Whether you’d like to admit it or not, you know you’ve imagined what it would be like to wager your life’s savings in a Las Vegas casino and come out a billionaire. While the prospect of winning millions in a matter of minutes might be tempting, most people resist the urge for fear of losing it all to the gambling gods. However, there have been quite a few times where people let their curiosity get the best of them, and for some it paid off in a big way!
William Lee Bergstrom – “Go big, or go home” was definitely the motto of the day when Bergstrom walked into the Horseshoe in 1980 with $777,000 in a suitcase and bet it all on craps in one sitting. Luckily, his risky maneuver paid off, doubling his money in seconds.
John Hennigan – What happens when you bet a high-stakes, Las Vegas loving gambler that he can’t last living six weeks out in rural Des Moines, Iowa? Well, in Hennigan’s case, that gambler loses a $100,000 bet in just two days.
Bob Stupak – In 1989, Stupak went down in history as the man to place the single largest bet Las Vegas has ever seen. A casino owner himself, Stupak had a soft spot for gambling on football games — a soft spot that made him a pretty penny after betting one million dollars on the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl that year.
Stu Ungar – A man of mysterious memory abilities! Ungar is noted as one of the best blackjack players of all time, due in large part to his ability to keep track of cards as they land on the table. Our football gambling millionaire friend Bob Stupak decided to challenge Ungar’s skills, betting him $100,000 that he couldn’t memorize three decks of cards in a row — and boy was he wrong!
Do you think you’re ready to risk it all for the chance to take home the pot? If you choose Casinos by M&M for your next party, you can — with funny money of course!
To learn more about the services and casino games we can provide, click here to view our website or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!
Gambling is just one of the many great American pastimes, and boy do we have the statistics to prove it! The National Gambling Impact Study Commission (NGISC) has suggested that Americans spend more on gambling than on recorded music, theme parks, video games, spectator sports and movie tickets combined. In fact, they estimated a whopping $910 billion is spent on gambling country-wide per year. However, some US states are bigger gamblers than others, and we’ve brought you the top five grossing gambling states to confirm it!
While there are many wonderful casinos out there nationwide, there’s nothing quite like a night spent pressing your luck from the comfort of your own home or a local neighborhood venue. No matter what the occasion is — wedding, birthday, bar/bat mitzvah, corporate event, fundraiser, etc. — bringing real life casino action to your guests will make your party a memorable one.
To learn more about the services and casino games that Casinos by M&M can provide, click through our website or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for the latest in gaming tips and trends!
You may have heard that slot machines have the worst odds out of any game in the casino and it’s usually true. Winning big on a slot machine will take a lot more time, effort and money than it can take to get lucky in roulette, yet slot machines are still one of the most played casino games across the board.
While this myth might have been true, there are many others that deserve debunking when it comes to slots. Here are some of the most common:
Myth: Casinos program their slot machines to go through a specific cycle of plays versus payouts, and their payout amount is limited by a programmed percentage of bets taken.
Fact: Negative! Each spin is completely randomized and independent of the spins before and after it. It doesn’t matter if someone just hit the jackpot, the odds are always the same on every spin.
Myth: You have a better chance of a higher payout if you don’t insert your player card.
Fact: Much like the programmable payout myth, this is also a fallacy. The machine will not take into account whether a card has been inserted, and these two mechanisms actually function completely independent of one another.
Myth: It is possible for casinos to tighten the odds of a specific gaming machine with just the push of a button.
Fact: While this can be true for some machine, there are regulations in place to make sure that alterations are not made on the spot. Some rules require a specific amount of idle time before a machine can be remotely tightened. However, most machines still require alterations to be made manually.
Myth: Slot machines are looser during the week and on off-days, but harder to win on during high traffic times like weekends and holidays.
Fact: While it’s possible to do, it would take a ton of time and effort to keep altering the odds on each machine weekly or even seasonally. Plus, they want you to win! Winning means you’ll come back and try your luck again.
Now that some of the most common slot machine myths have been debunked, are you ready to press your luck? Casinos by M&M can bring the slots to you for your next party or gathering!
To learn more about our wide variety of slot machines and casinos games, call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST or visit our website, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
Did you know that casinos are filled with thousands of security cameras? You may have, but we bet you didn’t know that some older casinos didn’t have eyes on all of their tables until as recent as 20 years ago. Today, every modern casino has a large team of surveillance staff members whose sole job is to keep an eye out for foul play across the many camera feeds.
