How to have a Casino Party
Proven Tips for coordinating a 'do it yourself' casino night fun party on a budgetAmerifun has been providing upscale casino party rentals and casino party plans since 1997. We have seen thousands of clients do it a thousand different ways... we have seen what works, and what doesn't.
Follow these recommendations for an easy, low-cost, trouble-free casino night party.
6 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT:
SELECT A VENUE.
The most important point. Some folks wait until the last minute and find everything booked up!
Your venue will also determine how to plan for other aspects of your party. For example, you will need to know decorating and catering policies as well as ease of access (do yourself a favor and don't select a venue with stairs to navigate... it is harder on guests not to mention deliveries (and you may incur an additional delivery fee for stairs).
You also want to make sure that there is enough space for guest dinner tables in addition ot the gaming tables.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION.
This one can sneak up on you. MAKE SURE TO HAVE A LARGE ENOUGH TRUCK RESERVED IN ADVANCE. Also consider having associates with vans or trucks combine resources. TIP: Arrange things so that you only have to make one trip, this really cuts down on the stress level! TIP#2: Remember that U-Haul charges a low truck rate but a high per mile rate. Consider a "business rental" through Ryder or Budget with lower milage.
The Lowest Cost Solution: Consider renting an enclosed trailer from U-Haul. They are right around $20 per day (no mileage charges of course) and can be pretty roomy if you get the 8' or 12' version. They are also low to the ground for easy loading. It is a good idea to have a FULL SIZE truck or large car with 3000 lb or more towing capacity.
SELECT A SUB-THEME AND PLAN FOR DECORATIONS.
It is a good idea to allow plenty of time to plan for decorations since some items may have to be fabricated from scratch or special ordered.
If you have no sub theme and are going with strictly "casino" then some decorations that you could consider are:
- Columns or Lighted Columns
- Trees with Lighting
- Plastic Faux Chandeliers
- Las Vegas Backdrops and/or Photo Murals
- Water Fountains
- Casino Carpeting
- Dice Candle and Mirror Centerpieces
- Chasing Lights
- Pin Spots, Flood Spot Lights or Targeted Halogen Lighting.
- Anything BIG! Consider large props such as animals, people or vehicles
- Cigar Girl
- Also consider Valet Parking, Concierge and/ot host.
Sub theme List:
| Roaring 20's
1930's
1940's
1950's
1960's
1970's
1980's
Abstract
American/ Patriotic
Animal
Anniversary/ Wedding | Art Deco
Australian
Baby
Big City or City
Birthday
Carnival
Casino
Christmas
Easter
Elegant
Fabric Dressings | Far East
Floral
French
Futuristic
Gangster
Garden/ Park
Get Well
Graduation
Greek
Halloween
Hawaiian | Hollywood
Indian
Italian
Jungle
Love & Affection
Mardi Gras
Medieval
Mexico/ Fiesta
Music
Roman
Special Occasion | Sports
Spring Fling
St. Patrick's
Stars (shapes, not Hollywood)
Tnhanksgiving/ Fall
Theme Colors
Tropical
Turn of the Century
Western
Wharf/ Beach
Winter Wonderland |
FIGURE NUMBER OF GUESTS.
Your guest count is important for your number of games - you want to have enough games but do not want to waste money with too many games. To accomplish the optimum number of games, multiply your expected guest total by 70%, for example a 100 person party should have around 70 player positions or gaming spots.
TIP: Plan for about 10% of guest total for poker, craps and roulette and 50% or more for blackjack.
Example: 100 people - Plan for 70 Player Positions - 1 to 2 Poker Tables - 1 Roulette and 1 Craps - 5 to 7 Blackjacks.
SELECT A GAMES LINEUP.
A good rule of thumb is to go with classic "staples" that folks are familiar with
for your game types:
ie: BLACKJACK, POKER, ROULETTE and CRAPS.
