5 Poker Party Planning Tips

What’s better than a poker night with your closest friends and family? Throwing your own poker party is an exciting and affordable way to bring the gang together for a night of fun for all. However, in order for things to run smoothly there are a few party planning tips you’ll need to know.

1. Choose your guest list wisely. When it comes to picking a poker pack, the right chemistry can make all the difference. Things can get pretty heated during a poker game, so it’s important to make sure that all parties are good sports that can play nice with one another!

2. Set a reasonable date. Do your best to choose a day and time that works best for all. Take into account your guests’ work schedules and try to steer clear of days that might already be pre-booked. Once you’ve decided on your date, let your guests know as soon as possible.

3. Have an authentic setup. You’ll need at least two full decks of cards and a set of regulation poker chips for smooth game play. In addition, it’s important to have a good table setup. Round tables work best, but if you can get your hands on a regulation poker table, all the better!

4. Have plenty of safe refreshments. Chips and dip are a classic, but it couldn’t hurt to try to go for foods that can be eaten without messing fingers. No one wants to be dealt a hand covered in cheese doodle remains! As for beverages, what’s a poker party without a few cold ones in the fridge?

5. Lay down the law. Because poker is so widely played in many different variations, your card shark friends can very well all have their own way of playing. To avoid unnecessary arguments, set the rules out on the table before game play begins.

So, now that you’ve got the basics down do you think you’re ready to start planning your own poker night? If so, Casinos by M&M offers a wide variety of poker game variations with professional dealers and authentic casino-grade tables to match!

To learn more about the services and poker games we can provide, click here to view 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!

Top 5 Poker Movies of All Time

Playing poker has become such a staple in the entertainment industry that it’s even made its way onto the big screen! Not only has the game been featured or mentioned in many movies, but there have been several films specifically centered around the poker and casino culture as a whole. With the holidays approaching, you may have some time to kick back, relax and revisit some of your favorite Netflix classics.

If you need help choosing a flick, look no further! We’ve searched high and low to bring you the top 5 poker movies of all time, and here they are:

5. The Grand – Get ready to laugh until it hurts with this 2007 improvisational comedy. Watch as some of your favorite comedic figures interact with some of the pros and in a completely unscripted poker tournament at the Golden Nugget.

4. The Cincinnati Kid – Everyone loves a good underdog story, and this 1965 classic certainly delivers.  Watch as an up-and-coming poker player goes up against a well-established professional. Can you guess how the tables will turn?

3. Maverick – This comedic western brings the talent of Mel Gibson, the grace of Jodie Foster and the 1950s television show which shares its name to life on the big screen. Watch as these established con artists try to trick their way through the poker system.

2. Rounders – Mike McDermott, played by Matt Damon, was a reformed and recovering gambler — but not for long! When he finds his long time friend caught up in a whirlwind of debt and loan shark dues his only option is to return to the high stakes poker tables!

1. Casino Royale – Who doesn’t enjoy a good old fashioned James Bond flick? We sure do, especially when it involves high stakes poker and deadly weapons. Talk about action!

Has all this poker talk and poker movie watching got you in the mood to have a poker party of your own? If so, Casinos by M&M is here to help, providing only the most authentic tables and most knowledgeable dealers in the industry.

To learn how we can make your next poker night or casino party a success, click here to visit us on the web or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST to speak with one of our owners directly today!

4 Common Variations of Blackjack

While you may be familiar with traditional Blackjack, referred to by many avid players as simply “Twenty-One,” did you know that there are actually several different ways to play the game? Each variation takes it’s own spin on the original, swaying the odds in different directions and increasing the excitement of Blackjack in its own way. Here are 4 of the most commonly played Blackjack variations for you to become familiar with before your casino party.

Blackjack Switch: This type of Blackjack is more like an addition rather than a variation. All of the traditional rules of Blackjack apply, but an additional side-bet is made as well. Each player can bet on his or her individual hand, winning if their hand contains either a pair, 3 of a kind or 4 of a kind.

Face-Up 21: As its name denotes, this Blackjack variation requires the dealer to play with his or her cards face-up. Since players can now see exactly what they’re up against they are able to make a more well informed decision about whether to hit or stay, giving them an advantage.

Spanish 21: When you play this type of poker, you’ll never be playing with a full deck — and we’re not just talking about your wild betting antics! In Spanish 21 you play with a 48 card deck instead of the standard 52. The 10’s are removed which reduces the opportunity for a player to hit 21, increasing the odds in the house’s favor.

Pontoon: Created by the British, Pontoon is a simpler, more family-friendly version of traditional Blackjack. While the goal of hitting 21 is still the same, the rules have been simplified a bit to make playing at home more easily accessible.

