Costumes & Accessories (23) / Party Supplies (21)

Casino Party

Table of contents

Introduction

Did you know that the word "Casino" is an Italian word that originally meant "small villa" or "summer house"? Today this term refers to a brothel whilst the building used for gambling purposes is referred to as a "casinò" (note the accent on the "o"). But that's only in Italian, where the first ever casino was built in the vicinity of Venice, 1638. Today, in modern English, the word "Casino" refers to a building where mainly gambling - and sometimes sports - takes place.

Gambling itself is an activity nearly as old as humanity. Some records indicate that the Chinese were already adept gamblers 2300 B.C., but it is supposed that all civilizations had some form of gambling that gave rise to the activity we know today. And as just about anyone knows, America's gambling stage was set in buildings called "saloons".

Saloons were ordinary buildings where people would go and have a drink, chat to others and gamble whilst whiling away the hours. Perhaps our most fondest memories of saloons are of course those featured in the western films we've all grown to love. However, at the beginning of the 20th century gambling was declared illegal, forcing many saloons to shut their doors. It was only in 1931 that gambling was legalized in Nevada, which gave rise to history's most well known gambling Mecca... Las Vegas - also known as Sin City.

And in the spirit of everything that glitters, shines and spins, we'll give you a couple of tips to organize your very own Casino Party.

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Casino Party Invitations

Let’s get down to business! The best way to invite your friends over for an all-night casino party, is of course with a themed casino party invitation. Let’s have a look at a couple of ideas that should be easy to come by.

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Million Dollar Design

Casinos are all about the money, and as such your invitations have to look like they are worth a million dollars, or at least have the promise of a million dollars. For this million dollar design, all you’ll really need is a computer, an image editing program and a couple of images that has something to do with gambling. Think in terms of an image of the Queen of Diamonds, Ace of Spades, a roulette table, etc.

When you’ve got your chosen image appropriately as to fit in all the details of your party. Remember to include the following:

  • Party Name: Remember to keep it in with the theme of the party. An example would be “Jill & Dan’s Blackjack Bash”.

  • Date

  • Time

  • Venue

  • Dress Code

  • Contact Detail

  • Additional info…

Once your invitation is done, simply print it – either on your own printer should you have one or at a printing firm. Keep in mind that playing cards are usually made of a type of cardboard, and it will be best if your invitations (if you are doing a playing card design) resemble that.

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Casino Chips

Another great idea for a casino invitation is the casino chip, which can either be home made or store bought. Write down the details of your party on the chips once you have them. Should they be too small to write on, why not ask a printing firm to print the details of your party on them? This will look professional and resemble an invitation to a real high-stakes game.

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The Money Bag

For those who don’t know, the money bag is a symbol of good luck for many gamblers. These can either be bought or made at home.
 

Once you’ve got them, be sure to include the invitation written on a normal card or a playing card inside the pouch. To add that extra bit of appeal, decorate the outside of the money bag with a couple of golden dollar signs by first tracing it with glue, and then sprinkling it with golden glitter.

 

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Casino Party Dress Code

For those who don’t frequent casinos, the dress code usually differs from casino to casino. Most, however, require guests to be dressed in a smart-casual fashion. After a certain time of day, e.g. 22h00, it is required that all men wear a jacket as well as a tie. Women, on the other hand, are able to dress themselves in almost anything they want – though a sure winner is always an elegant evening gown.

Naturally the dress code for your party will be entirely up to you. Whether you go for something similar to outfits worn in the film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or perhaps something more elegant, as displayed in Ocean’s Eleven, just be sure to let your guests know on the invitation.

Do keep in mind that casino owners, dealers and casino staff are usually in uniform or wearing a suit. As the host of the party, any of these might be more applicable to you.

