Personal Safety at the National
 

As we all prepare for the National. I would like to post to some helpful suggestions (especially to those attending for the first time and/or never been to AC before).

Take it from a guy that has been to AC hundreds of times and to the National multiple times.

[B]At the show[/B]

* Use a backpack if possible, the more plain and boring, the better. Flashy backpacks and apache cases the cool kids are all sporting are targets for theft or worse. You're basically telling the thief where all your good cards are!

* Avoid crowded situations. It's easy to get distracted and lose attention of your wallet, phone, etc. Nothing on stage or whatever is worth getting pick pocketed.

* Stop flashing your money around! I know you have a lot of it, that's great! But, just be discreet when paying for big purchases with wads' of Benjamins. Count them discreetly in front of you, no need to spread it out on a showcase. Hand them to the dealer and if he wants to spread them out, that's his deal. Remember, eyes are watching from every angle. You can't see everyone that is watching where you take the money out from (which pocket, etc.).

* The floor can get really crowded during peak times. Be aware of who is around you. If someone is unnecessarily close to you when there is ample space around, step out and keep walking. Usually thieves work in teams. One distracts you, the other pounces.

* Use a separate envelope for large bills, small bills, and your day-to-day wallet. Large bill envelope in one pocket, small bills in another pocket and your day-to-day wallet somewhere else. Believe me, it's better to lose one than to lose all of it in one shot.

[B]Walking to and from the show[/B]

* Let's just get this out of the way now, AC is NOT a safe town. Sure, there should be no problems 99% of the time. AC has improved a lot since back in the days, but don't be deceived into thinking you are safe.

* Word will spread that this convention will have people carrying high dollar cards and cash walking around. That is just a sign for thieves to get ready.

* Use uber/lyft. Don't try to save $15 or whatever just to make sure you get to your hotel safely. It's not worth trying to walk through town (especially at night) just to save a few bucks.

* If your hotel is on the boardwalk, I highly recommend walking directly towards the Nike outlet and keep walking straight and get on the boardwalk, then to your hotel (don't go left or right on the street). There are more people/cops patrolling the boardwalk and it's easier for you to blend in with the beach crowd than if you are walking on your own using the street before the boardwalk.

* Travel in groups if you can. If I was up to no good, I would avoid groups and target the guy walking on his own with a big Zion case and Jordan kicks.

* Take off your damn lanyard. No one cares you are a VIP outside the show. Don't invite unnecessary attention!

That's all I can think of for now. Will add more later if anything else comes to mind!

[B]On a separate note, can you please freaking take a shower or put on some deodorant before you arrive. I know you're off from work and everything but, man...let's keep it clean and fresh!!!![/B]

Feel free to add more tips below!

It's been like 10 years since I've been to a National - is cash still everywhere? Do more people accept credit cards than they had in the past or is it still cash-heavy? I'm trying to avoid bringing a ton of cash but don't want that to keep me from being able to buy stuff.

[QUOTE=RyanJW;18301421]It's been like 10 years since I've been to a National - is cash still everywhere? Do more people accept credit cards than they had in the past or is it still cash-heavy? I'm trying to avoid bringing a ton of cash but don't want that to keep me from being able to buy stuff.[/QUOTE]

Cash is always king and will always get you a better deal if you pay in cash. BUT, more dealers are accepting paypal, venmo, cash app. I would still bring cash, but just be careful with it, that's all.

Have fun!

[QUOTE=RyanJW;18301421]It's been like 10 years since I've been to a National - is cash still everywhere? Do more people accept credit cards than they had in the past or is it still cash-heavy? I'm trying to avoid bringing a ton of cash but don't want that to keep me from being able to buy stuff.[/QUOTE]

Yes cash heavily preferred unless you want to pay higher % to use credit card

Awesome thread. Do you guys think staying at an Airbnb is less safe than a hotel? Asking for a friend....

[QUOTE=SoccerRCs;18301433]Awesome thread. Do you guys think staying at an Airbnb is less safe than a hotel? Asking for a friend....[/QUOTE]

Depends on where it is and how you're getting to it...

So basically unless your staying at the Sheraton probably best to have someone drive you to the Convention Center instead of walking. Was in AC in 2016 and parked at the VIP parking garage and it seemed fairly safe to walk to the Convention Center but I do appreciate the message and may plan on drives to the Center entrance, especially if transporting the goods.

[QUOTE=SoccerRCs;18301433]Awesome thread. Do you guys think staying at an Airbnb is less safe than a hotel? Asking for a friend....[/QUOTE]

Atlantic City isn't the safest place. IMO you're better off in a hotel unless you're staying nearby in a local shore town that isn't AC and driving in.

[QUOTE=cj828282;18301445]So basically unless your staying at the Sheraton probably best to have someone drive you to the Convention Center instead of walking. Was in AC in 2016 and parked at the VIP parking garage and it seemed fairly safe to walk to the Convention Center but I do appreciate the message and may plan on drives to the Center entrance, especially if transporting the goods.[/QUOTE]

I'm sure in the day time you should be fine. If it's the CC garage, you're fine. Just be aware, that's all.