*You could also consider other popular casino games such as Let it Ride, Caribbean Stud or 3 Card Poker. For the purpose of this article we will focus on the 'staples'. TIP: Most casino games will in fact be the same size as blackjack and play the same number of people (with the exception of poker, roulette, craps and big wheel games).
PLAN FOR THE ACTUAL GAMING "TABLES".
If you are working within a budget this can be challenging but this article will show you how to best coordinate your event for lowest possible cost.
There are basically three different categories that you could consider:
- Economy (Throw Cloths)
- Mid-grade (Tops)
- Custom Tables or Rentals
Economy:
The classic hobby craft felt cloths are perfect for a one-time event and will hold up great for the evening. Attach the cloths to your tables with double-sided tape or clips (use staples if attaching to plywood tops)
. These cloths can be available for as little as $5 if you really search but try to avoid paying $20 ea. which is the going retail rate.
The problem with the cloths is that you have to come up with banquet tables. Be sure to check with your venue... most banquet facilities have banquet tables on-hand... try to secure 6' tables if possible. You can also usually rent tables for $5 to $10 ea. at party rental stores. Other sources to check are local churchs or civic clubs - perhaps they will donate you some tables or rent them to you at a lower rate. Also keep an eye out for structure at the venue that you can utilize such as pool tables, sideboards or other furnishings.
Note: When planning the actual games When planning your craps and roulette games, remember that you will need some sort of "backwall" for the craps and a wheel for the roulette but this would be the case for any category.
Mid-Grade:
Commercial pre-made table "tops" are readily available, some as low as $20 ea.. The nice things about tops is that you do not have to contend with attaching cloths - you just unflod the unit and you're done. One drawback is that you still need banquet tables - be sure to plan for the right sizes of banquet tables... for example, an octagon poker tops would best utilize a round banquet table (most venues have these as dinner tables - typically the rectangular tables would be used for buffet).
You could also consider purchasing some plastic banquet tables yourself. If you do, consider 4' or 5' for the blackjacks as they are lower cost. Use 6' for poker, roulette and craps.
Custom:
Custom tables require a little more skill than the above alternatives and will require the use of lumber such as plywood as well as the use of power tools. But don't be discouraged by this... aside from the fact that you probably already know someone with the skills and tools that you need, you can also do this yourself quite easily. The nice thing about custom cut sizes is that you can plan around available banquet tables or within
the size of your space... plus you don't have to spend the time attaching the cloths.
These are two different "sub-grades" within this category, let's call them "low end" and "high end".
Low End:
These will basically be "custom tops" and should utilize 1/2" plywood or osb/wafer board.
Assuming that you use the economy cloths (professional gaming layouts start at $50 ea. and can run as high as $300 wholesale!) which measure 36"X72".
If you really want to save time, you should have you plywood cut at the store. Another advantage of this is that you can have some or all of the work done for you. For example, if you are using the 36"X72" cloths then you should plan for wood pieces that are slightly smaller.
TIP: For Poker, consider purchasing some cloth from a fabric store. Try to find a dark solid color with a pattern or texture such as upholstery fabric. You could also use a linen or even a different colored felt other than green.
Blackjack:
Chances are that you will not want to have casino size blackjack tables, which will use up a whole sheet of plywood each! Follow the chart below to determine the sizes of tables. TIP: Keep in mind the a sheet of plywood is 4'X8'. (you want to buy as few sheets as possible).
| | Casino Sized | Party Sized | Economy Sized |
| width | 76"-82" | 60"-72" | 48"-60" |
| depth | 42"-46" | 30"-42" | 24"-30" |
| height | 46" | 37"-46" | 28"-46" |
The Lowest-Cost Blackjack Solution:
Purchase or Rent 4' Banquet Tables (even if your venue has 6' they will still look good plus give added drink rail space.
Cut 4 Blackjacks from 1 sheet of plywood (this al
so make them easier to transport). This allows for
4'X2' Blackjack Tables (this is the absoulte smallest you should go).
Consider different sizes from the clips below.
