Las Vegas, first and foremost, is a metropolitan area that has all of the safety issues that any large city must cope with.  That said, Las Vegas is also a city unlike any other in that so many of the day-to-day transactions involved with the primary commerce of Las Vegas: gambling.  With the huge amounts of cash come additional threats to ones safety.  While casinos and hotels have a strong interest in making sure patrons are safe and secure, it is paramount to keep in mind that an individual's safety depends on being aware of his or her environment.  Counting your money as you walk down the Strip, for example, is one sure way to attract unwanted attention.  Avoid discussing your room number loudly in public; you don't want to advertise where you will taking that latest jackpot.  Try to remember all of the things you would do in your hometown to stay safe, such as avoiding walking to your car alone at night or flashing large amounts of cash in public, and you should be fine.  If you are lucky and score a big win, think about taking your winnings in a check rather than as cash; if you must have cash, feel free to request a security escort to your car or room; most casino hotels are more than willing to help their guests feel secure.  When you are in public, always be aware of your belongings, particularly when you are playing at the tables or at a slot machine; purse snatchings and pickpocketing are some of the most common crimes.

A further issue to keep in mind is the effect all of those free drinks have on casino patrons.  After a few too many drinks and one too many losing hands of blackjack, drunken shouting matches are a little more common than in most other places.  Avoid being a referee in such encounters; leave it to security to handle the disagreement, they get paid for it.  Generally, you can count on a safe and friendly experience when you visit Las Vegas, but you will be that much more satisfied if you take common sense precautions to ensure your safety.

Another safety issue in Vegas, particularly on "the Strip" is pedestrian safety. Pedestrians should  cross only in crosswalks where designated, and only upon signal.  Don't walk or stand at the edge of the curb.  There are more pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas than most people realize - and in a duel between a vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian does not come out on top.  If driving in Vegas, watch out for pedestrians who do not follow the law.  The lack of sleep, free drinks, even the sights and lights seem to affect some pedestrian's judgment.