What Are the Casinos' Policies about Carrying Firearms?

Since one can obtain a CCW (permit to carry concealed weapon) in Nevada, and since the horrible shooting in Las Vegas, what are the actual policies that the casinos/hotels (Strip and off-Strip) have about entering with a weapon? I’ve been with people who carry (both residents and non-residents of Nevada) in casinos and hotels, and they’re never bothered, and one would really never know they’re carrying. I have seen more security officers, but nothing that would lead me to believe that any policies have changed.

The gun laws in Nevada mandate that no firearms, neither open carry nor concealed carry, are permitted in airports, schools, courthouses, and correction facilities. Other public places, such as the Las Vegas Strip, casinos, movie theaters, and houses of worship are in charge of their own gun policies.

And yes, you’re legally permitted to carry, openly or concealed, on private property, even those with No Guns Allowed signs at the entrances. Signs such as those carry no legal weight and the owner can’t force you to disarm.

That said, most casinos don’t permit patrons to be armed when they enter. This has been the policy for many years, so there was no reason to change it after October 1. Though it’s not against the law to carry in a casino, if the casino, being private property, asks you to leave and you don’t, you can be arrested for armed trespassing. The same goes for any other private property, such as those with no-gun signs on the doors.

Of course, as you mention in your question, there’s little to no enforcement. We know of no Las Vegas casino where patrons are screened when they walk through the doors — no metal detectors, no security searching through purses and backpacks, no one asking if you’re armed.

In Las Vegas, weapons screenings occur for the most part at sporting events, concert venues, and wherever else there might be a need for a security checkpoint. Beyond that, it’s “sight-security” — in other words, someone openly carrying would probably be asked to leave, but there’s no way of knowing who’s carrying concealed (the whole point of CCW), unless of course that person presents his or her weapon for one reason or another.

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JimBeam Nov-27-2018

Not 100% True

I don't know if the policy has changed, but there was a time when the Wynn poker room was enforcing bag checks before going inside. This was within the last 2 years and definitely prior to Oct 2017. So there are some casinos (or at least parts of them) that do some bag screening.

Jackie Nov-27-2018

Incorrect

No weapons allowed signs give the private property the right to choose whether to ask you to leave or have you arrested for trespassing.  If arrested and you have a CCW then your permit will be automatically pulled.  Trespassing with a weapon will get you a harsher sentence in court than mere trespassing.  However, if the no weapon allowed signage is not posted at every entrance to the building then the QOD comment of carrying no weight is true.  Then the property owner can only ask you to leave but if you refuse to leave you are then subject to arrest.

Roy Furukawa Nov-27-2018

If it ain't broke...

It seems whatever each casino's policy is, it works for all sane people. One guy went crazy and engaged in a horrific act, but I would hope we never see the likes of him again. Casinos being more nosy and requiring checking on guest rooms at least once every day is an inconvenience I can live with if it means safety. For most it usually means housekeeping needs to enter once a day which they mostly do already.

Kevin Lewis Nov-27-2018

remember, it's a company town...

Casinos are definitely correctional facilities. They could also be considered schools, given how much is taught and learned there. But Nevada laws don't apply to casinos--not really, anyway. They do what they please.

I can't imagine anybody being so paranoid/stupid/gun nut as to carry around a gun on an everyday basis. I mean, all the NRA wackos have fantasies of gittin' th' drop on th' bad guy and being showered with heroic accolades and given the opportunity to have sex with multiple attractive females, but how likely is that scenario compared to the danger of an argument escalating to a fatal shooting because one or more of the participants has a gun?

David Sabo Nov-27-2018

TO BEAR OR NOT

WThe Stage Door is considered a slot house as opposed to a full blown casino. They scan IDs and wand you especially late night.

Question of the Day - 27 November 2018

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