Why are Cell Phones not allowed in Sportsbooks?

Can somebody please explain to me who someone can call to gain an unfair advantage at Sportsbooks? Or does it have to do with bookies? I never have come across why a cell phone can't be used at a Sportsbook. Besides, once you walk a few seconds away from the Sportsbook, you can still use your cell phone to call someone.

 

Heynow....

Unless you have had a recent experience with the Book approaching you to not be on the phone I think they have either given up on trying to enforce, or removed the prohibition. I was in the Rio Book in October, I stood near the back openly texting with friends in Seattle about placing bets while reading the odds off the big board. As I remember there were people on tablets too.

I think originally it was to hinder the runners for the bookies ?

I don't recall seeing those little signs with the slash through the cell phone image like there used to be at any of the Books we visited.

 

My experience has the prohibition only at the counter to expedite transactions. You can use an I-pad while seated in the audience without much problem if you like.

 

There is a law prohibiting placing interstate bets for others while you're in Vegas. The thought being that if you're on your phone in a sportsbook, you could be relaying odds and taking bets with someone out of state. This ridiculousness was changed and you can use your phone in the sportsbooks now but you still can't place interstate bets.

 

Also, its annoying if someone is chatting on the phone while you are trying to watch the game...

 

Camp Rusty-

Does the Rio sports book still have drink service? The last time I was there you could still get drinks from servers, there was no drink tickets. Was just curious if that is still the case.

Thanks!

 

They had drink tickets in September and I'd say most of the writers are pretty liberal with them..I think I got 3 for a $100 baseball bet..I ususally give them away to newbies I spot at the VP/Sportsbook bar that aren't playing the machines..Bartenders know I do it and they don't care as long as they get there tip from them...

 

I guess with the internet providing spreads and odds, it is pointless now to ban the use of cell phones in Sportsbooks. Well, it was really pointless then too.

 

they give u drink tics if you make a bet

 

From what I know and done in multiple books is that you can use your phone in the book as long as you're not at the counter when using it. I've used it downtown ( Cal, Fremont, GN) strip (Ballys, Paris, palazzo)

 

A &E........

I just grabbed my drink tickets and headed straight back to the VP bar at the back of the Book. I'm sorry, I didn't notice if there were servers working the seating area.

The ticket writers were very generous with drink tickets, I was making $100.00 bets, tipping $5 and getting three tix per transaction.

 

Thanks all!

 

There is no law prohibiting use of cellphones in the sports book. I believe the old law had something to do with enforcement of the wire act. But, that regulation has long since been repealed.

If someone is prohibiting you from using a cellphone in the sports book it's their own policy. You aren't breaking the law but they can throw you out if you don't abide by their policies.

If you don't like it, go to another sports book.