If you are planning to head to Las Vegas to gamble using casino markers, you have to know how casino markers work, or you might end up losing out by having an unpaid casino marker. Before you use casino markers, we recommend reading this guide. Here is some comprehensive information about casino markers and how you can use them to your advantage..
What are Casino Markers and How Do They Work?
Casino markers are one of the methods used by gamblers to finance their betting activities. It is interest-free. That’s why many consider using a casino marker rather than taking out personal loans or using peer-to-peer loans. Those who use casino markers must first build credit by filling out forms. As they gamble, they draw markers in specific amounts to finance their bets. In simple terms, casino markers are a sort of credit line. At least, that’s how casinos would want you to interpret it. However, drawing a marker is synonymous with writing a check. Therefore, you have to have money in your bank account to actually pay off this check.
In general, the credit limit an individual gets is based on their credit record and gambling history. If you’re a regular in the casino, they will reward you with a higher marker limit.
What Happens with Unpaid Casino Markers?
While the use of casino markers is commonplace in Las Vegas, it means real business for casinos. That said, they want individuals to settle the markers in the soonest time possible. When gamblers fail to resolve their markers, trouble happens.
In Nevada, a casino marker is considered a personal check. Once settled, the casino will “deposit” this check against the borrower’s bank account to get the money that they used. If the bank account does not have enough funds, it becomes a bad check.
When this happens, casinos will notify the borrower and expect a response within ten days. If no response is received, the casino sends a notice to the Bad Check Unit of the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. Afterward, the District Attorney’s (DA) Office mails the borrower a certified letter. This letter gives the borrower an additional ten days to settle the marker. If no action on the part of the borrower, the DA can issue a warrant of arrest.
Unpaid casino marker criminal charges depend on the amount as follows:
- For markers less than $650, borrowers get a misdemeanor charge. They have to pay a fine of $10,000 and serve a jail term of six months.
- For markers more than $650, borrowers are charged with a class D felony. They have to pay a fine of $5,000 and serve a jail term of one to four years in state prison. They also have to pay fees and costs, and serve probation periods.
The criminal charges also go on the borrower’s record, which may make it hard for them to apply for jobs or get a housing loan in the future.
What You Can Do if You Cannot Pay Your Casino Markers
If you cannot settle your casino markers immediately, it might be best to hire the help of an experienced lawyer to negotiate your situation. Most casinos are willing to reach a settlement as long as they are contacted immediately. It is best to deal with the situation as soon as possible — before it reaches the DA’s Office — because it is often harder to negotiate with a prosecutor.
Final Words of Advice
Gambling is never an excuse to borrow money. It is always bad debt. If you want to gamble, set a budget on how much you’re willing to lose. If your capital runs out, get up from the table, and walk away. There is no point in pushing your luck.
