If you’ve ever sat around a poker table, or watched the World Series of Poker on television, you may have heard people talking about “upping the ante,” but what does that actually mean? Well, the ante is the small bet that players are required to make before game play begins. As the game goes on and players bet more money, the pot grows and the ante is therefore “upped.” Today, this phrase is used both inside and outside the casino to signify when someone is pushing the envelope or making risky decisions.
Here are a few more poker terms that you should familiarize yourself with before you take a seat at a table in the big leagues:
THE BURN CARD refers to the top card that the dealer discards before each betting round begins. In the event that there was some sort of distinguishing mark on the top card there might be an unfair advantage for some players. The burn card covers the top card as a precaution.
DRAWING DEAD means that though you’re continuing to draw while playing a draw poker game, you know that there are no cards left in the deck that can make you a winning hand.
THE FLOP refers to the first three community cards that are dealt after the initial betting round is over.
A FLUSH indicates a poker hand that is made of five cards of the same suit. These cards do not have to be in any numerical order.
A FULL HOUSE means that your hand is made of of any three-of-a-kind combination and an additional pair.
A KICKER is the card that essentially acts as a tiebreaker in the event that the final two players have matching hands. For example, if both players have a flush, the player with the highest card making up their flush wins the hand.
POCKET CARDS refer to the cards that are unique to each player. These are specific to the player that is dealt them, in contrast to the community cards, which are dealt out by the dealer for all players to make a hand from.
THE RIVER indicates the very last card that the dealer draws. It is the final of the five community cards.
THE TURN indicates the fourth community card that is dealt, right before the river. It is dealt face-up and is also known to some poker players as “Fourth Street.”
Interested in learning more popular poker terms? Click here!
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 our services and how you can book a poker table for your next party, dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
The origins of roulette date back to the 17th century, when French inventor Blaise Pascal created the first roulette wheel. Pascal had been studying probabilities and invented the wheel as an accident, looking to create a perpetual motion machine. The roulette wheel quickly became a popular gambling staple in Paris and before you know it, it made it’s way over to the United States. Since it’s creation, the roulette wheel has undergone several reconstructions, mainly to improve the house odds. Here’s a quick look at the game setup, rules, and what it takes to win:
The Table: A roulette table has a wheel at one end and a numbered chart in the center of the other. The chart has three columns of twelve, numbered from 1-36 and pictured on a red or black background. There are also two boxes above the “1, 2 and 3” for 0 and 00. These make up the possible “inside bets.” To the side and bottom of the numbered boxes there are boxes for “outside bets,” which will be explained later on.
The Wheel: A standard roulette wheel has 38 numbered slots picturing numbers 1-36, 0 and 00. The background color of each number – red or black – will match what is shown on the table grid. The dealer spins the wheel in one direction and a small plastic ball the opposite direction. Whichever number/color combination the ball stops on is what hits for that round.
The Objective: In order to win in roulette you must bet on a space on the table that corresponds with the number that has hit. Depending on how you bet, you may win on exact number, color, even or odd, or a combination of all three.
The Rules: When making a bet you must place the amount of chips you’d like to wager on your desired inside or outside bet. There are a ton of ways to bet on a roulette table, but here’s a quick breakdown of the two basic types:
The best part of this game is that it’s completely up to chance, which makes it perfect for players of all experience-levels!
At Casinos by M&M, we offer authentic roulette and friendly dealers to provide step by step instruction on various better options. To learn more about booking a roulette table for your next party or fundraiser, call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.
Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!
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.
Casinos are a staple of good old-fashioned fun worldwide. Why? Because not only can you press your luck and double your money, but there are ample opportunities and tons of great games to help you do so! With so many game choices, there’s something for everyone – regardless of skill level, experience or personal preference. Here’s a list of the top 5 casino games that people love to play:
1. Blackjack – This classic casino game is often one of the first table games that beginners learn. It’s straight-forward rules and quick game-play make blackjack a much sought-after staple element for casinos and casino parties alike. Plus, its the only game in the casino where the player has better odds than the house!
2. Craps – It is said that this high-intensity casino favorite was originally invented over 1000 years ago in Arabia, making its first appearance in the United States in New Orleans. If you stand around any craps table, you’re bound to be sucked in by the contagious thrill of this dice-driven game.
3. Roulette – The best part of this game is that it’s completely up to chance, which makes it perfect for players of all experience-levels. Place your bet on your favorite number, your birthday, the last two digits of your license plate – whatever you choose – and let your fate be decided by the spin of a wheel!