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Casino Party Decorations

Casino party decorations are fairly easy to get in place, though might require a fair budget. Here are a couple of casino party decorations that’ll inspire that casino atmosphere to get the party going:

  • Tables: Blackjack tables, roulette tables, poker tables… set them up and load them with the cards, fake bank notes and fake coins. Keep in mind that the tables are usually covered with a green felt or any similar material. Other colors to include on your tables include red, white and black.

  • Playing cards: Use real playing cards or make them yourself in an appropriate design. Ideas that have worked in the past included oversized playing cards mounted on the walls along with casino chips.

  • Slot machines: As these cost quite a penny to buy, consider renting them from your local casino supply retailer. Fake slot machines are also fairly easy to come by, but be sure to rent them unless you plan to use them after wards.

  • Palm Trees: Reminiscent of Sin City (Las Vegas), adding real or fake miniature palm trees to your indoor decorations will add that gambling mecca appeal.

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Casino Party Guest Arrival & Announcement

As you are the owner/manager of the casino, you’ll be awaiting your guests at the doors. But be sure to have them checked by security first!

Employ a couple of sturdy-looking gentlemen (friends or the sons of friends) to stand at the door with matching sunglasses and tuxedos. Although they won’t be actually searching your guests, they will add to the whole casino atmosphere.

As your guests enter the party premises, announce and introduce them to each other in a manner befitting of a casino owner/manager.

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Casino Party Favors

To make your casino party memorable, give each of your guests a small related gift. Here are a couple of ideas ranging from inexpensive to the more select of items:

  • Playing cards are every man, woman and child’s friend. So why not give your guests a gift that will ensure that they have hours of fun, either on their own or together? These are inexpensive gifts that everyone will enjoy.

  • Casino chips are available in various denominations and will make the ultimate gift as these can either be used during future games or as an ornament around the house. Available in various denominations, casino chips range from the inexpensive to the very expensive.

  • Cigars make an excellent poker accessory, whether you smoke them or not. Again, these are available in various price ranges according to their quality.

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Casino Party Activities

As our current theme is the casino party, you'll have no problem in finding something to entertain your guests. In short, they are there to gamble the night away. Here are a couple of ideas for Casino party activities:

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Gambling

This depends on what you've decided to include in your party decorations. More often than not people will have set up at least one table that will be used for either blackjack, poker, craps, roulette and baccarat.

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Cheats

We've all seen those classic films involving the greatest casino heists/cheats of all time. What better way to do something a little different than to reenact those famous scenes as an activity in your casino party?

Just remember, if you catch any of your guests red-handed, security will have to sort them out.

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Live Entertainment

Ever been to Las Vegas? Well, in case you haven't, gambling isn't the only thing there to entertain the guests.

Give your guests a break from the gambling by organizing a live show which can include anything from dancing to a stand-up comedian. For those who don't feel like going through all those additional expenses, simply get your guests to provide the entertainment by inviting them to take turns at karaoke.

 

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Food & Drink

Drinks are plentiful at casinos and are there to ensure that everyone has a good time. Accordingly, it will be a good idea to have a bar set up where a bar tender will serve your guests, or where your guests can serve themselves. It will be a good idea to ask your guests what their preferred casino drink of choice is so that you’ll know what to get. In addition, it might be prudent to prepare a pitcher or two of non-alcoholic drinks such as Shirley Temple, Roy Rogers, Rosy Punch, Simple Syllabub, etc. Remember to include the trademark casino cocktail sticks, cherries and cocktail umbrellas.

And of course, if you’re giving your guests something to drink, you’d want to supply them with something to eat to ensure that their stomachs are sufficiently lined to accommodate the alcohol. Here are a couple of ideas for casino snacks, all to be served with the obligatory paper napkin as to ensure that the tables and cards stay clean:

  • Chicken wings

  • Meat balls

  • Sandwiches

  • Pretzels

  • Candy

  • Chips

  • Nuts

Also remember to ask your guests whether any of them have any allergies or are vegetarian so that you’ll be able to cater for them too.

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