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+!

The 10 Poker Hands You Need to Know

One of the most difficult things to grasp as a new or novice poker player is that the opportunities to win and the winning hand combinations are seemingly endless. With so many rules and an overabundance of cards, every single hand is completely different than the last. Luckily, while the actual card ranks can vary, there are only ten basic poker hands that can be made:

1. Royal Flush – If you’re holding an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 suited, you’re in luck! A royal flush is the best poker hand you can have, taking it’s “royal” name from the court cards that make up its majority.

2. Straight Flush – A step down from it’s royal superior, a straight flush includes any five cards, suited and in sequential order.

3. Four of a Kind – As its name suggests, this hand is made up of four cards of the same kind, one of each suit, and a fifth “kicker” card. Should two players have the same four of a kind, the player with the higher kicker wins the hand.

4. Full House – A mixture of three of a kind and a pair make up a full house. For example, having three aces and two kings would be considered “aces full of kings,” and is the highest full house hand possible.

5. Flush – Any five cards suited makes a flush, but while all five cards must share the same suit, they do not have to be in consecutive order. The highest card in the hand determines the flush’s rank.

6. Straight – The complete opposite of a flush, a straight must be consecutive but does not have to be suited. Again, the highest card in the straight determines the strength of the hand.

7. Three of a Kind – Similar to the higher ranking four of a kind hand, three of a kind consists of three cards of the same rank unsuited and any two others. The additional two cards do not have to be of equal rank or suit, but the higher they are the better.

8. Two Pair – If you’ve got two kings, two queens and a jack, that’s an example of a two pair. As long as you have two pairs of cards, each with matching rank, you’ve made the hand. The highest pair you’re holding will determine the strength of the hand.

9. One Pair – Just under the two pair is the one pair, consisting of only one pair of cards with matching rank and three additional cards. While this is usually not the winning hand, the higher the pair, the better!

10. High Card – When all else fails and your hand doesn’t fit any of the above requirements you’ve got a high card hand. If it comes down to it, the person with the highest ranking card wins the pot.

Now that you’ve got the basics down, 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 poker game variations with 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!

Interesting Facts About Playing Cards

Whether or not you’re an avid card player, chances are you’ve shuffled the deck at least once or twice in your lifetime. After all, playing cards is one of the most common American pastimes of all time! While you might know the basics – 52 cards, 4 suits, 1 joker – here are some interesting facts that you may not have heard about playing cards yet:

Fact #1: The United States Playing Card Company (USPC) is the number one producer of playing cards worldwide. Located in Cincinnati Ohio, USPC has been pumping out playing cards since 1867, producing more than 100 million decks each year.

Fact #2: The origins of playing cards dates back to the Orient in the 12th century when the Chinese decided to reinvent the game of dominoes with heavy cardstock.

Fact #3: The diamonds, hearts, spades and clubs that we know today originated as coins, cups, swords, and sticks, respectively, in the Middle East.

Fact #4: When the first French deck of cards came to be, each face card (king, queen, jack) represented specific historical figures. For example, the King of Hearts represented Charlemagne, diamonds was Julius Caesar, clubs was Alexander the Great, and the spades was King David from the Holy Bible.

Fact #5: Traditionally the Ace of Spades in every deck of cards is unique from the rest of the other aces. The distinction originated when the French decided to put a tax stamp on this card specifically to increase their profits from selling playing cards.

Fact #6: Since the Ace of Spades was the only card in the deck that carried a tax, many people tried to dodge the extra expense by buying a deck without that particular card. This is where the common phrase “he/she is not playing with a full deck” originated.

Fact #7: The tallest playing card tower was built in 1992 by Bryan Berg, earning him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Can you believe that there’s so much history behind such a simple game? At Casinos by M&M we pay homage to playing cards by using only the finest, regulation casino playing card decks. In fact, all of our casino party supplies – from chips and dice to gaming tables – are 100% authentic!

To learn about the casino games and party planning support we can provide, call 1-800-HAVE-A-BLAST, and don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.

When to Throw a Casino Party

So, you want to throw a casino party, but you’re not sure if the time is right. Lucily, casino parties are a great option for almost any occasion. If you’re planning an important milestone or fundraiser in the future, here are some of the best ways to incorporate some casino fun.

1. Birthday Party – Feeling lucky this year? Forget the cheesy birthday decorations and tired old ice cream cake routine and throw a casino birthday party that your friends and family will love. Whether you want to keep it simple with a poker table or two, or go all out with a large selection of games and slot machines, choosing to add some casino flair is sure-fire a birthday hit for all ages.

2. Bachelorette or Bachelor Party – Every bride and groom-to-be dreams of spending a wild weekend in Las Vegas for their last hurrah, but unfortunately not everyone can afford the time and money it costs to do so. That’s where we come in! A casino party can bring all of the authenticity and excitement of Las Vegas to your very own living room or preferred local venue.

3. Retirement Party – Wish your co-workers the best of luck in their retirement, starting with a lucky poker hand at a casino party. Office luncheons and dinners are a dime-a-dozen, but casino retirement parties provide excitement, laughter and memories to last a lifetime.

4. Fundraiser – We can’t think of a better way to keep your guests donating all night long! With a casino party fundraiser, your event will be a win-win: You can hit and hopefully exceed your fundraising goals, while your guest press their luck for a chance at winning great prizes for a good cause.

5. Wedding – When it comes to planning a memorable wedding, the number one factor is entertainment. Surprise your guests with a unique casino vibe, equipped with slot machines, blackjack, roulette and more! You can even personalize your fun-money to match the occasion.

At Casinos by M&M we have casino games to suit each and every one of your guests, and our experienced dealers are trained to provide step-by-step instruction for those willing to challenge themselves and try something new.

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, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter for the latest in gaming tips and trends!