4. Baccarat – This game is noted for having high payouts for winners, which makes it a great choice for the high-rollers in your family and out of your friends. The freedom to bet on multiple different aspects of gameplay make this one an obvious addition to the top 5!
5. Three-Card Poker – What’s a casino without a few poker tables? Of the many poker variations, 3-card is a classic and is one of the most popular. This is due in part to its simple structure and high probability of a good return on your chip investment!
At Casinos by M&M, we offer all of these game options and more! Our authentic tables are in pristine condition, and our friendly dealers are sure to be a hit. To learn more about booking our casino games for your next party or fundraiser, click here or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.
Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!
As internet capability and accessibility grows, so does the popularity of playing online poker. For the first time, poker players are able to bring the game right into their own homes, on their long car rides, and even into their workplaces! From online websites, to iPhone and Android phone applications, the game of poker seems to be everywhere. But, is this actually a good thing? We did a little bit of digging and came up with a list of pros and cons to playing online poker, in comparison to playing a real-life game in person. Here’s what we found:
Pros:
Cons:
At Casinos by M&M, we love the idea of bringing the game of poker right into your home, while still keeping the authenticity of real-life gameplay action. With our high-end poker tables and world-class dealers, we can turn any room in your home into an in-house casino! To learn more about how to book a poker table for your next casino party or friendly gathering, visit us on the web or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST today.
Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!
Blackjack, known to some as simply “twenty-one,” is one of the most popular card games in casinos nationwide. Why? The rules are simple and easy to understand and the gameplay is exciting! The best thing about blackjack? The casino odds are always less, which means the player has a better chance of taking home the pot!
Since Blackjack is so popular, you’re bound to encounter a game once in a while. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of Blackjack basics to get you started!
The Objective: The general goal of playing Blackjack is fairly simple. As the player, you want to acquire a hand that is closest in value to a total score of 21, which is the established hand of the dealer. However, you don’t want your hand’s value to exceed 21, or you’re out! Blackjack is unique in that you are actually playing to beat the dealer, rather than the other players at the table.
The Cards: The values of cards in Blackjack are broken down as follows:
In Blackjack, the suits of the cards hold no value, so a 5 of hearts and a 5 of clubs are both valued at 5 points each.
The Deal: After all players have placed their bets the dealer will deal two cards to each player and himself, making two passes over the table from left to right. The dealer then flips his first card so that the players can see. There are two variations of Blackjack, one where cards remain face up and untouched for all, and one where players can hold their cards or keep them face down. Remember that when handling cards it is proper etiquette to use only one hand and keep the cards over the table!
The Play: The dealer is required to flip his second card and reveal his starting hand to the players. As a player, you are able to choose whether to hit or stay on your turn, where the dealer must continue to draw cards on his turn until he reaches a hand value of 17.
The Win: If at any time the dealer or a player hits, causing their total value to exceed 21 they bust, which is an automatic loss. If the dealer busts then every player wins and collects. If no one busts and all have chosen to stay, the winner is decided based on who is closest to 21. So, what about a tie? In Blackjack, a tie is called a “push.” If a player and the dealer tie, the bet is a draw and no one either wins or loses. Chips bet can be left in play for the next round, or removed at the player’s discretion.
Blackjack was made popular during World War I, but it’s origins date back to the 1760s in France. A product of two existing famous French games called “chemin de fer” and ”French femme,” the Blackjack first referred to as Vingt-et-Un, which is French for 21. Today, Blackjack has become so widely played that you can bet that you’ll find it in every American gambling casino you visit.
Now that you’re a Blackjack pro, why not book a Blackjack table for your next gathering? Casinos by M&M offers Blackjack, and a wide assortment of other casinos games that come equipped with professional dealers! Visit our website or dial 1-800-358-9467. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
May is National Barbecue Month, and fittingly so! Why you ask? Because with May comes Memorial Day, which is the second largest grilling day of the year, topped only by the Fourth of July. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, 57 percent of Americans will fire up the barbie this year on May 25! Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to the start of summer and barbecue season, so why not nail it with a Memorial Day casino party?
