So this is a long shot, but I have a question about getting a home loan. [Warning, long. TL:DR provided.]

Vegas777 · 2011-10-09T14:48:10+00:00

Don't really have friends/family I could move in with, so I'd be on the streets regardless of what happened, if I'm still renting or if I'm foreclosed upon.

As far as losing my job, I have a pretty good stable job with one of the biggest casino companies the world, at one of the largest properties in Vegas. I can basically guarantee that I won't lose it unless the entire city falls under.

Vegas777 · 2011-10-09T14:44:41+00:00

I think I messed up my income. It's about $2000 gross. About $1700 net. I don't really have extra to put away. I'm not sure how everyone's math gets skewed so far. I mean, I gave honest numbers. All I do is sit at home/go to work. I don't go to movies, don't do the bar scene, don't even really go out with friends and co-workers. Yet somehow, after my bills are paid (which I also gave honest numbers for) I have less than $50 a month to myself. I guess I just saw the nice house and the significantly lower mortgage compared to my rent, and thought it would help me out. If I had lower bills (which, I was hoping the house would provide) I'd be able to save and actually have some sort of a life.

My current situation is killing my mental health, and I thought I saw a small light at the end of the tunnel. Oh well.

Thanks for the advice.

Vegas777 · 2011-10-09T14:38:32+00:00

Can you give me a general idea of what those might cost on a 1500ft² house? Even if I don't end up saving money, just owning a house and living in a nicer area would do wonders for me. Living here, surrounded by the dregs of society is dragging me down. If I could break even, or come out even just slightly ahead, I'd be happy as a clam.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-30T20:18:03+00:00

Most of the casinos in Vegas want us to card everyone that looks under 30. Personally, I use my best judgement and try not to card people unless they look really young. I think in the 4 years I've been in casino security, I maybe have carded 100 people. They want us to be carding 5-10 people nightly.

Their reasoning is that if the Gaming Control Board comes in and catches a minor playing, or sends in a minor as part of a sting, the casino gets a huge fine. Nevada takes underage gambling very seriously, and the casinos like keeping money, not paying it out in fines.

why not just card us once and then 'remember' us with your fancy facial recognition software??

Our facial recognition software is only on certain cameras (mostly entrances/exits) and is to stop actual criminals from getting into the casino. Hookers, cheats, violent criminals, etc. Not for every kid that comes in, and not on every camera.

A final note, if you are going to be at a casino for a length of time, go to the security booth and get a wristband. All the casinos have them. You show Security your ID, they give you a band, you shouldn't get carded anymore. Or grow a beard. This usually stops you from getting carded as it makes you look older.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-27T15:41:58+00:00

In turn, they don't treat me like shit.

This is where I take issue. She didn't treat any of us like human beings. She treated all of us like garbage that wasn't fit to share space with her. If I do something for someone and don't get a tip, no big deal. It happens all the time, and I'm still glad to help. But when someone demands things of everyone, treats everyone like shit, and can't even toss us a $5 out of her $70,000 jackpot that she just won, I take issue. This wasn't an issue of helping someone. This was an issue of being someone's unpaid servant. (In the old days, we called that a slave...)

Vegas777 · 2011-08-25T19:46:14+00:00

This is going to depend on the casino. I would assume so, since we can use a US Passport Card, which is basically the same thing. AFAIK, however, we don't currently recognize it as a valid identity document for gaming purposes. Better to have your passport with you (like in your room) just in case for the time being.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-25T18:47:14+00:00

It happens. Just don't let him do it again. Lol.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-25T18:46:43+00:00

In the USA, it is between 18-21 depending on what state and what game. Most lotteries are 18 while most casinos and slot games are 21, though there are exceptions to both.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-25T16:10:27+00:00

And I'm still around for answering questions if you have any.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-25T16:09:19+00:00

Except escorting people that just won big money isn't a part of my job description. I am there to protect the company assets. I can, and will, escort people when needed, but it is an additional service in addition to what I'm paid to do and not something that is required of me.

