Is a Fun Casino a Good Idea for Prom Night Entertainment?

Prom night is a special occasion. Months of planning go into dresses, suits, exotic cars and limousines for those big entrances, photographs, DJs and decorations and room dressing. Students want to feel grown up, sophisticated and just a little glamorous.

So what do you do once everybody has arrived, had their photographs taken and realised that dancing in front of several hundred classmates isn't quite as easy as they imagined in a prom dress or they may feel a little intimidated?

This is where a fun casino can be the perfect addition to a prom night.

Having spent decades working in real casinos and running Mock Vegas events throughout London and Southern England, I've discovered that casino tables provide something rather special at proms: entertainment that everyone can enjoy.

Why Does a Fun Casino Work So Well at a Prom?

Prom guests occupy that fascinating age where they feel like adults and want adult experiences, but without the risks that often come with them. The casino tables feel exciting and exclusive, an adult entertainment. Yet because no real money is involved, it remains a completely safe and suitable entertainment.

The DJ and dance floor remain essential, however, not everyone enjoys dancing. Some students feel self-conscious, while others simply prefer talking with friends. Anybody can walk up to a blackjack or roulette table and have a go, even the teachers. You don't need rhythm or confidence, you simply need some fun money.

The Best Casino Games for Prom Night

Over many years of events, two games consistently prove themselves, blackjack and roulette. Blackjack is easy to understand. Many students quickly realise it is very similar to Pontoon or 21, games they may have played with family members. Within minutes they are asking for cards, cheering blackjacks and offering advice to friends. Roulette is equally accessible. You can just choose a number or a colour and wait to see where the ball lands. The excitement builds instantly, especially when several friends have chips on the same number.

Games That Don't Work So Well

Some casino games are not very suitable for a busy prom environment. Texas Hold'em Poker is a generally popular game but requires concentration, patience and a relatively quiet room. Players sit down and often remain there a long period of time, so not so many guests get entertained. Craps is tremendous fun but complicated for complete beginners. For most proms, blackjack and roulette provide the perfect combination of excitement, simplicity and entertainment value.

How Students React to the Casino Tables

There is often a typical pattern - the boys usually arrive at the tables first. As soon as they see authentic casino equipment and professional croupiers, they rush over looking eager to play (but not actually presenting their fun money). The girls often spend more time taking in the arrival atmosphere, complimenting dresses, taking photographs in front of the Mock Vegas 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign. However, it doesn’t take long before a couple of brave souls actually let go of their pretend cash, the games start, and the sound of cheering, laughter and somebody shouting "Blackjack!" attracts the young ladies over. Not wanting to miss out, it’s not long before the tables are full.

A Brilliant Ice Breaker

One of the great strengths of a fun casino is that it helps people mix. Students who understand these simple games help those who don't. Those who have just been taught by the croupier are suddenly keen to pass on their insider knowledge. The games create conversation naturally, within five minutes somebody who had never played blackjack is confidently explaining it to their friend. Professional croupiers encourage this atmosphere, explaining the rules, answering questions and ensuring everyone feels included.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

One young gentleman approached my blackjack table at a prom and exchanged his fun money for chips. I asked whether he would like a quick explanation or perhaps a couple of demonstration hands. "No thanks," he replied confidently. "I know what I’m doing." “OK”, I thought. Maybe he’d played on a game at home, he couldn’t possible have set foot in a real casino.

So I stood there.

And he stood there.

And I stood there.

And he stood there.

Eventually he looked slightly puzzled and asked, "Aren't you going to give me some cards or something?"

"You haven't placed a bet yet. I thought you said you knew how to play?"

He laughed and it turned out as I thought - he had played online but had never actually sat at a blackjack table.

The lesson is don't be afraid to ask questions, that is exactly why the croupiers are there.

Sometimes Experience Wins

Another young player had lost all his chips and decided to solve the problem by quietly helping himself to some more. I won't reveal how I knew – trade secret, decades of casino experience! As the table was quiet, nobody was waiting to play and he was enjoying himself with his friends, I allowed him to continue without saying a word. When they all wanted to move on he cashed in his chips. I wrote his cheque for…. zero. He looked puzzled, "Why does it say zero?" "Because I know those weren't your chips." "How did you know?! How did you know?!" I explained it didn’t matter, he’d had some extra entertainment with his friends but it wouldn’t be fair if he won a prize with chips he wasn’t entitled to. His friends found the whole thing hilarious and he shook my hand with a big smile.

Prom Prizes

At birthday parties and corporate events the winning player(s) often receives a bottle of prosecco. That wouldn’t be appropriate at a school prom. Popular alternatives include:

Amazon vouchers

Small engraved trophies

Winner's sash

Cinema vouchers

Gift cards

Non-alcoholic sparkling drinks (Nonsecco looks the part)

The prizes shouldn’t be expensive. The prizewinners bathe in kudos and the recognition that they were the luckiest that night.

Practical Things Prom Organisers Should Know

Proms can require earlier venue access than weddings or corporate events as schools usually want the entrance area clear for the big red carpet entrances as students arrive in stretch limousines and expensive cars, getting arrival photographs. This means the casino equipment may need to be delivered and positioned earlier than normal.

Good Communication is Essential. The Importance of Accurate Numbers

A recent client told me they expected 200 students, so I arrived with a little more than 200 personalised fun money notes. Not long after the casino started one of the teachers kept returning asking for more fun money. That wasn’t a problem but I asked why. "There are 250 students tonight." We obviously coped, but accurate numbers allow us to provide the best experience for everyone.

Timings Matter Too

At another event the organiser approached me during the casino and asked, "What time are you finishing?" "10:15" I replied. "Oh. Could you stop now? We want to do the awards." That was nearly an hour early. Of course we accommodated them, but the casino had to finish quite abruptly while many students were still enjoying themselves and some had not played. If plans change, simply let your supplier know as early as possible.

Supervision Helps

Prom guests can become very enthusiastic and occasionally that enthusiasm can become slightly boisterous. Some teenagers have not yet discovered the virtues of patience when waiting for a space at the blackjack or roulette tables. Having teachers or staff nearby helps enormously. One quiet word from a respected member of staff is all that's required.

Three Tips for Prom Organisers

1. Give Accurate Numbers

Knowing exactly how many students are attending allows us to provide the correct amount of fun money and recommend the right number of tables.

2. Agree Timings in Advance

Access times, setup, casino opening times and presentations should all be discussed beforehand.

3. Provide Nearby Supervision

Excited students create wonderful atmosphere, but having staff close by ensures everything runs smoothly.

If you would like to how a fun casino can entertain on a prom night please use the contact page or call 08006127737.