If you are fond of games of hazard or wish to try your hand at a little roulette, night-time St. Petersburg has a lot to offer. However, you are no doubt aware that all over the world casinos and clubs hold a risk of unwelcome adventures as well as the promise of pleasure. Petersburg is no exception. It is therefore best to restrict yourself to casino and night clubs with a good reputation, where the chance of something unpleasant happening is so slight as to be non-existent.
Petersburg's casinos and night clubs are situated mainly in the city centre and fall into two categories: for young people, and for all ages. The most common kinds of violation occurring in such places are theft and fraud. You might be reassured to know that there are guides, translators, and security escorts whom you may book for any time of day or night. It is better perhaps not to take with you large sums of money. If your intention is to win, you won't need much anyway.
And if you intend to lose, you will lose less. Do not respond to strangers who may offer you drinks, give you advice on how to lay your bets, and go out of their way to gain your friendship. Remember that in Russia, as all over the world, this is not acceptable behaviour and is a sure sign of the existence of a hidden motive. Consider in advance how you are going to return from your night out. You will always be able to order a taxi, while if you have won a large sum, the casino's special security' service will escort you home.
Always carry with you your passport or other personal identity' document. The police have the right to inspect your documents, but must give their names and ranks and explain why they arc conducting the check.
If a member of the police force is not in uniform, he must show you identification; you should look at this carefully. We think it unlikely, of course, but it is nevertheless possible that you may find yourself in a situation where you are responsible for a violation of the law. If the police arrest you, do not try to resist but go with them to the local police station and ask for an official translator to help when the charge sheet is filled out. The police are obliged to inform your national consulate that you have been arrested.
