Visitreno

[lvbear584]

Reno is getting worse in that even in good weather such as the last few days, bums are coming in off the streets to suck up free drinks in the sportsbooks that do not closely police their “drink tickets.” Recently, in a large sportsbook, I watched as two drunken bums argued and almost fought over a disputed call in a football game being shown on the big screen. It was hilarious, because obviously they had more important things to worry about in life than a football game.

I think the casinos do not really know how to handle the bums. Security is often too stupid to tell the difference between a street person and a legitimate low roller who dresses like a bum, but really is a customer who likes to sit in the sportsbook all day and yell at football games. Resources have to be devoted to ferret out one from the other. Having many street people present, especially bad-smelling ones, annoys patrons. But throwing out large numbers of people may result in a few patrons being thrown out for no reason other than having no fashion sense. That could happen to me. :>)

I don’t know the solution, but I know the problem is getting worse. Harrah’s is probably the worst right now, with bums coming in off the Second Street entrance just east of the book. Harrah’s is challenging perennial leader Cal-Neva. Sands Regency always has bums hanging around; Peppermill is right up there as well, with Eldorado, Atlantis, and Grand Sierra in the running. Grand Sierra is a surprise, because it is quite a walk from anywhere bums usually congregate; maybe they take a shuttle from downtown? But Grand Sierra is so large they can seemingly become invisible inside the cavernous facility, and avoid scrutiny by security. Or a few bums can pool their money together and buy a $30,000 condo at The Summit, that was attempted to be sold for $400,000 a few years ago.

JA Nugget has few, almost no bums hanging out, nor does Boomtown. Of course, Boomtown, with its latest downgrade of table games, could use some bums — the bums might play at higher stakes than the few remaining patrons, and make the place look less deserted.

Just like dealing with casino employees, it is important not to antagonize these folks. Some may not be playing with a full deck, so to speak. Some may be drunk, others just plain mean and dangerous. I was accosted by one outside Sands Regency a couple of trips ago. My yelling at him and brandishing a can of pepper spray resulted in his quick retreat. Be careful out there.

Opinions and Commentary on the Gaming Industry: www.TheBearGrowls.com

[hawk]

entertaining post, bear. kinda makes one think. I am not the world's best dresser in Reno either but I do smell nice.

[stan_allen]

Obligatory joke: Hey, lay off John and Jerry; they're just trying to have a good time!

But seriously, folks, it's more than a tad depressing that Reno seems to have thrown up its hands at this affront to civilization. I'm not in favor of a police state anymore than are other freedom-loving Americans, but there has got to be a way to enforce vagrancy laws to provide a safe environment.

If you think about it, the concept of "Vagrancy" has essentially been tossed out, as society chose to recast everyone on the street as "Homeless", and in need of sympathy and support. There are plenty such stories, but what about those who are simply there to harass and confront ordinary passers-by? I'm so tired of cities simply giving in to these jerks. And Reno cannot afford further hits to its already-way-shaky reputation.

[CaSwede]

Your right Stan- Homeless is a much more politicaly correct term over "bums", but we all know who we are talking about.

Around here we don't have that problem.....wait a minute...... every store I go to has those bell ringers with a pot to put money in. Is there a big difference?