
If you’re in the midst of planning an event at a casino, your guests can expect a good time. However, it’s possible not all attendees will have experience with, or be comfortable in, a casino setting. With this in mind, here are some tactics you can put into play to ensure all guest have a smashing good time.
Practice makes perfect. Rodric Bradford, a gaming reporter and independent representative for Harrah’s in North Kansas City, says there are plenty of ways to help event attendees get comfortable with the games and etiquette long before the first hand is dealt. For starters, Bradford says to suggest attendees brush-up beforehand by making a trip to a local casino. “With most states now having casino gaming properties, select a late evening visit during the week (Sunday - Thursday) around 9:00 pm, not near the 1st or the 15th of the month, and play at the lowest table with only the dealer to learn the game and not have to be rushed by pace,” he says.
Play at home. “Home casino sets can be found at most major retailers and toy stores and often in second-hand thrift stores,” says Bradford. “This may be the most comprehensive way to learn games in the comfort of your own home. They usually contain blackjack, roulette, poker and sometimes craps.”
Download the app. Many phone and computer apps are an excellent way to learn casino games. Bradford recommends classics such as Vegas Dream, Casino Kid, Hoyle Casino and Super Caesars Palace.
Turn on the TV. “The popularity of poker on television makes it easy to learn, along with some blackjack tournaments that are now televised,” says Bradford.
Send a tip sheet. Long before the event send a tip sheet to attendees with tips and the names of the games available at the casino or event. Also include basic casino etiquette such as keeping hands off the table, never handing the dealer money and tip the dealer if you win. The most important factor in having an event at a casino is that following house rules is imperative.
If the event is a casino-themed party, meaning faux money is behind the chips instead of hard cash and winners will be leaving with armloads of fun prizes like electronics and sporting event tickets instead of wads of dollar bills, the rules can be a little more lax and it’s unlikely anyone will be tossed out of the gathering. Either way, remind guests to follow the appropriate guidelines.
Finally, Bradford suggests reminding attendees, “Never let your lack of experience prevent you from having fun at the casino or at a casino night event. Take some time to learn and then get out there and play… they call it ‘beginner’s luck’ for a reason!”