How To Get Into Casino Without Id

Imagine scoring a big payday while gambling in Las Vegas, only to have the payout denied when you try to cash out because you have improper identification! Having proper identification (ID) is very important when gambling in Las Vegas. So what is considered acceptable ID for casinos? For instance, can you gamble in Vegas with a temporary paper ID?

A temporary paper ID is not an acceptable form of identification to gamble in Las Vegas casinos. In order to gamble in Vegas, you have to have a valid primary identification document with a photo such as a drivers license, military ID, or current passport (United States or Foreign).

Read on to find out more about using a temporary ID, an expired ID, or a vertical ID in Las Vegas. I'll also cover what forms of ID are considered valid at the cities casinos so you'll have a complete understanding of what is required in Vegas in terms of ID when it comes to gambling.

What kind of ID do you need to gamble in Las Vegas?

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Can You Use a Paper or Temporary ID to Gamble in Vegas?

A temporary ID is a paper document that serves as temporary identification until you receive your actual, official document. A temporary ID is usually just a piece of paper that's not really a good form of identification, but it does serve its purpose in front of certain state authorities.

For instance, the temporary paper drivers license you get while waiting for your official laminated license to arrive is perfectly legal for driving but it will not be accepted on its own in a Las Vegas casino.

You could try paring it with a certified copy of your birth certificate or another form of secondary identification (see further below for acceptable forms of ID). Some casinos may accept it, but you'd better get them to verify it prior to playing so that you don't end up having your winnings denied.

Really, the bottom line is that a temporary ID is not acceptable in Vegas in most cases. The ID checks in Vegas casinos have become more thorough in recent years and the casinos are getting stricter when it comes to what type of identification they accept. This is why a temporary ID is not treated as a valid form of identification when coming to Vegas.

Again, the regulations and rules are different and depend somewhat on the casino, so you might get lucky and be okay with a temporary ID if nobody checks, but generally speaking – unless you have some other valid ID document with a photo, you could be out a lot of money. If you win big (any jackpot over $500), it's guaranteed that your ID will be scrutinized. These are the rules and they are generally speaking enforced.

Can I Gamble in Vegas With an Expired ID?

So how about an expired ID? Can you use an expired ID to gamble in Vegas?Although the answer to this is pretty straightforward, it might not make you very happy if you're the current owner of an expired ID.

No, you cannot use an expired ID to gamble in Las Vegas. If your drivers license, passport, or other acceptable identification has expired, it is no longer considered a valid form of ID and will be rejected by casinos in Las Vegas.

The best advice here is if you're planning a trip to Vegas, make sure that your ID is valid and isn't about to expire. Getting your ID renewed is not a difficult process although it may take a while for your new card or passport to arrive, so it's best to plan ahead.

Does Vegas Accept Vertical ID's?

Some states have begun the practice of issuing vertical ID's to anyone under the age of 21 who gets a drivers license or ID card. Vertical ID's are issued to prevent minors from being able to gamble or purchase alcohol. But what if you turn 21 and you still have a vertical ID? Will Vegas accept a vertical ID?

Yes, Las Vegas will accept a vertical ID as a form of identification for gambling and drinking. Because a vertical ID indicates that the bearer was underage when they received the ID, the user can expect extra scrutiny when ID'd but if the vertical ID is valid and hasn't expired it can be used without an issue in Las Vegas.

As long as you're over 21, you can use a vertical ID to gamble and drink in Vegas, no problem.

What Happens if You Lose Your ID in Vegas?

What happens if you're already in Vegas having a blast when you suddenly realize you've lost your ID?

If you lose your ID while in Las Vegas, you will have to order a new ID from the DMV in your home state. There is nothing the Nevada DMV can do for you. When traveling to Las Vegas, it is always a good idea to bring an acceptable form of back up id such as a valid passport.

Having a back up form of identification is always a good idea when you're traveling regardless of destination.

Las Vegas Casino ID Requirements

When it comes to using ID for Vegas casinos, the forms of ID that are acceptable are pretty clear. Due to the requirements of taxes on winnings, casinos typically require a very strong, valid identification document.

What forms of ID are accepted in a Las Vegas Casino?

Photo driver's license or photo ID card (national or foreign)
State-issued ID card
Official military identification card
Valid, unexpired passport (national or foreign)

As you can see, the number of accepted documents in Vegas casinos is clearly restricted and there aren't really any other documents you can use. The controls are quite strict and you won't have any luck gaming in a casino unless you have one of the above listed valid ID's.

You'll want to carry your ID with you all the time in Las Vegas.

Final Thoughts

And there it is. Now you know what type of ID is acceptable in Vegas casinos. You also know that you probably won't be allowed to gamble with a temporary ID and that an expired ID is pretty much worthless, so it's important to get your forms of identification squared away before a trip to Vegas.

Finally, you've learned that vertical identification is okay to use in Vegas as long as you're over 21 and your ID is current.

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Sources

You'll need a photo ID to claim that big jackpot

Regulation 5.0111 11b – Nevada Gaming Commission