Security concerns at the WSOP Rio are voiced by poker players

Shells

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Joey Salvaggi was robbed at gunpoint at the Rio

According to Joey Salvaggi’s Twitter feed, a robbery at gunpoint occurred on July 1 in the Pavilion parking lot of the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. Although he didn’t disclose how much he lost, the poker player did say his $10,000 wsop Main Event buy-in was gone.

A reminder to look after you and your stuff, especially in this environment.

Joey Salvaggi Preaches Vigilance After Being Robbed by Gunman at WSOP
 
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Earlier today there was a report on Poker player Joe Salvaggi having been robbed in the parking lot of the Rio, Las Vegas. Further to the story there have been more concerns of security during the WSOP from fellow poker players. What could be done to ensure patrons safety during this time of the year?

WSOP Parking Lot Robbery Story Raises Rio Security Concerns
 
YungWan

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Interesting. Having only ever played online, I didn't know things like this happened. Will have to be vigilant in case I ever make it to the WSOP! :s::s:

Not sure what I would do to improve security. Perhaps going with a cashless system? I think adding more parking lot security would be the easiest route but what would stop a robber from tailing a target offsite to his/her home?

I witnessed someone winning a big slot machine jackpot at my casino once. I wanted to take a picture with my phone but the security guy wouldn't let me, now I understand why! :eek2::)
 
lcid86

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I use valet if available in Vegas. Big parking lots and big garages. I feel much safer in the garages. Parking lots are too wide open.
 
57noona

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It sucks that poker players are getting robbed in the parking lots in Las Vegas. I don't know any other way than to have more security officers in the parking lots in Las Vegas. This makes me not want to visit Las Vegas in the future.
 
antonis32123

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Wow , shoving a gun in sb's face to rob him outside Rio where WSOP takes place and so many players/people are there , what a nerve ...
More Rio security personnel is needed obviously at he parking lot or anywhere else needed at the casino to protect the innocent players from these dangerous thieves and lawless scumbags .Also trying some of the security options that Rio has available and it proposes to the players is a good idea :)
 
KUN_AGUERO_KROOS

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everybody especially robbers knows that poker players carry cash to play so it does not make any sense that the casinos don't invest in security.
 
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RiverKing422

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Well not to mention the 10s of thousands of cameras at the casino, they can't have security everywhere, people plan these things secondly why is he going out with money you keep it on your card or wire transfer to your account like it's 2019
 
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Casinos just need to have more security guards especially in the parking lot. Yeah cameras are good but that won’t stop a robber from robbing someone in the parking lot. Security guards would help prevent a lot of those robbings.
 
terryk

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It would be smart Not to carry 1000's of dollars around in a backpack for one! :damnmate: lol :eek:
 
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LotharMcDowner

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This is really common in casinos worldwide. People watch for winners and follow them. Just takes a spotter with a phone, playing by the cage, texting an accomplice the description/pic of the mark. Really scary stuff.

You can mitigate the danger by asking for escort to your vehicle, you can also ask for a check from the casino. They can make it out to you personally, so would be robbers cannot cash it. But main thing is be aware of your surroundings, don't get too drunk, and stay under the cameras :).
 
smallfrie

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Like many others I was staying across the street at the Gold Coast. And if security was anywhere in the parking lot or outside I did not see them. Late night early morning walk back to my room felt kinda risky.
 
bonekeeper

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If im not misstaken, 888poker announced shortly afterwards the incident, that during the whole seriers of WSOP there is alot of alternatives to ensure that you asre not getting robbed, wire transferes, safety boxes, and also security Escort is being arranged for free, to ensure the safety of players. And then it's up to the players to decide wherever they want to use this security features or not, but rest assured they are there for the players.

it Went something like that ^^ Disclaimer: i do not work for 888poker lol xD But i do Think they have been taking almost every precaustion possible for the players. that's all im saying ^^
 
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Sick_Wolf11

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WSOP Robbery

I heard there was an armed robbery at the WSOP is this true?
 
mitroff

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There is a high probability that this person again decided to remind himself.:D


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sharipov8090

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It's true!Stole the blinds from the leader chip))))
 
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FuncrusherPlus

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Casinos have always been aware of these concerns but reluctant to really beef up security. Best advice is to plan ahead and be aware of your surroundings.
 
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Riversalmon

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You would think they would have him escorted out to his car for big events like the wsop
 
Poker_Mike

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The Rio is not on the strip proper and doesn't benefit from the regular police patrols up and down the strip.

For some reason - it seems like there are more locals walking around the outside of the Rio property.

I don't walk to the strip from the Rio because I don't consider it safe. Although I know players that walk to the backside of the Aria.

But in general - it's a poker convention this time of year - "Hey lot's of people walking around here with cash on them!" What an advertisement for muggers and thieves!

There are regular security patrols around the Rio and the parking lot. But anything can happen between patrols.

Generally - use universal precautions - just like traveling to most major cities in the world - be aware of pickpockets, taxi/girl scams and walking down dead-end streets and alleys. Also, people that are drunker than you are almost always trouble!! There I said it.

Be safe !
 
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