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+!
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!
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+!
Prom may be the most important night of your high school experience. That’s why it’s so important that you choose the right theme and hire the best in entertainment! Follow these tips for a one-of-a-kind casino-themed prom:
1. Create a consistent theme
If you’re going to throw a themed party, you’d better go all out. Consider everything from decorations to desserts! We love this Pinterest board, which covers all the basics for creating a casino-themed prom.
2. Hire the best in casino gaming
Casinos by M&M has been serving satisfied customers since 1984. For the best in the business, choose us! We are here to make sure your casino-themed prom starts on time, is stress free and is as fun and entertaining as possible.
3. Give away prizes
Instead of giving away favors at the end of the night, hand out prizes throughout your event! Stick with a casino theme here — poker sets, decks of cards, or even fuzzy dice for the car.
Follow these tips, and your casino-themed prom will be a massive success. Casinos by M&M will take care of the entire casino portion of the event. You’re going to fall in love with our deluxe, custom-made tables and charismatic, professional dealers!
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+ for tips on all things casino gaming!
We cat Casinos by M&M are proud of our testimonials. Our clients have had such nice things to say about us and our exceptional service!
The Casinos by M&M team leaves the host free to concentrate on other aspects of his or her party. It’s a simple philosophy that has made us the most sought-after casino party company!
We are here to make sure your event starts on time and is as fun and entertaining as possible. Below are a few representative quotes from satisfied Casinos by M&M customers:
My phone has not stopped ringing with people telling me it was the absolute best party they ever attended. I cannot begin to thank you for the amazing job your staff did. Go M&M!
-J. Lorio, Surprise 40th Birthday
Enough cannot be said about your staff… They were efficient, courteous, helpful and most important, nice. Everything was better than we could have hoped for. Thank you M&M!
-E. Levine, Zachary’s Bar Mitzvah
My parents’ phone has been ringing off the hook with everyone calling to say what a great time they had. So many people told us that it was truly one of the best parties they had ever been to. You have no idea how incredible it was to see my father enjoying himself so much along with so many of friends and family. I can’t thank you and your wonderful staff enough for helping to make their party so memorable.
-Ivy Pearson, 60th Birthday
Have a testimonial to add to our collection? Please contact Casinos by M&M here. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!
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.
Casino events are the newest, coolest way to have real Las Vegas casino action right at your fingertips. Are you considering planning a casino-themed fundraiser, corporate event or birthday party? Then you’ve come to the right place. Here are the steps to booking a casino party:
1. Form a committee
Put together a team of individuals to help you plan your casino party. There are many aspects you’ll have to consider, and it may very well be too much for just one person!
2. Choose Casinos by M&M
Your casino party is an important event to you, your family and your friends. Who you choose to entertain your guests reflects upon you. We will make you shine and make your party a huge success!
3. Meet with us
We’ll meet with you and your committee to plan the casino portion of your event. We will help you determine how much equipment is needed, find great ways to bring in money through donations, and maximize the potential of your event!
4. Choose a theme
If you’re throwing a birthday party of Fourth of July party, then you’ve already got a theme figured out. But if you’re planning a corporate party, Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or a team-building event, you can have fun with a theme. Call us for ideas!
To learn more about the steps for booking a casino party, give Casinos by M&M a call at 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST. Our business is to make your party a great time! Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook, Google+and Twitter for more tips.
