How to Host a Casino Night Party: Timeline, Supplies, and Ideas

Short answer: Hosting a casino night takes about 4 hours of event time plus 2-3 hours of setup. Rent 2-4 casino tables from a local party rental company, set a “Casino Chic” dress code, create a dedicated photo zone with props, and serve themed bites and cocktails with playful names. The key is creating an elevated atmosphere without going overboard on cheesy decorations.

• Rent blackjack, poker, and roulette tables from local casino party vendors
• Use a modern color palette: black, emerald, deep red, and gold accents
• Set up a photo zone with a neon sign and QR code for easy photo sharing
• Serve “High Roller Sliders” and “Blackjack Old Fashioneds” for themed flair
• Keep the dress code approachable: “Casino Chic” works for most crowds

Who This Is For (and Not For)

This guide is perfect for:

• Hosts planning milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or retirement parties
• Corporate teams organizing a fun team-building event
• Anyone who wants a themed party that feels elevated, not costume-y

This might not be for you if:

• You want an ultra-casual backyard hangout (casino nights need some setup)
• Your budget is under $200 (table rentals alone typically start around $150-250)

Your Casino Night Timeline

A typical casino night runs 3.5-4 hours. Here’s how to structure it:

3-5 p.m. (Setup) Delivery and setup of casino tables, photo zone, bar, and food stations. Test your music playlist and set up a QR code for guest photo uploads using Gather Shot , a photo sharing platform for events that lets guests upload directly from their phones.

7:00-7:30 p.m. (Arrival) Greet guests with welcome drinks and hand out starting chips or play money. Keep the photo zone open so early arrivals can start snapping.

7:30-9:30 p.m. (Peak Gaming) Tables are in full swing. Food is served as stations or passed bites. Consider announcing a mid-event “power hour” bonus at certain tables.

9:30-10:15 p.m. (Final Bets) Last call for gaming. Guests trade chips for raffle tickets. Gather everyone for a group photo.

10:15-11:00 p.m. (Wind-Down) Announce winners and prizes. Switch to relaxed music and encourage final photos before cleanup.

Essential Supplies for Casino Games

You don’t need a full Vegas floor. Focus on 2-4 tables that create the right atmosphere.

Core game setup:

• Blackjack and poker tables (rent or use felt tablecloths over folding tables)
• Casino chip set with clear denominations
• Multiple decks of quality playing cards
• Roulette wheel if budget allows (these are show-stoppers)
• Small tabletop signs with game names and simple rules

People: Rental companies often include dealers, which is worth the cost. If you’re going DIY, recruit friends and give them a quick rules cheat-sheet.

Where to Rent Tables and Decorations

Search “casino party rentals” plus your city. Most vendors offer package deals with 3-5 tables, dealers, delivery, setup, and teardown.

For decor: Local event rental houses carry LED neon signs, uplights, backdrops, and prop kits. Many now offer AI photo booths or 360 video booths that turn guests into glamorous Vegas movie stars.

Budget approach: Rent just the tables, then DIY decorations with online purchases and a smartphone photo station.

Venue: Home vs. Rented Space

At home works well for 10-40 guests. It’s the lowest cost option with the most flexibility. Move bulky furniture to create a clear gaming zone, and consider renting cocktail tables to elevate the look.

Rented spaces like boutique event venues, lofts, or hotel rooftops work better for larger groups or corporate events. When booking, ask specifically: “Are casino tables and photo booths allowed?” and “Where can we set up a photo zone?”

What to Wear: The “Casino Chic” Dress Code

The 2026 trend is elevated but comfortable. Skip the costume-shop vibes.

How to phrase it on the invite:

“Dress code: Casino Chic. Think modern Vegas lounge, not costume shop. Metallic accents, sharp tailoring, and comfortable shoes welcome.”

For women: Sleek midi dresses, tailored jumpsuits, or metallic tops with black trousers.

For men: Slim-fit trousers or dark denim, dress shirts or knit polos, optional blazer.

For everyone: Encourage gender-fluid styling and mention that comfortable shoes are smart since there’s lots of standing at tables.

Photo Zone Ideas with Props

Create one or two intentional photo setups rather than scattering props everywhere.

The “High Roller Wall” Use a black or emerald fabric backdrop with a neon sign that says “High Roller Lounge” or your event name. Add a few large dice or stacked chip props for scale. Place two softbox lights or LED panels for flattering photos.

Set up a QR code that links directly to your Gather Shot album so guests can upload their favorite moments instantly . No app downloads, no group chat chaos.

Quality props that guests actually want:

• Acrylic “High Roller” and “Lady Luck” word signs
• Oversized playing cards
• Velvet poker chip clutches
• Sequin jackets or shawls for photos

Store everything in a small rolling bar cart so it feels intentional, not cluttered.

Themed Food and Drink Ideas

Keep the menu familiar, just rebrand with playful names.

Savory bites:

• “High Roller Sliders” (gourmet mini burgers)
• “Jackpot Nacho Stacks” (individual nacho cups)
• “All-In Antipasto Board” (charcuterie spread)
• “Lady Luck Flatbreads” (shareable flatbreads)

Desserts:

• “Royal Flush Brownie Bites” (with card-suit decorations)
• “Roll-the-Dice Rice Krispie Treats” (cube-shaped)
• “Black & Red Velvet Mini Cakes”

Drinks:

• “Blackjack Old Fashioned” (classic with a black cherry)
• “Lady Luck Lemonade” (spiked or zero-proof)
• “House Martini” (your signature twist)
• “Zero-Proof High Roller” (soda, ginger, lime, bitters)

Use simple menu cards with names and ingredients so guests feel like they’re ordering from a casino bar.

Summary and Next Steps

A successful casino night comes down to a few key elements: rented tables that create authentic gameplay, a photo zone guests actually want to use, and themed touches that feel elevated rather than tacky.

Set up a Gather Shot album before your event so guests can upload photos throughout the night. You’ll end up with a complete collection of the evening without chasing down photos in group chats afterward.

Ready to start planning? Create your free Gather Shot event and print your QR code to display at the photo zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent casino tables? Expect $150-300 per table, with package deals for multiple tables. Dealers typically add $50-100 per hour each.

How many tables do I need? For 20-40 guests, 2-3 tables work well. For 40-80 guests, aim for 4-5 tables so there’s no long wait to play.

Can I host a casino night without gambling for real money? Yes, and you should. Use play money or chips that guests trade for raffle tickets at the end. Check local regulations if you’re unsure.

What if I don’t have room for full-size tables? