Las Vegas has gone through an identity change in recent years. For decades, the city was known for its vices and gambling, a place for the less savory members of society to go and enjoy themselves. Since, it has become touted as a family destination. But the one thing families will always ask: is Las Vegas safe?
Long before the world of online casinos, Las Vegas was the one destination that the majority of gamblers had in mind. Featuring the biggest and best casinos in the world, the vaunted Las Vegas Strip became a thing of legend.
With so many options available to the average consumer, Las Vegas has had a bit of an identity change. While you can still play on the floor of some of the biggest and best casinos in the world, “Sin City” has shifted its focus to families.
Families even considering a visit to Las Vegas will have a litany of questions. Chief among them will be, “Is Las Vegas safe?” In years past, the answer may have been spotty, at best, but things change. So, is Las Vegas really safe?
Safe for Tourists
In any major tourist destination, there are two styles of life: that of the tourist and that of the local. Let’s start with the former first. Millions of people travel to Las Vegas each year for one reason or another, and all of them will want to know if it is safe to do so.
Generally speaking, it is quite safe for tourists. Developments and procedures have been put in place to make the Strip and other major areas as safe as possible for those visiting the city.
There are a couple of good “rules of thumb” to keep in mind, however.
Keep Your Eye Out for Thieves
Like it or not, major tourist destinations are a hotbed for thievery. There will always be a subsection of the population that is looking to make a buck without actually having to earn it, and Las Vegas is no different.
Petty crime and bag snatching are quite common, but the scams are what you have to watch out for. Most notably, if you see a character of some sort on the street, do not give them your phone for a photo. A common scam involves keeping the phone and refusing to give it back unless a fee is paid.
Make sure that you keep your valuables either in the hotel or safely on your person. Wallets should be in front pockets and any purses should be worn diagonally across the chest rather than over the shoulder.
Make Smart Neighborhood Choices
This is a good idea anytime you go into a big city that you are unfamiliar with. Las Vegas can be quite safe if you choose the right neighborhood. Go venturing off into the wrong area and things can get dicey in a hurry.
The casinos and hotels located on the Strip and along Fremont Street are considered to be the safest areas. Even then, make sure you are familiar with the reputation of those areas and use taxis to get around if you don’t rent a car.
If you do rent a car, be aware of the west side of the city and a few areas in North Las Vegas. Some of them come with a reputation for higher crime rates, so going there with no knowledge of the area could put you in a position you don’t want to be.
Be Smart, Stay Safe
At the end of the day, Las Vegas is really no different than other major tourist hubs. There have been areas created to host the majority of tourist, keeping them and their families safe. Venturing outside of those areas cuts down on the level of safety substantially and puts things at risk.