[QUOTE=cj828282;18301445]So basically unless your staying at the Sheraton probably best to have someone drive you to the Convention Center instead of walking. [B]Was in AC in 2016 and parked at the VIP parking garage and it seemed fairly safe to walk to the Convention Center [/B]but I do appreciate the message and may plan on drives to the Center entrance, especially if transporting the goods.[/QUOTE]

I did not get the same impression as you at all. And neither did my friends.

Lots of homeless, lots of drug addicts, lots of possible shady people, and lots of police activity by that parking garage dealing with the above. Thankfully this time, I'll be carpooling with three other people.

[B]Trade Night[/B]

Trade Night sounds like a fun, easy going event that is just chill. Meet new people, get new connections, sell/trade some cards, have a good time! On paper that's what it is, but the reality is, Trade Night is a haven for thieves and unscrupulous people!

Where do I begin?

First, most big trade nights involve some sort of alcohol consumption. That's all well and good, but if you mix that with cards, cash transactions, "having one too many", etc. That's a bad combination.

Second, most trade nights have limited table space. So, basically show up early and barely get a table, or show up late and find something that looks like it can hold cards up (maybe a sofa arm rest?) or sit on the floor and "spread them".

Third, most attendees are kids/teenagers with no experience being a dealer. It is so easy to get them distracted. So easy. No parents around, just them and their "bros". While they are intently looking up comps, someone is swiping another card. Most dealers know how thieves work and can spot them easily, not these kids.

Fourth, no showcases. All cards are open and out. It's basically watch your cards at all times, but still have a conversation with whoever comes up to you...very hard to do.

So, if you plan to go to trade night as a buyer, have fun. If you plan to go and set up, just be aware. You can drink, but maybe have one of your buddies not drink and just look over your cards? I know it sucks for him, but you can't be drunk and be able to buy/sell/trade cards effectively.

[QUOTE=fulltritty;18301551]I did not get the same impression as you at all. And neither did my friends.

Lots of homeless, lots of drug addicts, lots of possible shady people, and lots of police activity by that parking garage dealing with the above. Thankfully this time, I'll be carpooling with three other people.[/QUOTE]

#7 most dangerous city in NJ: [url]https://housegrail.com/most-dangerous-cities-in-new-jersey/[/url]

[QUOTE=SoccerRCs;18301433]Awesome thread. Do you guys think staying at an Airbnb is less safe than a hotel? Asking for a friend....[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=RyanJW;18301492]Atlantic City isn't the safest place. IMO you're better off in a hotel unless you're staying nearby in a local shore town that isn't AC and driving in.[/QUOTE]

We had the same concern but with a group of 8, hotels just didn't make sense. We booked many months ago on the water where all of the 700k-800k houses are. It is NOT cheap to rent there but splitting it 8 ways was cheaper than any hotel in Rosemont. At worst we have a large group, and evidently rich neighbors, so I'm hoping that's an okay area.

Thanks, good info. First ever National - coming up from Virginia. Definitely pumped up. Of course, I was intimidated by the size of the Raleigh show. :D

Trying to get prepped.

messier2, that is a good list and thanks for the post. Stay safe everyone and enjoy the show.

[QUOTE=gododgersfan;18302984]messier2, that is a good list and thanks for the post. Stay safe everyone and enjoy the show.[/QUOTE]

Thanks, just trying to help out everyone who has not been to AC before!

If we are staying on the boardwalk, do you think it is safe to walk to the convention center? Google maps tells me its about 1 mile.

[QUOTE=Philthy;18304260]If we are staying on the boardwalk, do you think it is safe to walk to the convention center? Google maps tells me its about 1 mile.[/QUOTE]

Yes, just walk on the boardwalk toward Caesars and turn and walk towards the Nike Outlet, then straight to the CC...you should be fine.

how is parking at the convention? does the lot fill up fast? is it safe? is it $20 for the whole day or do you have to pay for re-entry?

[QUOTE=tolrobb;18304273]how is parking at the convention? does the lot fill up fast? is it safe? is it $20 for the whole day or do you have to pay for re-entry?[/QUOTE]

Same question. Going for at-least a day. Maybe 2. Parking seems to be my biggest concern. Walking is fine with me but I just want to be able to park safely.

I don't have info on parking as I will be parking at the hotel and walking directly to the CC.

Sorry!

Do you know if ballys hotel is in walking distance or just take an uber?

[QUOTE=jeff152380;18304668]Do you know if ballys hotel is in walking distance or just take an uber?[/QUOTE]

I think you are fine walking from Bally's just take Michigan and walk through the outlet area. It is just a few blocks to the CC.

FWIW, carrying a gun inside a casino in NJ is illegal, even for off-duty or out-of-state LEOs. You are subject to removal and/or arrest by NJ State Police.

Despite that, if you can legally carry a gun while in AC, I would do so. It's full of homeless EDPs, drug addicts, and criminals. It's a sh*thole.

If you are going to travel to a location, have a car service drop you off in front of the place.

If you are using parking garages, park in well lit areas and don't leave things visible inside the car.

If you feel the need to carry a weapon just to go to a card show, maybe think twice before going. And I've been to conventions in dumps like Baltimore too.