Can We Take Photographs in Casinos?

updated May 29, 2023

 

Historically, almost all casinos prohibited the taking of photographs and signs at entrances were posted to that effect. It had to do with privacy and the protection of players (especially when gambling was a vice everywhere except Nevada and the mob, notoriously camera-shy, was running the town), casing the casino for a potential robbery (photographing security, the cage, money movements, and the like), and possible cheating. 

 

Thus, up until fairly recently and the advent of the ubiquitous cell phone, casinos were extremely sensitive about photography, especially video, anywhere on their property. Las Vegas is a place people escape to, sometimes when they're actually meant to be somewhere else, with someone else, and the casinos didn't want to risk being sued by someone who lost his or her marriage or job over an inadvertent exposure.

 

In latter years, this policy has loosened up somewhat, with casinos being more tolerant of casual snapshots and selfies.

 

These days, there seem to be as many different policies on photos in the casino as there are casino operators. Caesars Palace, for example, has always been notoriously averse to the practice, whereas the Four Queens has allowed photos for years (though no video). The Boyd casinos (Sam's Town, Fremont, California, Gold Coast, etc.) allow photos in the casino, but only selfies (you and/or your family). 

 

Bottom line: You can bring your cell phone or camera, but use it with discretion. In general, it's fine to take a photograph of your buddies drinking at the bar, or eating at the buffet, or posing with an attraction, but it might not be okay to start snapping them playing blackjack, or hitting a slot jackpot, or hanging out in the race and sports book.

 

If you try it and security shows up, use the old cheater's line, "Oh, excuse me," and put the phone or camera away.