TOOLS OF THE TRADE: CASINO GAMES ARE A GOOD BET

THANKS to the array of celebrity poker tournaments on television, it's no surprise that casino games are a popular entertainment option for special events. Here, the experts who know casino games best discuss how to add Las Vegas-style excitement to any occasion.

Geri Windecker, manager at Wild Bill's Interactive Events in Kent, Wash., notes that casino classics such as blackjack, craps and roulette “are still the mainstay of our events.” However, after exploding onto the scene a few years ago Texas Hold 'Em remains “extremely popular right now, and we offer it as an add-on to our casino packages,” she says. “While Texas Hold 'Em has been played in casinos and card rooms for many years, it was pretty much ignored until Binion's began televising the World Series of Poker from their casino in downtown Las Vegas.” Since then, “We've experienced a huge surge in requests for it in all forms — tournaments, home parties, rentals, corporate events, fund-raisers — it's on the lips and in the minds of almost everyone planning a casino-themed event.”

Dennis Wilson, president of Elite Casino Productions in Beech Grove, Ind., notes that blackjack is “always” the most popular game for his company. He's also getting requests for Pai Gow, Three Card, Texas Hold 'Em and Caribbean Stud poker tables, American and European roulette, and horse-race betting programs — “not really a casino game per se, but a mock wagering game” that allows guests to try their luck, he says.

With so many games available, how do event planners pick a winner? Games that encourage the most interaction with other players and the dealers are the best bet, the pros say.

The allure of casino themes and games is that they “offer a great interactive social atmosphere and encourage teamwork,” says Randy Van Hulle, president of Ace Casino Equipment in Tucson, Ariz., although he notes that there's also a place for games such as slot machines that hold less group appeal but still offer players the thrill of winning.

In addition to the social element of the games, there's also the fantasy factor that goes along with winning big, even when there isn't any real money at stake.

“One of the biggest attractions of [real] gambling is when the player goes into the ‘zone’ — that place where winning and losing money at that game is all there is in life,” Wilson says. “We strive to provide authentic staff and games for special events and get players into the zone so they can go a bit crazy, but never have to worry about losing any money because it's all just for fun and prizes.” He adds, “The intensity of winning and losing personal fortunes on a real casino game is missing, but how intense do you really want to get at a party? We let the guests get crazy … just not stark raving mad.”