Poker:
There are several different sizes of poker tables. A good rule of thumb is to offer around 10% poker seats per your guest total. I prefer to use 6' tables but it is totally up to you. Just remember that larger tables can get pretty heavy and bulky.
| | 4' | 4'X2' | 6'X3' | 6'X4' | 7'X3' | 7'X4' | 8'X3' | 8'X4' |
| # of players served | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 14 |
plywood
notes | one sheet of plywood will yield two tables | one sheet of plywood will yield 4 tables | one sheet of plywood will yield a 6'X3' table & extra 4'X2' table & some scrap that you can use for craps walls | one sheet of plywood will yield a 6'X4' table & extra 4'X2' table | will yield scraps that can be used for craps walls | will yield scraps that can be used for craps walls | will yield scraps that can be used for craps walls | requires full sheet of plywood |
| pros | | small oval table | good all-around size | roomy & comfortable | not too big, not too small | roomy & comfortable | large | the biggest |
| cons | takes up space for the size | crowded | small | bulky | slightly heavy & bulky | heavy, bulky | heavy, bulky | heavy, bulky |
Roulette and Craps:
You will need one sheet of plywood for each of these tables but the plan is simple:
Use 6'X3' (will yield some scrap) or 8'X4' (use 1 sheet of plywood and use need a more expensive layout/cloth) tables.
Use the long 12" scrap pieces for craps walls. Simply ask your clerk at the hardware store to make a couple of extra cuts. TIP: Allow for a drink rail and cut the two long 1' high sidewalls at 8" shorter than the length of the table... also cut the end walls 5" shorter than depth of the table (no drink rail on dealer side).
High End (with or without curves - with or without edges, armrests).
This other option may even be the best since you eliminate needing banquet tables. You can build your own tables and the next thing you know, friends will be contacting you to borrow your tables for their event!
These will be custom tables that can be used again.
Follow the recommendations above but start with 3/4" plywood (you want the thicker plywood because you will attach legs). Steel Folding Legs are readily available online, but be careful: some companies will want $50 or higher per set. THESE ARE AVAILABLE FOR AS LOW AS $20 PER SET (you just have to spend some time researching). TIP: Also consider "clearance" tables are local retail stores and strip the legs (table size does not matter but you may even be able to utilize the table). TIP#2: Another benefit is simply the tables that you will now have can indeed be handy... ideal for thanksgiving, garage sales, civic events etc..
TIP: Attach the legs to the bottom of the tables in the closed position with 3/4" screws!
Option#1 Curves.
If you do not have a jigsaw, you can purchase an economy version for as little as $10 which will do fine. First, take something round and rigid and draw convex line at all the edges of all your wood before covering - this will give them a nice polished look and is worth the time.
Option#2 Edges.
Another low-cost option that will really dress up your tables is to finish the edge with ribbon, edging, trim or even automotive molding - this will also protect the edges and keep tables looking good.
Option#3 Arm Rests.
edges, armrests, walls, wheel
Combine ideas
A more difficult option is to add armrests. A shortcut: cut armrest pieces for JUST the top and then finish the edge as mentioned above. This saves you the trouble of having to create armrests that "wrap-over" the edge of the table.
ACCESSORIES.
This one will be the biggest expense but you can really cut it down.
TIP#1: Use Single Decks at the blackjack tables (but consider at least purchasing 1 or 2 dealing shoes and discard holders). Check your local Sam's or Costco for cards.
TIP#2: Purchase an '18" ABS Plastic Roulette Wheel with Bearings' (16" typically has no bearings and is just too small). If you really look you can find the 18" for $100 but $150 is easier (never pay $200 though). If cost is no object, consider a large wheel but they get expensive real quick.
Some other things that you will need:
Chips
Chip Trays
Dice and Stick
Chips:
If you are in the casino party business full-time, chips are the #1 pain in the butt! You lose a few at each event (even if you charge for lost ones) and the nice ones are pricey!!
