Casinos and DSLR Rucksacks?

[thatflookguy]

Hi all, I'm going to Vegas in September with some friends who aren't really photographers. I'm going to take my gear but what is the policy on rucksacks and taking them into Casinos?

I don't really want to be walking around all day with my camera on show so will need to take a rucksack with me most times.

Also, can anyone recommend good insurance companies for the camera gear incase anything gets stolen or damaged?

Thanks

 

[Al Brum]

Aarduki for insurance.

Have you considered emailing the casinos and asking them direct?

 

[ACW]

Was in an very large (Vegas sized) casino the other side of the pond (Bahamas but still US owned etc) and you could have them provided they couldn't see them.

Even when I walked through with one around my neck I was approached almost immediately and asked to put it in a bag. I think they expect tourists to want to take pictures, but can't risk photography in case you're one of the dodgy ones looking to exploit the footage for naughtiness! Keep it out of sight and you'll be fine.

Went into there a few times, sometimes had my Lowe-pro 400AW which is hardly subtle, and other times had a Canon shoulder bag, not subtle again and obvious what's inside it, but they were fine providing it was not on show.

Good luck and enjoy yourself! You should be fine photographing the rest of the hotel areas, I'd advise getting up v.early to do it!

 

[Little John]

I never had a rucksack in a vegas casino but the camera policy is as long as your not taking photos of things specifically then your ok nice wide shots of the casino are ok or any exhibits in the casino again no problem, you can even get close up stuff of the gaming tables and slots but not shots of people playing.

To be honest I wouldnt be wanting to walk round with a bag on my back in vegas as its pretty warm and gets very busy especially at night at some parts of the strip.

One really strange thing was shows, if you go watch any don't leave the camera in the hotel room, Ronn Lucas welcomed photography as long as you stayed in your seats as did Terry Fator, some will say no but both those said no problem terry said don't record the whole show but short clips were fine. I am sure other shows say no photography but they don't take cameras off you just ask you not to use them and as long as you don't use them then no problem.

 

[Adyc]

I was stopped by an American there once as my camera was dangling by its strap. He said always hold your camera as thieves tended to cut the strap and run off with the camera. Don't intend to worry or alarm you, I've been there eight or nine times over the years with no problem whatsoever, but forewarned is forearmed and all that.
Great place for pictures, have a good time.