No matter which way you choose to play, Casinos by M&M has the perfect authentic Blackjack tables to liven up the party and bring your guests to their feet in excitement. In addition to Blackjack, we offer a wide assortment of other casinos classics that all come equipped with professional and friendly dealers!

For more information, visit our website or dial 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Unique Casino Themed Gift Ideas

The holiday season is here, and we bet you’ve been wondering what to get the casino-lovers in your life. Well, look no further! Here’s a complete, yet simple gift guide to help you find the perfect present for everyone on your side of the craps table this season:

The basics. There’s nothing a dedicated gamer appreciates more than a fresh deck of cards and a set of casino-grade poker chips. Whether you choose to go classic or upgrade to a longer-lasting material, sticking to the basics is a surefire way to stuff a high-stakes stocking.

The tables. If you’re looking to up the ante a bit, why not purchase an authentic gaming table for your casino-fanatic loved one? After all, who wouldn’t want their own poker or roulette table to bust out for a night of gambling with friends?

The tools. Gift your gamblers with a little bit of knowledge from some of the top gaming books in the industry. That way, they can spend their off time brushing up on their game!

The party. If you really want to impress them, we suggest throwing them a casino party or poker night from Casinos by M&M! We’ve got a wide variety of slot machines and table games to delight casino-lovers of all pastimes.

To learn more about our casino games and entertainment options click here to visit our website or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST to speak with one of our owners today! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!

Casino Game Odds – The Best & Worst

Are you planning to hit the casino over the long holiday weekend? If so, we’re sure you’ll want to know which games to bet big on and which to skip altogether. Here are a few of casino games that we found to have the best odds, and those that have historically had the worst.

These casino games offer the best odds for winning big:

• Roulette – The ultimate game of chance — with (nearly) 50/50 odds! While betting on specific numbers is a little trickier, sticking to the simple “red or black” betting strategy gives the player almost a 50/50 shot at beating the house.
• Blackjack – This game is up there on the list thanks to its simplicity: Easy-to-follow rules and only one opponent, the dealer. While mastering counting cards can be a beneficial, but sneaky strategy, even without this skill the odds of winning are still more than 50%.
• Craps – Placing a single bet in craps will not yield such high odds, but layering your bets will. A player has the option to place up to 10 different bets on the same number, giving them more opportunities to win.

With these casino games, you’re better off betting small, or not at all:

• Slot Machines – While they may be flashy and fun, the odds of hitting the jackpot on your favorite slot machine are slim. If you’re dead set on playing slots, your best odds are betting the max on the most expensive slots on the casino floor. The lower the minimum bet required, the worse the odds of winning become.
• Keno – It has been said that for every one game a player wins in Keno, they’ll lose more than two after. This has historically been the game with the absolute worst odds for the player and the best odds for the dealer!

Now that you know which casino games to gamble on and which to leave alone, how about trying your luck at your own casino party before hitting the big leagues? At Casinos by M&M we offer a wide variety of casino games with authentic casino-grade tables to match!

To learn more about the services and games we can provide, click here to view 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!

 

 

#FactFriday: Slot Machines – Fact v. Fiction

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+!

How to Be a Better Poker Player

Do you love playing poker, but wish you could win a bit more than you lose? Here are a few simple tips to help you improve your poker skills and take home the pot!

Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to fold. Playing every hand isn’t always best. In fact, it’s a common misconception that the more hands you play the better your odds. This is false and in actuality, failing to fold on bad hands will actually decrease your odds and make you lose more.

Tip #2: Keep your composure. It’s easy to toss back a few too many while sitting around the table with some buddies for a poker night, or even whilst playing in a casino, but that extra beer or martini can cost you. Poker is a real “thinking game” which means your head must be clear at all times!

Tip #3: Hold the bluffs. While bluffing can be a very effective technique, it’s important to know when to bluff and when to fold. In order to successfully bluff, the situation must be perfect and you must be able to read your opponents perfectly.

Tip #4: Don’t let emotions get in the way. Playing poker when you’re mad, sad or in an overall bad mood can be detrimental to your money pile. Letting your emotions get the best of you can cause you to make bad or rash judgement calls.

Tip #5: Pay attention! Make sure you’re keeping track of the cards that have been dealt and the moves that your opponents are making. Even after you fold, it’s important to continue to pay attention in order to understand and read your opponents for upcoming hands.

Do you have any great poker advice for fellow players? We’d love to hear all about it on our Facebook page!

When it comes to playing poker practice makes perfect, so why not practice with your friends and family at a casino party or poker night thrown by Casinos by M&M? We’ve got a wide variety of poker variations with authentic tables to match.

To learn more about our available games and services, click here or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST.

We’re Live on YouTube!