Are you itching to know more? Here are 5 more things you likely didn’t know about casinos until right now:
At Casinos by M&M we promise that there are no eyes in the sky, you can play as much as you like, and everybody wins! Bring the magic of casino gambling to your very own home with our authentic, casino-grade gaming tables and slot machines.
For a full list of our products and services, visit our website here or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST …And don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for the latest in gaming tips and trends!
Playing poker is a staple American pastime and a favorite among casino-goers worldwide. But, did you know that there is more than one way to play the world famous game? In fact there are a ton of different poker games built off of three distinct variations: Draw games, stud games and community card games.
Draw Poker: Draw poker allows players to trade-in some of the cards that they’re dealt (usually up to 3) for better ones, with the ultimate goal of improving their hand. This is one of the only card games that is most commonly played with the joker, but it can be played without as well. Though this is one of the most popular variations to teach beginners, you’d be hard-pressed to find draw games in most casinos.
Stud Poker: In this poker variation, players are dealt either five or seven card to start. The difference here is that they must use these cards alone to play their best hand. The hand is dealt with a combination of face-up and face-down cards, so the hidden cards or hole cards, can be a real game-changer for unsuspecting opponents! 5-Card Stud and 7-Card Stud are two the most popular stud poker games played.
Community Card: This is the most popular type of poker game, where players are dealt hole-cards that are uniquely theirs to use in tandem with a set of community cards that are playable by everyone on the table. Though the community cards are visible to all, each person’s hole-cards are secret, which enhances the excitement and suspense of the unknown. The most common community card game is Texas Hold’Em, which is said to be the most popular poker game with players overall.
At Casinos by M&M we offer all types of poker variations with table styles to match! Whether you want a traditional, octagon style table, or a good-old hold’em table, we’ve got authentic casino-grade poker tables for any occasion. But that’s not all! Our professional and friendly dealers are trained to provide you and your guests with step by step instruction, so you can all play with pride.
To learn more about Casinos by M&M and how you can book a poker table for your next party, dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.
Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
When we try our luck out at the casino the object of the game is to win of course, but how exactly do you beat the house when they have the best odds? It’s no secret that when you gamble you’ll usually lose more than you win, but maybe there’s a way to offset those odds a bit. Here are a few great tips to help you beat the dealer and take home the pot!
Say “when”, when you’re winning. Based on the laws of mathematics, statistics show that though the odds may be in your favor for a period of time, inevitably the tables will turn and the house will win. As the saying goes, quit while you’re ahead! This will ensure that you’ll keep your winnings safe and sound in your pockets, where they belong.
Don’t be afraid to bet big. Though many people shy away from tables and head to the slots, slot machines can actually empty your pockets faster with little-to-no return on investment. Low bet machines, like those that accept penny and nickel bets, have the odds cranked up higher in the casino’s favor. Playing tables gives you the best odds, but if you’re stuck on slots shoot for machines with a higher minimum bet so you have a better chance of hitting.
Defy the laws of attraction. Casinos draw you into the games and machines that they want you to play by upping the ante with loud noises and colorful flashing lights. Even on table games, the most reckless bets are drawn in vibrant colors, like “the Field” and “Any 7” on the craps table. As a general rule, be weary of anything that’s distinctively “calling your name” in the casino.
Always wear a watch. It’s easy to get sucked into another dimension while in a casino, where time stands still and it’s never time for bed. That’s exactly what casino owners want to happen, which is why you’d be hard-pressed to find a clock in any direction that you look. Don’t let yourself lose track of time, betting and losing into the wee hours of the morning. Instead, treat yourself to a flashy new timepiece with your winnings!
Do you have any great tips on how to beat the house? Feel free to share them in the comments below, or connect with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!
Casinos by M&M provides an authentic casino experience, equipped with entertaining dealers and personalized fun money to get the bets going. To learn about our product offerings and to speak with someone about booking a casino party, visit us on the web or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.
Slot machines have been a staple of casinos and gambling for as long as we can all remember. With their flashing lights and suspenseful sound effects, it’s no wonder they can sometimes be so mesmerizing and captivating to both your attention and your wallet! But, have you ever wondered where the idea to create a slot machine first blossomed? An inventive casino owner perhaps? Or maybe it was the product of a “boys night out” discussion amongst some young gamblers? Nope! The first slot machine was actually invented by a mechanic. Bet you didn’t see that coming!
