I was at the gym and overheard someone complaining, because they were headed to dine at the top of the Stratosphere and their concealed weapon was detected by a metal detector. Are there many casino properties in Vegas that have this technology in place? Don't know what the outcome was. Might have had to leave, might have had to place the weapon in a secure location to enter the area. What's up?
Back when he was still a force on the Strip, Steve Wynn responded to the aftermath of the Mandalay Bay shootings by revealing some of his own security policies, saying that the Wynn and Encore had metal detectors embedded in their entrances. He didn't go so far as to say what his security force would or might do if a concealed weapon were detected (which strikes us as being unlikely for many reasons). Other casinos have taken a laissez-faire approach to security, making them — especially Bellagio — soft targets for armed robbers.
Joseph Jaffoni, speaking on behalf of M Resort and the Tropicana, told us that owner “Penn National takes the safety of their guests very seriously, but like most movie theaters, hotels, bowling alleys, and other similar venues, they don’t have metal detectors in place. Instead, they deploy a robust security detail at their properties.”
The only use of which Boyd Gaming communications director David Strow is aware of is Orleans Arena. “This is pretty standard security protocol for arenas,” he adds.
MGM Resorts International, perhaps feeling on the spot in the wake of 10/1, kept its cards close to the vest. “While we cannot discuss specifics of security operations and procedures, we are constantly evolving our security to keep guests and employees safe,” was all it would say.
Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, and Station Casinos did not respond at all.
It seems that the first rule of security in Las Vegas is don’t talk about security. After all, any disclosure of whether or not one has metal detectors in place gives weapon-carrying visitors a valuable clue on where to go and where to avoid.
Incidentally, metal detectors at casino entrances is a standard security practice at casinos in Macau and has been for years.
As for the Strat, we actually can't remember a time when you didn't have to pass through a metal detector and security gauntlet to get on the elevators to the observation deck. Obviously, security authorities there want to be as confident as possible as to who's at the top of their tower and what they're carrying.
The Strat tower ("Bob Stupak's Substitute Penis") is a unique location that might be attractive for someone wanting to be a real-life Hans Gruber. I wouldn't let anyone carrying a gun up there, either. Of course, I wouldn't let anyone carrying a gun enter my house, my place of business, etc. I also wouldn't let in anybody who thinks that carrying a gun is acceptable, whether or not they actually have one at the moment.