I have an addiction

ok before anyone gets too worried, it is NOT one of those addictions that are serious nor require medications, support groups or a ten step process,  I wont be invited on the Dr. Phil, Oprah or Jerry Springer shows either.

Now that I have set that record straight, my addiction is Raspberry Milano.  Ok, one more clarification.  It is NOT an infatuation with the one and only Alyssa Milano wearing a raspberry robe, though I could very easily be persuaded to be addicted to her.  That would certainly be a more healthy addiction than the one I am about to confess to but she may not agree.

My (newest) addiction is one of the cookie sort, more accurately a Pepperidge Farm cookie called the Raspberry Milano.  If you have not tried these, dont ! You too will become addicted very quickly.  So I warn you - do not even try them ! 

The package begs us to "indulge in a little raspberry romance . . . " and continues to tell us to "embrace decadent cravings. Reward yourself. Open . . .Taste . . .Delight"

With a package so enticing it is no wonder that I have this addiction. 

If you care to help me with my issue, go buy a package; at least then there will be one less for me to consume.  If you dont care to help, leave them on the groceries shelves, I will be around your neighborhood soon enough to but them all and stock my entire home. 

If neither of those options appeal to you, just let Alyssa know.  She might be the only cure to my addiction.

the Roaring 20's

The age of glamour, jazz, speakeasy's, fashion, crime and sometimes known as the Golden Twenties is a perfect theme for a Casino Night .

Last night event was a Roaring success. All of the guests dressed to the "nine's"; ladies in flapper attire, guys as gangsters, entertainers and bootleggers.  The music was a mix of era's which added to the wonderful atmosphere and the four gaming tables (Craps, two blackjack and a three card poker) were busy all night.   
 
The organization had a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, several "winners" in the casino and a live auction with included an 8 foot gorgeous billiard table and a week in a mountain cabin in North Carolina.  This Brandon Parrish (who wish to remain anonymous) raised more money than ever expected, had more fun than most had had in years and have committed to doing this again next year.

So, when it comes to your next event, think about a Casino Night Theme and the Roaring Twenties; everyone will enjoy ! 

Where, when, how it all started

The question most people ask me is "How did I get started dealing" ? The short answer is that I took a Blackjack class a couple of years ago at a school called The East Coast Gaming Institute in Tampa Florida.

I have always been good with numbers, have done my fair share of gambling and thought this would be a "fun" class to take.

The class was fun but also hard work. Six weeks and 120 hours of cutting cheques (pronounced checks though non casino people call them chips), "sizing in", shuffling cards "the right way", walking my game, using my left and right hands "correctly" and calculating the most unusual payoffs for blackjack; I graduated tops in my class. Ok, yes there were only four of us, so stop laughing.

From there I was invited to take the most challenging of classes; CRAPS ! That class was brutal ! Fourteen of us started the class and only five graduated, including me. That will be another story for another time.

During the gap from ending Blackjack and beginning Craps, I was taught how to deal Texas Hold'em by a former WSOP (World Series of Poker) dealer; for both tournamnet and "cash" style games. Along the way, a Blackjack tournament was introduced and now that is my new favorite.

I shall discuss the merits of a Blackjack tournament for your next event in a subsequent post as well.

So, with my official state license in hand, many years of organizing and planning events such as a the Checker Challenge, BG Days in Buffalo Grove Illinois, numerous fundraisers for the United Way and Rotary International and so many birthday parties for my daughter I decided to merge all my talents and join forces with CASINO NIGHTS

Casino Nights has been around for about 20 years in providing the gulf coast of Florida with the most FUN in Las Vegas style events. We also have in our arsenal the largest selection of video and pinball games, air hockey and foosball tables, including over fifty gaming tables to maximize your fund-raising efforts.

So, that is my story and here I am. The next party you consider, make it a CASINO NIGHTS event.

Welcome to Casino Nights

This blog will be your ongoing resource guide in how to put on a Casino Nights party or Las Vegas style FUN night. We are located in Southwest Florida (just south of Tampa Bay) with over 50 table games; including all your favorites from blackjack, roulette, Texas Hold'em, three card poker, Let it Ride and our specialty craps.

We also have the largest selection of video games, pinball games, foos ball, air hockey, ping pong and billiard tables for your event rental as well.

Throughout our posts we will continually provide you with insight in how to MAXIMIZE your profits for your organization or simply have the MOST FUN for your friends or work associates as you plan your next event.

The professional dealers associated with CASINO NIGHTS will also give you pointers on how to play your favorite table game with a better chance of losing less (or optimistically speaking, winning more) when you actually do travel to a "real" casino.

We at CASINO NIGHTS will be your resource for everything related to having FUN at a gaming table and help you plan your next successful Las Vegas style evening.

Whether it be with "funny money" at a local tournament, fund-raising event, a corporate outing or holiday party and even when you adventure on to your next gambling vacation, we at CASINO NIGHTS are committed to helping you have more FUN.