Key Highlights:
- Smartphone Photos: Many casinos allow personal selfies and casual photos, but policies vary by property.
- Slot Machines: Some casinos permit short videos of your own slot play, provided you do not film other guests or disrupt gaming.
- Table Games: Photography and recording are more restricted. Always ask the dealer or pit supervisor before using your camera.
- Restricted Areas: Avoid photographing cashier cages, surveillance equipment, security checkpoints, and money-handling areas.
- Professional Cameras: Commercial photography, livestreaming, and large recording setups generally require advance approval.
- Important Rule: Casino staff can ask you to stop filming or leave the property if you violate their policies.
Yes, you can take photos and videos inside some Las Vegas casinos, but there are restrictions on where and what you can record. Many properties allow casual smartphone photos, selfies, and short videos of personal experiences. However, filming table games, casino employees, other guests, and security-sensitive areas may require permission or be prohibited. Major operators such as MGM Resorts have introduced policies allowing certain types of gaming-floor photography, while other casinos maintain stricter rules. Before recording, visitors should understand the property’s photography policy, respect other guests’ privacy, and follow instructions from casino employees.
Las Vegas Casino Photography Rules: What’s Allowed?
Photography rules differ between casinos and may depend on the equipment, recording purpose, and location.
| Activity | Generally Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Selfies With Friends | Often, With Restrictions |
| Photos of Your Slot Machine | Allowed at Some Casinos |
| Short Slot Machine Videos | Depends on Casino Policy |
| Blackjack Table Photos | Ask Permission |
| Roulette Wheel Recording | Usually Restricted |
| Photos of Other Players | Permission Required |
| Cashier Cage Photography | Avoid |
| Professional Filming | Advance Approval Required |
| Commercial Livestreaming | Advance Approval Required |
These are general guidelines. Individual casino policies take priority.
Can You Take Pictures on a Casino Floor?
Many Las Vegas casinos permit casual photography, particularly when visitors are taking pictures of themselves or their traveling companions.
However, permission to take a selfie does not automatically mean you can film the entire gaming floor.
For example, MGM Resorts allows certain personal photographs and videos at its Nevada casino properties, subject to published restrictions.
Keep your camera focused on your group, avoid blocking walkways, and turn off the flash.
If casino staff ask you to stop recording, follow their instructions.
Can You Record Slot Machines in Las Vegas?
Some casinos allow guests to record their own slot machine gameplay.
This may include filming a bonus round, taking a picture of a jackpot, or recording a short winning sequence.
However, the rules are not identical everywhere.
MGM Resorts Slot Machine Policy
MGM Resorts permits certain personal slot machine photography and video recording under its casino filming policy.
Visitors should focus on their own machine and avoid capturing nearby players.
Extended recording sessions, streaming, or content created for commercial purposes may require additional approval.
El Cortez Slot Machine Policy
El Cortez in downtown Las Vegas has stricter requirements.
Guests must notify casino management and obtain approval before filming.
The casino prohibits walkthrough videos and recording other guests or employees without appropriate permission.
Check the official El Cortez recording policy before using your camera.
Can You Take Photos at Blackjack, Roulette & Craps Tables?
Table game photography is generally more restricted than slot machine photography.
Casinos must protect gaming integrity, prevent cheating, and avoid interruptions to active games.
Blackjack
Some MGM properties permit limited photographs of a player’s own cards or gameplay when approved by table staff.
However, recording other players’ hands, dealer procedures, or gaming equipment may be restricted.
Ask the dealer before taking any picture.
Roulette
Recording the roulette wheel during active play can raise concerns about gaming integrity.
Avoid filming the wheel, ball movement, or betting layout without permission.
Craps
Craps tables are frequently crowded, making it difficult to record without capturing other players or dealers.
Ask a supervisor before photographing the table or your chip stack.
Which Las Vegas Casinos Allow Photography?
Several casinos publish policies explaining what guests can photograph.
| Casino / Operator | Photography Policy |
|---|---|
| MGM Resorts | Certain Personal Photos and Videos Permitted |
| Golden Nugget | Noncommercial Personal Photography Permitted With Restrictions |
| El Cortez | Management Approval Required Before Filming |
| Caesars Palace | Ask Staff Before Recording Table Games |
| Other Casinos | Rules Vary by Property |
MGM Resorts Casinos
MGM’s policies apply to properties such as Bellagio, ARIA, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and New York-New York.
Personal photography is permitted under certain conditions, but gaming-floor recording remains subject to staff instructions.
Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget allows hotel guests to take noncommercial photographs and videos for personal use.
Professional photography and commercial filming require written management approval.
The resort also requires guests to respect the privacy of others.
Where Should You Avoid Taking Photos?
Certain casino areas are especially sensitive.
Avoid pointing your camera toward cashier cages, security operations, surveillance equipment, and employee-only areas.
Also avoid recording guests who have not agreed to appear in your photos or videos.
Even when incidental photography is permitted, uploading identifiable footage of strangers can create privacy concerns.
The safest approach is to photograph only yourself, your companions, and activities you have permission to record.
Can You Use GoPros, Tripods & Professional Cameras?
Large cameras, external lighting, microphones, and tripods may require advance approval.
Commercial photography and professional video production generally require permission from casino management.
Clark County advises filmmakers to contact the casino directly because these properties control filming access.
A standard smartphone is usually more practical for personal vacation photos.
What Happens If Casino Security Stops You?
If a security officer or casino employee asks you to stop recording, put your camera away immediately.
Ask politely whether photography is permitted elsewhere on the property.
Casinos are private businesses and can enforce their photography policies, including asking guests to leave.
However, taking an ordinary photograph inside a casino is not automatically a criminal offense under Nevada gaming law.
Conclusion
Taking photos and videos inside Las Vegas casinos is possible, but the rules depend on the property and activity. Personal selfies and short slot machine recordings may be allowed, while table games, cashier cages, and security-sensitive areas have stricter limitations. MGM Resorts, Golden Nugget, and El Cortez have different published policies, making it important to check before filming. Use a smartphone, respect other guests’ privacy, and ask permission when uncertain. Following casino staff instructions is the simplest way to avoid problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to take pictures inside Las Vegas casinos?
No. Ordinary casino photography is not automatically illegal under Nevada gaming law. However, casinos can restrict recording on their property.
Can I record myself winning on a slot machine?
Some casinos permit short videos of personal slot gameplay. Ask staff if you are unsure, particularly before recording for social media.
Can I take pictures at a blackjack table?
Rules vary. Some MGM casinos permit limited personal photography with staff approval, while other properties restrict table game photos.
Are GoPros and selfie sticks allowed in casinos?
Policies differ. Larger recording setups, tripods, and equipment that obstructs walkways may require approval or be prohibited.
Can I film other people gambling?
You should obtain permission before filming identifiable guests or employees. Some casinos explicitly prohibit recording other people.
Can I livestream from a Las Vegas casino?
Livestreaming may require prior approval, especially when recording gaming activity or creating monetized content. Check the casino’s policy before broadcasting.
Keep Reading:
- Can You Use a Debit Card at Las Vegas Casinos? Rules & Fees
- Las Vegas Casino Chip Expiration: Cash-Out Rules
- Las Vegas Casino Cashier Cage Hours: Are They 24/7?
- Las Vegas Casino Cash Advance Fees: Costs & Limits
- Las Vegas Casino Cash-Out Rules: Limits & Payouts