How to Host a Fun Casino Party

Decorations and Set-up

Give yourself plenty of time to plan the party. You may decide to hire a professional croupier or card dealer or decide to rent actual gambling tables, in which case you'll need to make arrangements well in advance. Let guests know of the party two weeks ahead of time. Even if you decide to make the game tables yourself and enlist your friends as the dealers, you'll need at least a month to get everything in order, from planning the games to selecting the food and drink.

If you decide to make the tables yourself, cover a basic card table in green felt. You can find felt with the layout for specific gambling games, such as blackjack, craps and poker, printed on it. You can also draw the layouts yourself. Determine how many games you'll have based on the size of your party. You should have at least four different games for a party of 20 people. You may be able to get away with one or two games for a smaller gathering. Keep a rule book handy for each game to settle any arguments.

The Games

Make sure you have poker chips so guests can place bets. Have a required buy-in when guests enter. You can play with real money or simply hand out a certain number of chips when guests first arrive. If you want to make the event a fundraiser, have each guest select a charity when they arrive. Any earnings they receive will go to that charity.

Decorating

Decorate the party space so that it resembles a casino. Hang strings of light and dim any overhead lighting to set the mood. Hang blown-up card images on the wall. If you can afford it, rent a neon sign that reads "Lucky" or "Place Your Bets." Cover the food table and bar with black tablecloths for a sleek look. If you want a classy casino night, use real glasses for the cocktails and beverages. If you want a more casual casino feel, go for red plastic cups. Set paper coasters with dice or cards printed on them at each table.

Drinks

Hire a bartender to serve drinks for the night. Try to have a full bar to mimic a real casino, but if that's not possible, stick with beer or a single mixed drink, such as a martini. To class-up the party, have the bartender dress in a tuxedo. If it's in your budget, hire a cocktail waitress too.

Food

Serve finger foods to keep guests satiated as they gamble. Foods that won't smudge the cards include finger sandwiches, pita chips and hummus, crudités and dip, and a selection of cheeses with slices of bread. Unless you want saucy cards, stay away from buffalo wings and greasy fried foods.