How to Have a Casino Night Party

A casino night party is a fun idea for a milestone birthday, graduation party, a fundraising event, a holiday party or even a corporate event. There are now many businesses that advertise casino night services. However, with proper planning, the right supplies, and a little elbow grease, there is no need to hire an expensive event coordinator. These steps will help you pull off an exciting (non-fundraiser) party that is truly unique, at a fraction of what a professional would charge.

Things You'll Need

• Word processing or publishing program
• Printer
• Card stock
• Balloons and streamers
• Green felt
• Markers
• Poster board
• Gourmet pizzas
• Martinis, sparkling water, wine and other beverages
• Buffet
• Play money and/or chips
• Cards
• Prizes

Instructions

1. Create invitations on your computer using a word processor or publishing program such as Microsoft Word or Publisher. Insert a clip art picture of dice, cards or money on the cover of the invitation, and list party details such as time, date and location on the inside. Make sure you list the type of attire expected. Making it a black tie affair definitely adds to the ambience, but consider how your guests will best feel comfortable.

2. Decorate using red, white and black balloons and streamers. Cover tables with large pieces of green felt. Make giant playing cards using black and red markers on white poster board and hang them around the room. Dim the lights and hang strings of small white holiday lights around the room. Play big band music or jazz. Download slot machine and other casino sounds and play them in the background.

3. Pay your teen (or a relative or friend's teenager) and a friend or two to dress in black slacks and white shirts. At the beginning of the party have them serve as valets, parking your guests' cars for them. During the evening, ask them to circulate around the room with trays of fancy drinks and finger foods, or act as card dealers at the tables.

4. Save money by ordering some pizzas with gourmet toppings such as a white pizza with artichoke hearts or pesto pizza with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes from a local pizzeria. Ask them not to cut the pizzas into slices. When the pizzas arrive, cut them into small strips and place them on trays to serve as appetizers. Serve beverages with casino appeal such as martinis, spritzers and sparkling water. Make food at home or have it brought in and serve it buffet-style.

5. Purchase or print up gobs of play money in high dollar amounts, or buy stacks of poker chips. Hand each guest several thousand dollars worth as they enter. Consider renting a roulette wheel and/or slot machine. Set up several tables for games such as a Texas Hold ‘Em, Five Card Draw, and Blackjack. Buy prizes such as gift baskets or restaurant gift cards. At the end of the evening, count up each person’s winnings and give the prizes to the high rollers of the night.

Tips & Warnings

• A life-size Elvis cutout or fake tattoos will add to the "Vegas" feeling.

• Gambling is illegal in most states, so be sure you do not play for "real" money.

Resources

• Slot Machine Sounds