At Casinos by M&M, we know how important it is for our customers to throw a unique and memorable party that their guests will be talking about for years to come That’s why we pride ourselves on supplying the best DJs, party goods, dancers, party games, and just about anything you need to wow your guests! Casino parties are our specialty and we provide authentic casino tables and equipment, and professional dealers who will not only run your tables but interact with your guests in an irresistible way.

Locally owned and operated by the two M&M Twins – Michael and Marco – Casinos by M&M has fast become a leader in the casino party and entertainment industry on Long Island, in Queens and in the surrounding areas. We know that a great reputation is built on integrity which is why we always put our customers needs first, and have been doing so for more than 25 years.

No matter what type of party or gathering you’re looking to plan, our professional party planners and wide selection of entertainment options are guaranteed to exceed your expectations.

To learn more about Casinos by M&M and available party games and services, check out our brand new animated video from our YouTube channel below!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTad73DxJuA]

If you have additional inquiries about our services or would like to book a party, check out our website or call us at 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST!

If you live on Long Island, in Queens or the surrounding areas and are looking for unique, reliable and quality entertainment for your next party or fundraiser, Casinos by M&M is the obvious choice!

#TipTuesday! – The Do’s and Don’ts of Casino Etiquette

While going to the casino is all about having fun, winning money and making memories, it’s important to be careful not to take photos with friends near gambling areas. While it may be tempting to snap a shot of your best friend’s face when he or she hits it big, flash photography is severely frowned upon in casinos and can even get you kicked out of the establishment. This is due to the strict security measures that are taken to ensure that gambling patrons are not cheating.

If you’re headed to the casino soon, here are a few more etiquette do’s and don’ts that you’ll need to be aware of:

• Don’t hand your money directly to the dealer. They are not allowed to take money straight out of your hands for security reasons.
• Do place your bet on the table in front of you so the dealer can count it on the table for the security cameras before they pick it up.
• Don’t hold your cards with two hands and don’t remove them from the table. This rule helps prevent players from any unfair slides of the hand.
• Do hold your cards in one hand in plain sight and leave any face down deals right on the table so the dealer can be sure you’re not cheating.
• Don’t touch your chips or try to change your bet once the cards have been dealt. The dealer will call “all bets,” signalling your last chance to place a wager.
• Do make sure to bet before the dealer calls. This ensures that you cannot cheat and change your bet if the odds begin to show in your favor.
• Don’t say your decision out loud, but do signal it instead. Just like the money on the table rule, the casino’s security cameras need to be able to view and review your decision to stay, fold, hit, raise, etc., in case of discrepancies.
• Do remember to tip your dealers, as they usually work on a minimum wage salary and make most of their money on tips. While tipping after every hand isn’t necessary, tipping after a big win or after a few wins in a row is greatly appreciated.
• Do feel comfortable asking a dealer for help or their opinion. Like we stated above, dealers work for tips, and without winners those tips don’t exist! A great dealer roots for the players and is usually happy to give their professional opinion if you’re unsure.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, we think you’re ready to test your skills at your own casino party with Casinos by M&M before hitting the big leagues!

To learn more about the services and games we can provide, click here to view our website or call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!

What is the Blackjack Hall of Fame?

While there are a wide variety of well-known sports commemoration sites, many people are not aware that the card gaming industry has a special hall to celebrate its greats as well. In fact, the Blackjack Hall of Fame is the only shrine in the gaming industry that pays tribute to some of the most skilled and successful blackjack professionals of all time.

In 2002, the Barona Casino in San Diego agreed to be the site of celebration for blackjack players worldwide. Convinced by Max Rubin, a highly regarded blackjack player and professional commentator, the Barona Casino agreed to house a blackjack museum. The museum’s purpose was to commemorate the history of blackjack, complete with a wide assortment of blackjack paraphernalia, gaming memorabilia and the world’s largest collection of antique devices from various different gaming eras.

In addition to the newly created museum, the casino agreed to hang photos of the members of the future Blackjack Hall of Fame, promising free rooms, food and drinks to all inductees. The catch however, was that while hall-of-famers were welcome to stay at the Barona Casino free of charge, they were asked to never play on any of the casino tables during their visit.

Once the museum had been established and the stipulations were agreed upon, 21 of the most notable blackjack players, authors, and experts in the industry were nominated for induction. Of those, the public voted 7 to the top, establishing the inaugural Hall of Fame Class of 2002. Beginning in 2006, each year one new member is inducted into the hall at the discretion of the current hall-of-famers.

Are you one of the next blackjack greats? Book a blackjack table for your next gathering and try your luck with Casinos by M&M! We offer a wide assortment slot machines and casinos games that come equipped with professional, friendly dealers.

Visit our website or dial 1-800-358-9467 to learn more, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!