Wire Transfer

Has anybody ever wired money to Caesars Palace in advance of their trip?

We are taking a trip there in February but we are spending 4 days in Cancun before going to Vegas for another 4 days. I don't want to take my cash to Mexico that I need in Vegas and thought, maybe I can do a wire transfer in advance.

Any advice is appreciated.

It's no big deal, but they will think you are a 'bit' crazy if it's less than $2500. With that being said, it's easier to just open a credit line with Caesars. It's not really credit, just the ability to draw Markers (casino credit) against your checking account. They will open the line at whatever amount you ask, but not more than approximately 50% of your average account balance (checking, savings, money market -- basically whatever account you want them to draw on). Then, you can draw money (Markers) from the cage for machines, or from the tables directly when playing table games. You'll get a statement approximately 1 week after your visit. It will list all of your Markers, and is basically in the form of an invoice. You can choose to pay it then, or if you prefer, do nothing, and the money will be deducted from your account in approximately 30 days. So, basically FREE MONEY (NO fees or interest) for 30-40 days. [amounts in excess of $5,000; can get longer deposit terms up to 90 days]

I agree this is the way to go. You can even set it up online in advance. You will need to indicate which CET properties that you want to be able to get your markers.

If you bank with BofA or Wells Fargo, etc., its easy to get $$ when you arrive.

I would advise (whether you wire or not) to call the phone # on the back of your ATM card,
and let your Bank know your Travel plans though, so they don't shut off access.

Also, some people still use Travelers checks.

I've avoided using wire transfer or casino credit, etc., because I don't like the casino having
access to my Bank accts. I feel like its none of their business.

Maybe its no big deal to some, but I think its an extra invasion of privacy, and don't want any casino in my banking business.

A false worry, IMO. With your full name, and address cross referenced with you SS# (which, the casinos all have, unless you have never hit for over $1199 with a W2-G); I could probably locate every one of your accounts (and account numbers) in less than an hour. This information is easily obtainable.

We have no privacy in this country, I've long given up on that fact (probably around 5+ years ago).

In any case, the 'better' reason to stay away from casino credit is the fact that they will often 'UP' your credit line with very little qualification. This indeed, can become a problem for non-conservative and 'slightly' risk-prone gamblers.

I find that casino credit works very well, and like not having to carry the cash. I keep things rather limited; and like the flexibility. (also, it tends to establish you as a more 'serious' player)

Just be warned, you need to open separate lines at ALL CET properties. So, if you plan on gambling at Caesars and Paris Las Vegas; you will have to fill out an application for both.

I've never gone the line of credit route and find wire transfers easy. If you do choose to go with a wire transfer, SmartCriminal, simply ask your host for wire info. They'll email it to you. If you don't have a host, just call Caesars and ask to speak to one. Any host can get you the info.

If applicable, you might also ask if they have a minimum on wires; I seem to recall $5,000 being the minimum. Your bank will ding you with the wire transfer fee. My bank charges $15. You'll have to go to your bank for the transfer...can't do it over the phone. You also need to do this at least 72 hours in advance to allow time for the casino to verify that you have the funds available. Be aware, any wired funds are supposed to be used for gambling only. If you pull out, say, an initial $2,000, you're actually going to have to churn $2,000 before you will be allowed to withdraw further amounts. I've made wire transfers multiple times to Paris and find it simple and convenient.

I prefer wire over markers, because with markers, you're allowing the casino to run a full credit check on you and I simply don't want a casino to know that much about my biz. Either way, have fun in Mexico and good luck in LV!

Actually, you do NOT have to go to the bank for a wire transfer :

(a) with my BofA account, you can do it all 100% online using their online banking system. If you are wiring more than $4000, you do need to setup a secure-id.

(b) with my (small) credit union, while I can't do it online, all I need to do is FAX (with signature) the wire transfer details, and they take care of it for me.

I would 'guess' that many other banks and credit unions also allow the initiation of wires online and via fax.

True wires are always "same day" -- and usually "hit" the account within 2-3 hours (the Federal Reserve processes these throughout the day). ACH transfers (NOT true wires), tend to "hit" the next business morning.

Good to know there are civilized banks out there that allow online transfers. My bank says a live, in person signature is required. Trust me, i've asked about the fax option. No soap. The 72 hours is a CET requirement, printed on their wire transfer form. You and I know it hits there pretty much right away...but...what the heck.

This is all EXCELLENT information, thank you to all that replied. I have not decided what I'm going to do yet, but the amount I'm talking about is $5k, so either method should work.

I am concerned about the statement below should I decide to wire transfer -

"Be aware, any wired funds are supposed to be used for gambling only. If you pull out, say, an initial $2,000, you're actually going to have to churn $2,000 before you will be allowed to withdraw further amounts."

Thanks again everyone.

I've never had that come up and it really doesn't make any sense. It's YOUR money, how can they tell you that you can't have it? What are they going to do with it if they DON'T allow you to withdraw it?