The First Slot Machine: In 1887 Charles Fey, a mechanic from San Francisco, solved the conundrum of how to create an automated game of poker with the very first slot machine. Based on the game of poker, the first slot machine sported three spinning reels with five simple symbols: diamonds, hearts, horseshoes, spades and an image of the Liberty Bell, which served to represent the ever-so-desirable jackpot. In honor of it’s sought after jackpot, the new slot machine design was appropriately named the Liberty Bell Machine.
A Revolutionary Payout: Fey’s Liberty Bell Machine was the first of its kind, dispensing actual cash prizes. For early poker machine designs, it was customary to receive free drinks, cigars or fruit flavored gum as a payout. This is actually how the traditional cherry, melon and bar symbols were born. By dispensing prizes and not coins, these early slot machines were able to evade anti-gambling laws, but Fey’s Liberty Bell was not as lucky, making it outlawed in several states.
Slot Machines Evolved: By 1910, slot machines had become increasingly popular and many other companies began tweaking the Liberty Bell’s design and producing their own versions. Mills Novelty created the Operator Bell, which included the traditional fruit symbols that were not present in Frey’s original design. In the early 1930s, Mills Novelty began producing slot machines with wooden cabinets, new themes, and quieter sound effects, giving them the nickname “Silent Bells.”
The Money Honey: Developed by Bally Technologies Inc. in the early 1960s, the Money Honey was the first of its kind; electromechanical. The incorporation of electricity into this slot machine design ensured improved gameplay and paved the way for multi-coin bets, which meant higher payouts. They were bigger, flashier, and extremely desirable for gamblers country-wide. But the odds were not in the consumer’s favor. Bally had hired computer programmers to ensure that while the jackpot increased, making the machines more desirable, the odds of winning decreased, which made hitting high even more exciting!
Since then, slot machines have become one of the most popular attractions in casinos nationwide. They are ever-evolving, now available with completely digital reels. They are even able to be played in completely digital casinos, thanks to the internet!
At Casinos by M&M, we are proud to offer a wide variety of slot machines for any occasion. Our slots are the finest in the industry, with the best and most sophisticated graphics. Give us a call at 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST to learn more about our slot machine options, and book up for your next party. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!
If you’re a New Yorker who loves the thrill of casino gaming, you might be looking for an alternative to a two-hour trip to Atlantic City. Fear not; there are other options just as close or even closer to home! These are the top three casinos near NYC:
1. Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct | Queens, NY
Open since 2011, the Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct in Queen is the only casino that’s actually in NYC. It’s considered a “racino” because Aqueduct is actually a horse-racing track. The State of New York allows video slog gambling here.
2. Mohegan Sun Casino | Uncasville, CT
One of the biggest casinos in the US, Mohegan Sun is under three hours away from NYC. It offers more variety than Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct — visitors can enjoy slots, table games and poker.
3. Sands Casino Resort | Bethlehem, PA
Sands Casino Resort is a less than two-hour drive from NYC. It opened in 2009, and today it features table games, slots and a poker room.
Other casinos near NYC include:
Not up for traveling to any of these casinos? Allow Casinos by M&M to bring authentic Las Vegas-style casino gaming, music and party supplies to your venue of choice. To learn more, dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST or head to our website.
Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+and Twitter!
In 1931, the state of Nevada legalized casino gaming. Since then, the industry has evolved — and it continues to change to this day. Below, we present an abbreviated history of U.S. casinos:
Not too long after casino gambling was made legal in Nevada, mobster Bugsy Siegel opened The Flamingo in Las Vegas. Throughout the 1950s, investigations into the influence of criminals on the casino industry were commonplace. In1958, the Stardust Hotel created the idea of a state spectacular, which would become common on the Las Vegas Strip.
In the 1960s, Nevada passed legislation regarding tax issues and gambling regulations. This helped iron out issues with legalizing gaming, and made sure that legitimate business people could take advantage of the investment opportunity.
It wasn’t until 1976 that casino gaming was made legal outside of Nevada. That’s 45 years later! By 1978, the first Atlantic City, New Jersey casino opened. After South Dakota and Iowa legalized gambling in 1989, gaming expanded to the following areas:
The history of U.S. Casinos is long and rich. Today, gaming is more popular than ever before! We at Casinos by M&M can bring real Las Vegas casino action to the venue of your choice for parties, corporate events and even fundraisers.
To learn more, dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST today! Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+and Twitter for more tips.