay in their armory.

Ahhh I see. That makes sense. They do own the parking lot. I wonder if you got it back to go out and then go back to the hotel with it - would anyone know?

[GuyFawkes]

Originally Posted by phdo

Ahhh I see. That makes sense. They do own the parking lot. I wonder if you got it back to go out and then go back to the hotel with it - would anyone know?

I thought about that but didn't want to risk one of them remembering me and then calling the armory to see if I checked my CCW in.

The other issue is the process of checking it in and checking it out at the armory just took way to long to make it practical for multiple times a day.

[phdo]

Originally Posted by GuyFawkes

I thought about that but didn't want to risk one of them remembering me and then calling the armory to see if I checked my CCW in.



The other issue is the process of checking it in and checking it out at the armory just took way to long to make it practical for multiple times a day.

At the very least, you learned a valuable lesson. Try to keep your gear on you at all times and prevent someone from “making” you by carrying a tactical 5.11 backpack with “Molon Labe” patch on it. I would’ve been so uncomfortable knowing that my gun isn’t on me. It would’ve ruined my trip a little.

[edgerly779]

Likely to be shot by other ccw individual.

[Featureless]

Originally Posted by JCHavasu

Yeah, he's more likely to just have the gun taken away from him and used against him right?

By your rationale it would seem there is never a reason to carry a gun because "You won't be in the communications loop of either faction..." If someone tries to injure/kill OP or his family he is in the communication loop for one faction, his family. Nothing says he needs to jump into the middle of a shootout between two rival gangs or whatever scenario you are envisioning.

Miss the point much? "have the gun taken away from him........yada quack quack........" No, but he might get shot by security who are already on heightened alert because they're responding to a threat in the casino and he's standing there with a weapon in his hand. He's raised his profile and made himself and his family a target. The fact that you (and others) think that's a good idea is one reason the casino prohibits armed persons unknown to them on their property.