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Advice regarding bringing bankroll

Discussion in 'Misc. Vegas Chat' started by DK528, Jun 27, 2012.

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  1. DK528

    DK528 Low-Roller

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    I've always just brought a wad of cash with me to LV. This next trip is different. I'll be in Maine for several days beforehand (including a couple of days of hiking and camping) and will be flying from Portland to LAS.

    I'm uncomfortable bringing the bankroll (approx $5k) with me to Maine beforehand and having it on me at all times during that trip. I was thinking of travelers checks instead.

    Is it a pain to convert travelers checks into cash in LV? Is there a limit on the amount that I can convert? Are there any alternatives to cash or travelers checks for the amount I want to bring?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Polemarch28

    Polemarch28 Tourist

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    A wire or a cashier's check. You will want to inquire with your bank as to any fees.

    The one caution is that if you wire funds to the casino, they will expect you to use the money for gaming purposes only. This is poppycock of course, it is your money, but the point is that you are incurring a certain amount of effort and possibly expense.

    Does your bank have a branch in Las Vegas? If so, one approach that eliminates the travel risk (in Maine) is to simply take a cab to the bank and make a withdrawal when you get to town. Be sure to call them at least a day before, though, and make sure they have money. I've shown up to a bank branch there and been turned away due to them not having cash (they sent me to another branch across town). But calling first seems to work.
     
  3. HAWJOHN

    HAWJOHN Tourist

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    I have had no problems cashing travelers cheques. A few years back, the cashier used to go though some verification process and later, it was like cashing a check at our bank. Our credit union had them in 500 dollar denominations.

    Two years ago, I converted to casino credit. I just go to the cage and withdraw the amount needed. This is with MSS and there was no hassle. I believe you can call for an application form and mail it in if there is time before your next visit. I did not check but there may be a possibility of doing it on line.
     
  4. makikiboy

    makikiboy VIP Whale

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    No problems cashing travelers checks in vegas casinos. Just have an ID and they should cash your tc with no problem. Not sure if there are limits to the amounts you can cash but you can always go to the next casino to cash some tc's or you can take it out over a period of your stay. I usually don't like to carry lots of $$ on me so I usually take out money in increments.

    As John mentioned, it is also easy to apply for casino credit and take out markers at your home casino or lucky casino. You are using the casino's money and like a charge they will bill you the amount after you get home. The only thing I didn't like about casino credit is that they use your checking account to determine your credit line. I usually keep very little in my checking account (lower interest rates)

    While you can wire funds to a casino I would rather just use tc's or markers but I guess it's best to use whatever you feel most comfortable with.
     
  5. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    Wire the 5k to the casino. You can always take a marker at the table and cash in the chips if you want some cash.
     
  6. irmster

    irmster Low-Roller

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    if you play slots, I wouldn't wire money. I've had trouble withdrawing front money to play slots, which has never made sense to me.
     
  7. DK528

    DK528 Low-Roller

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    Thanks, all.

    Shifter, I'm going to be mainly playing at two casinos. Can I wire all $5k to Wynn, use some of it there and either get the rest in cash or transfer to Aria when I switch hotels?

    I'm not savvy enough to quote a second quote so, Irmster, I do mainly play slots so it may not make sense to wire for me.
     
  8. Junkyard Hog

    Junkyard Hog High-Roller

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  9. JosieCat

    JosieCat VIP Whale

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    Same bankroll for me. I do a combo of TC's, which I've never had problems cashing, cash, and a few ATM trips.

    I wish my bank had TC's in $500 denominations. Last time, I had to take $1,000 in hundreds, but the other $500 in fifty $ denominations.
     
  10. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    you should have no problem getting your cash from the cage when you leave for Aria. if they give you any grief, just tell them you're checking out.

    as far as slots, you can go to the cage and they'll print you a TITO that you can slide into the slot to play. one of the easiest ways to get cash is just get a TITO, play a slot for a while and cash in your TITO when you're done.
     
  11. sco5123

    sco5123 VIP Whale

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    I know nothing of checks and wiring. Do people do this on more miniscule budgets?

    I always stuck to banks and ATMs. Do you avoid fees by doing checks and wiring?

    I figure the ATM helps me stay more disciplined. A couple fees here and there will make you mind your roll. Plus, if I make $100 or more, I go to the bank and deposit. lol
     
  12. shifter

    shifter Degenerate Gambler

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    no the casinos require at least $2500 and most prefer $5k to accept a wire and hold it in your account.
     
  13. serenasea

    serenasea Low-Roller

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    Another option is the VIP Preferred Card though Global Payments, which allows you to cash an e-check at many of the casinos (Wynn, Cosmo, but none of the CET or MGM properties).
     
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