A good low-cost solution is to order the '7gram clay diamond chips'... readily available for 5cents each and not bad. If cost is not a concern, as of 2010 you can pay up to $2 per cheques. TIP: Paulson and Chipco are the best.
How Many Chips?
This one can kill you! You could easily need 20-50, 000 chips for a large event, and even at 5cents each that adds up to at least a thousand bucks!
A good rule of thumb on chips:
>Blackjack: 500 chips ea. (but you can tighten this to 300 in a pinch BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO BE DILIGENT ABOUT COLOR-UPS THROUGHOUT PLAY).
>Roulette and Craps: 1000 chips ea..
>Poker: 500 chips ea..
What Colors?
It can be a good idea to go with classic line of colors similar to a casino such as:
White $100 - Red $5 - Green $25 - Black $100 - Purple $500 - Orange $1000 - Gray $5000.
For your blackjack bank, consider this inventory of cheques:
Red Qty 20 - Green Qty 120 - Black Qty 120 - Purple Qty 40 - Orange Qty 20 - Gray Qty 20.
TIP: NEVER disribute chips to guests at entry for a variety of reasons. Instead, disribute Fun Money in the amount of $5-$10, 000 per guest ($5000 ea with medium to large events). When a players sits down, cash them in for $1000 at a time in the form of 4 green, 4 black and a purple.
Poker Bank: If coordinating a tournament, figure 40-60 chips per person (which are distributed as players sit down and then RE-STACKED at the end of the table.
Roulette Bank: 6-10 colors of 100 each color.
Craps Bank: Roughly triple of blackjack.
Signage: Table Signs and Chip Values. Consider Easils.
3 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT:
START RECRUITMENT OF DEALERS.
This can be easier than you might think. And if you are coordinating a fundraiser, this offers additional volunteer and underwriting opportunities for contributors.
Internal Dealer Resource Ideas:
| | Business | Fundraiser | High School | College |
| First Choice | Managers, Department Heads | Volunteers, Contributors | Teachers, Parents | Other Students |
| Other Choices | Over-achievers | Members | Under-classmen | Upper-classmen |
| Benefit | Team-building | Cut Costs | Easy Recruitment | Plentiful Pool |
Before the advent of the internet, we would run a short "dealers for casino parties" want ad in the newspaper as job posting websites can be costly... with moderate results. College job centers were pretty safe as were above-average staffing agencies.
Aside from posting announcements at work, clubs or associations, the internet does offer some great resources. One site you might consider is craigslist.org. Craigslist offers the ability to place a free help-wanted ad, with photos, for your local area - for free. You also have all the space to say what you want. TIP#1: Never hire a person that has never been to a casino AND has never played any of the games.
TIP#2: Consider asking some questions to help determine the type of person they are or use a handwriting analysis.
TIP#3: If you interview 10 individuals you will be lucky to get 2 good ones... keep this in mind and start early.
TIP#4: Check out Wikipedia on games rules - there is an article for every game.
TIP#5: Easy Attire: Have your dealers wear crisp white dress shirt... check online or a local Burlington for low-cost vests and ties.
TIP#6: When scheduling, over-schedule by two or more in case of no-shows and to allow for breaks to keep your dealers fresh.
TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT.
PLAN FOR PRINTING.
There are some things that you will need to print and/or purchase:
- Flyer or Program/ Rule Booklet
- Fun Money
- Table Signs
- Chip Value Signs
- Prize Tools
Flyer and Rules:
Fun Money:
Table Signs:
Chip Value Signs:
Prize Tools:
ONE MONTH BEFORE THE EVENT.
Receive any final shipments.
ONE WEEK BEFORE THE EVENT.
Double-check delivery times with venue and confirm truck rental.
THE DAY BEFORE THE EVENT.
Double-confirm with all dealers by phone.
THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
Make certain that you have all accessories packed up for delivery and start early (and deliver as early as possible - you want to make sure that you have a little extra time to pick up any last-minute needed items).
