Trespass

Definition

In a casino context, a trespass is a formal legal notice issued to an individual, informing them that they are no longer allowed on the property. Once a person is “trespassed,” their presence on the premises is considered a crime, and they can be arrested by local law enforcement.

In context

If a player is caught counting cards and refuses to leave when asked, or if they become physically aggressive toward a dealer, security will escort them to an office. There, they are served with a trespass notice—often including a photo taken by surveillance—and told that if they step foot in the casino again, the police will be called immediately.

Why it matters

A trespass is the “nuclear option” for casino management. It is a permanent or long-term ban that carries legal weight. Unlike being “asked to leave for the night,” a trespass notice is documented in a database (and often shared with sister properties), making it a significant barrier for anyone trying to maintain access to certain gaming markets.

Related terms

• 86’d
• Self-Exclusion
• Surveillance

In detail

While casinos are “public” in the sense that anyone over the legal age can walk in, they are private property. This gives them the legal right to exclude anyone for almost any reason, provided it doesn’t violate protected civil rights. A “Trespass” is the formal mechanism for exercising this right.

The Process of Being Trespassed

The process usually begins with an incident on the floor—theft, persistent harassment, suspected cheating, or even just being a “disadvantageous” player (like a successful card counter).

1. The Detainment: Security or a floor manager will approach the individual and ask them to accompany them to a security office.
2. The Identification: The casino will ask for identification. While you aren’t always legally required to provide ID to a private security guard, refusing to do so usually guarantees that the trespass will be permanent and that the police will be called to identify you.
3. The Warning: A security official will read a formal statement. They will state that you are no longer welcome, that your “license” to be on the property is revoked, and that returning will result in a criminal trespass charge.
4. The Documentation: Surveillance will take high-resolution photos of the individual. These are entered into a facial recognition system or a “black book” shared with other casinos.

”Ask to Leave” vs. “Trespassed”

There is a major difference between being “swept” and being “trespassed.”

• Asked to Leave (The Soft 86): A floor manager might say, “You’ve had too much to drink, let’s get you an Uber. You can come back tomorrow.” This is a temporary removal and does not involve a legal trespass.
• Formal Trespass: This is a permanent revocation of your right to enter. It doesn’t “expire” unless the casino formally agrees to lift it (which is rare).

Why Do Casinos Trespass Players?

The most common reasons are not actually “cheating” in the cinematic sense.

• Behavioral Issues: This is the #1 cause. Fighting, verbal abuse of staff, or “creeping” (harassing other guests) will get you trespassed instantly.
• Advantage Play: If a casino identifies a professional card counter or “hole carder,” they may trespass them. Often, they will simply “limit” the player (e.g., “You can play any game but Blackjack”), but if the player is persistent or disruptive, a full property trespass is the final step.
• Theft and Fraud: Attempting to “past-post” (adding chips to a winning bet) or “pinching” (taking chips from a losing bet) is a criminal act that leads to a permanent ban.

The Role of Surveillance

In the modern era, a trespass is backed by powerful technology. Facial recognition software scans every person who walks through the door. If a trespassed individual enters, the system flags them to the surveillance room within seconds. Security will then approach the person. If the person has already started gambling, the casino may be legally allowed to withhold any winnings (since the person was technically committing a crime by being there), though they usually must return the original “buy-in” amount to avoid regulatory issues.

Can a Trespass be Reversed?

It is difficult, but not impossible. Usually, a person must wait a significant amount of time (1-5 years) and then write a formal letter to the Director of Security or the Legal Department. They must demonstrate that the behavior that led to the trespass has been corrected. For advantage players, a trespass is almost never reversed because the “behavior” (winning money) is exactly what the player intends to do again.

For the average player, the best advice is simple: the moment a security guard or floor manager asks you to leave, leave. Arguing or refusing to go is the fastest way to turn a “bad night” into a permanent, legal “Trespass” that follows you across the industry.