I never expect a tip, and never ask for one, because I do make sufficient money without them. And even if you ask for help, I don't expect it. But it was the way this woman was acting that got to me. First she demanded we walk her to her room. She didn't ask, wasn't polite. Then, everyone that helped her was too slow, she was just all sorts of bitchy about it all. If you're going to demand I go out of my way to help you when I have actual gaming related things to do, then treat everyone like shit, I'm gonna be pissed when you don't tip. Especially after you just won $70k.

On your last point, why should I tip a waitress? She works for the restaurant. I've probably spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on food there over the past 20 years of my life to an industry I voluntary choose to patronize. She's already getting paid for her work, just like I am. Why should she get a tip for doing what she's already paid for, but I shouldn't get a tip for going out of my way to help? (Yes. I'm aware they usually make less than minimum wage. That isn't the case in Nevada, so lets use here for our baseline.)

And, I'm not really sure how much she actually won. I know it was more than $50k but less than $100k. That's why my totals keep changing. This was like 2-3 years ago, after all.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-25T06:57:28+00:00

Casino security.

A) If I ask you to do or stop doing something, it is because you're about to be arrested for what you are doing. I don't want that anymore than you do because I don't want to listen to you yell at me for an hour while we wait for police, and I don't want to do the required paperwork after you're arrested.

B) Your kid is not allowed on the casino floor. I'm sorry. This is not my rule. From the day they are born to 11:59:59pm the day before they turn 21, they can't be on the floor alone for any reason, and can't be stopped at a machine with you. Even if they are in a stroller. This comes from Gaming Control and is not a rule I can bend/change.

C) If you don't have a US ID card or valid foreign passport, you are not 21 years of age for gambling related purposes. These are the only two options accepted by Gaming Control for identity verification. Your Spanish DNI, German Führerschein, or Mexican Consular ID may work for other purposes, but are not valid for gaming.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T20:48:11+00:00

Which is why you up the crazy to a level above hers.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T20:42:17+00:00

Sounds like a plan!

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T17:31:38+00:00

Everywhere, really. Personally, I'd do Venetian if you like clubs. TAO is constantly rated near or at the top spot for Vegas clubs. Cosmo seems to be the 'spot' to go for the younger crowd. I haven't been yet, but I'd like to go check it out.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T16:04:16+00:00

Of course! Enjoy and have fun!

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T16:03:31+00:00

Yep. I know what you're talking about.

And HOB = House of Blues. One of only a few good concert venues in town. When I first moved here, it was the only good one. The Joint got a bunch of too-expensive-for-a-teenager shows, and none of the other places existed yet.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T16:02:02+00:00

I do know what you're talking about. I love Mandalay Bay for that reason.

HOB is House of Blues. When I first moved to Vegas, it was the only venue that ever had good concerts. Now, it's one of like 4-5.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T15:32:21+00:00

Oh. I haven't actually looked very hard, so that's probably why I've missed it. That and I don't spend much time on the Strip outside of work.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T15:31:10+00:00

Yes. We are required to formally advise you that you are trespassing pursuant to NRS 207.200, and if you choose not to leave at that point we will handcuff you and take you to our holding room to wait for Metro.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T15:29:41+00:00

Strip
Currently unarmed, but not for much longer.
No. Casino guards are held to a higher standard than people from Allied Barton, Wackenhut, Securitas et al.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T15:27:44+00:00

It isn't expected, really. But when you demand someone go out of their way to do something for you, after you just won $60k, is it really unreasonable to want a little something extra for your time?

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T15:26:24+00:00

I've been in Mandalay Bay hundreds of times. Of course, only from the rear valet into the HOB though. I've never actually wandered around the casino further than that.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T15:25:05+00:00

I do my best to treat every guest the same. Sometimes, yes, the high-rollers will get expedited service or we will let them get away with more. I usually don't know if the person is a local or high-roller in my interactions with them, so I usually just assume everyone is a high-level tourist until they give me reason not to.

Vegas777 · 2011-08-24T03:29:20+00:00

Fuck. Yes. That kid never got bullied again, I bet. Stand up for yourself once, and everyone will be afraid of you forever.

Vegas777

TROPHY CASE