Can you tape in Casinos?
 

I am going to meet some friends in Las Vegas for a reunion and obviously bringing my video camera along. I haven't been for a long time but if I recall correctly, last time I was there video cameras were not allowed in the gaming areas of the casinos. Does anyone know if this has changed?

My experience (from before 9/11, with a Sony VX3) is that it all depends on which casino.

From the swankiness level of Caeser's Palace on up, it's absolutely forbidden in the casino and you'll quickly get tapped on the shoulder. But from the anti-swank level of Circus Circus on down, it's not a problem.

I was able to tape in the Flamingo, last time we were there. I've also taped in and around the Bellagio, though not in the casino per se. This, btw, was with my VX2000, with a mini-pod and a wide angle lens attached, i.e. it didn't look like a little tourist camera.

Best thing to do is ask. As Chris said, some casinos allow it, some don't.

Man, I can't believe you guys were able to film in a casino!
My wife and I took a bus trip to Atlantic city this summer and as soon as she snapped one photo with her cheap disposable camera for her scrapbook, the "picture police" told her photos were not allowed. I mean it was just a picture of me pulling the handle of a quarter slot machine! Talk about strict.
I hope you have better luck. I think if she had a video camera she may have been wrestled to the ground.

Let us know how it goes!

We're staying at the Monte Carlo. So we'll have to see. I'll ask before I whip out my video camera so I don't get attacked.

Don't use a telephoto attachment, and a shotgun microphone, or the security will take out with an Uzi. In Iraq you'd be taken out with a tank. Isn't it great how much more freedom we have in America!

I went and nobody was thrilled about my camera being there. After asking politely they allowed me to shoot about 30 seconds of video while we were playing craps in the Monte Carlo and then they became noticeably uncomfortable and said "OK, that's enough". I think it stems from the possibility that some of the slot machines may have repeat patterns and they don't want you taping those then conveniently playing that machine when it's about to pay off. Seems pretty silly to me, but oh well.

I was just there 2 weeks ago. I only did still photography outside the casinos. I saw no signs inside most casinos, but I was watched as I walked thru with the camera. In Caesar's there are signs that photography is NOT allowed, especially around the pool areas. (Which is a shame cause their pool area rivals the Hearst Castle.)
The story I got was that not all visitors to the casinos would like photos of them being there. I'm sure that as Dan said, they are worried about someone trying to get a gaming advantage. It may also just be a security concern, scoping the joint out and such...
Outside the casino's I was able to take all the photos I wanted, and saw cameras and camcorders everywhere.

I live in las vegas, but I only got my XL1s on the 9th. As soon as I start setting up my locations, I'll let you know what I find out. One of my locations I plan on using is the stratosphere (giant 1000 foot tower). I haven't talked to anyone yet, but the stratosphere never makes any money, so they might want as much advertising as they can get(my shots don't involve their casino though). Also, theres hundreds of people on the strip holding cameras... though they aren't as professional looking as mine, I don't think I'll have a problem.

But I'll let you guys know.

If you want to see some video I shot with my VX2000 inside the Flamingo, go here and click on the Las Vegas clip:

www.ruyitang.com