Check out these top tips for throwing a Memorial Day casino party that your guest will love:
The Theme: In this case, a theme choice is easy: Memorial Day! Accessorize with patriotic pride. Purchase red, white and blue themed plates and silverware, and encourage your guests to show their stars and stripes. You may also choose to go with a military theme, in honor of our country’s heroes! Don’t forget to incorporate casino themed party favors as well. How about some red, white and blue dealer visors to keep your guests cool in the sun, and hot on the poker table!
The Guest List: One of the most important and influential aspects of any great party is the guest list. Who you choose to invite can have an impact on your planning process, especially if it means that little ones will be in attendance! Tap into your creative side and design invites that fit with your theme. Make sure to include the date, time and place, as well as any information you feel your guests should know. Add a spoiler alert to get them excited about the casino games they’ll be able to play. This is also a great place to ask about allergies or dietary restrictions.
The Menu: First, estimate your guest count and take into consideration any special dietary circumstances. You want to be sure that there is something for everyone! In the spirit of a Memorial Day, stick to traditional barbecue foods, but feel free to add a casino twist! Jazz up your topping choices with out-of-the-box condiments and avocado slices. Charcuterie boards, or meat and cheese platters, are an easy way to serve appetizers with class, and don’t forget to prepare a signature beverage!
The Entertainment: Next to the menu, the entertainment is arguably the most important part of the barbecue. Don’t let the party die down after your guests have finished eating. Keep the night going with some great games! A roulette table or money wheel is fun for guests of all ages. Make sure to choose game options that are in line with your guest list, so that everyone can have a turn!
We’re willing to bet that your Memorial Day barbecue will be a hit this year! Take a gamble on Casinos by M&M this Memorial Day. You won’t regret it! For more information visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST today. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for more party planning tips and tricks!
So, you’ve decided to host a casino party, which means it’s time to brush up on your poker skills! Follow these five basic poker strategy tips to help you beat the odds and take home the pot.
Tip 1: Know when to bow out. Not every hand must be played! If you’re dealt a bad hand, don’t be afraid to sit this one out. Playing more does not always mean winning more, and consistently playing on with a bad hand will cause you to run out of money quickly.
Tip 2: Master the bluff. Be careful when you bluff. Bluffing can make for a very interesting and fun game, when done correctly. Learn to capitalize on the art of bluffing, and a weak hand can take you far!
Tip 3: Let some chips go. Just because your money is in the pot, doesn’t mean you have to play on. Be willing to take a small loss; after all, you are gambling! Continuing to play on when you know you can’t win will only make you lose more money in the end. Be patient! A good hand will come along, and until then just wait for your time to shine.
Tip 4: Read other players and follow the leader. You should be watching your opponents and reading their actions and body language. This will help you to detect when they are bluffing and can increase your chances of stealing the pot. Once you have identified the strategies that your opponents are using, follow their lead and play the game to your advantage.
Tip 5: Change it up. Since you are watching your opponents, know that they are probably watching you as well. Don’t make the mistake of playing the same game each hand. Switch up your strategies to throw them off of your trail. You need to be able to adapt to your opponents and the different hands that you receive.
Still nervous about shaking off those poker cobwebs and getting back into the game? Casinos by M&M provides the best pit bosses in the industry! Our professional 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, visit our website or dial 1-800-358-9467. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
What’s more exciting than graduating? How about that moment when you risk all of your newly attained gift money on black… and hit! Why not up the ante, celebrate your important milestone with a casino party, and make your graduation party a night to remember.
At Casinos by M&M, we value the distinction of an authentic casino experience, offering a wide variety of games and party supplies to make your graduation party a win-win all around. With so much to choose from, we’ve compiled a short list of a few great options to help you jumpstart your party-planning.
Don’t “roulette” out! Choosing a roulette table is a great start to your casino party-planning. Since it is a game of purely chance and luck, even your most inexperienced gamblers can have a blast and play along.
Don’t forget the card game enthusiasts. A fast pace game of blackjack or a high energy poker table are sure to be a hit at any party! Our professional dealers and pit bosses are trained to assist players, providing step-by-step instruction to help everyone get involved in the game.
Play the part, or better yet, let us do it for you. What’s screams “exclusive Las Vegas casino” better than a crew of friendly cigar girls? Professional entertainers will arrive with trays of vintage treats to pass out to your all of guests.
Make some memories! In addition to games and performers, how about adding a photo booth so your guests can take home a piece of the action? We suggest setting up a table outside of your photo booth stocked with casino-related props to add to the photo-fun!
To learn more about us, visit our website or dial 1-800-358-9467. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
