Croupier Hire or Self Dealt Casino Night

You like to go all out. In fact, you are known for going above and beyond the call of the party. You plan themes; you cater; you have costumes (when appropriate). You make your guests feel as if they have walked into a different world for each and every event, even if there’s only two or three guests. So, now that you are planning your next soiree - a Friday night party themed “Casino Night” - you believe that you need everything and anything that could possibly help create the real casino feel, and that includes a fun casino hire. But is that true? Is a fun casino hire really going to make the party or will it be one step too far?

The necessity of a fun casino hire is not absolute. There are some instances in which a croupier is not the answer. A professional dealer will come to your home with everything you could possibly need for your event. He will set up tables for blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em, Wheel of Fortune, etc. He will turn your living room or basement into a miniature Trump Taj Mahal or Borgata. This is perfect for a grand corporate event or a charity night in which you are trying to wow your guests into giving you more money, but when the guests are your next door neighbors and the only table needed can be set up in 5 minutes, you don’t need a fun casino hire. Know your limits. Understand when the next step in party planning (in this case, a fun casino hire) is one step too far. You may be concerned that your event won’t have the flair it usually does, but it still can…without costing you a pretty penny.

If it’s a small gathering interested in playing 7 Card Stud, for example, put your efforts into creating a fun poker night reminiscent of the evenings they show on film and television. Get some cigars; set out big bowls of popcorn and snacks. Make it an intimate affair, where everyone is relaxed, tossing chips into the pot and bluffing like professionals (or trying to). Who will deal? Why not you? You don’t have to have card tricks up or sleeve or an unprecedented skill at doling out hands; you simply need to be able to shuffle the deck and pass out the appropriate cards. Therefore, your preparation will include learning the rules of the games (plan what you’ll play ahead of time, so there aren’t any uncertain moments) and maybe practicing a fancy shuffle or two. To get you on your way, here are a few tips for the amateur croupier:

 • The first riffle marks the start of the hand - once you’ve begun the shuffle, you can’t pause, take back a card, etc. You must continue on for a fair and undisputable play.

• As the “fun casino hire” for the night, you must ensure everyone has fed the pot. All bets are your responsibility.

• Like the pot, the players’ moves must also not slip your attention. Focus. You are the one in charge. You are the one running the table. Make sure everyone follows your rules and not their own.

• And always, always, deal to the left.