How to throw a casino themed party

• Early planning: at least 2 months ahead
• Planning the details: 1 month and a half ahead
• Planning the details: 2 weeks ahead

A casino themed party is an excellent way to bet and play without risking too much. By hosting a casino-inspired party, you control where the money goes, whether to a good cause or to your own enjoyment. It is also an excellent idea for fundraising: you can get the community or your office colleagues behind a cause while everyone has fun.

Here is the to-do list for organising your casino party.

You need to give yourself enough time to organise and plan your casino-inspired party. You may have to hire a croupier or even the gaming tables, so it is worth booking well ahead.

• Set your budget. As with any event, knowing what you can spend keeps you from wasting money on something you can do without.
• Draw up your guest list. Part of the budget and the venue planning depends on knowing how many people you are inviting, so nobody feels uncomfortable in a crowded room.
• Book the venue. The sooner you secure it, the better your chances of an early-booking discount. A garden or a large room makes the layout and decor easier to plan.
• Set the date. A good day for this kind of party is a weekend, preferably after payday, so guests have money available for the token bets.

Once the basics are clear, it is time to pin down the key elements of the party.

• Decide which games to play. Pick something most guests will know, alongside options that are easy to learn. Among the most popular:
  • Craps table
  • French roulette table
  • Texas Hold'em poker table
  • Blackjack table
  • Wheel of fortune table
• Hire the croupiers. If you have the budget, hiring a professional croupier for a few hours makes all the difference. Check with local casinos or party rental companies to find professionals available, or ask a friend with experience to teach a simplified version.
• Rent the gaming tables. If you hire a professional croupier, it makes sense to rent a genuine gaming table too. On a tighter budget, a normal table with a printed cloth imitating the layout can work just as well.

Only a few weeks left: time to close off the final details.

• Invitations. Now is the moment to send them to your guest list. Save money by using an old deck of cards and plain card to create themed invitations.
• Decorations. Lay out the gaming tables so they look like a real casino floor. If you are using plain tables, dress them with a green felt cloth (or printed canvas) for an authentic feel. You can also rent or make a neon sign with lines like "Place your bets" or "Good luck", and add glow sticks or LED lighting.
• Food and drink. Serve finger food, easy to eat with one hand, so guests can keep playing. Beer, punch and water are ideal options for a casino night. If the budget allows, hiring a bartender and buying the spirits from a specialist shop lifts the experience.
• Favours for guests. Do not forget to hand out casino themed party favours as a thank you for making the night memorable.

Related products: Casino Tables Wheel of Fortune French Roulette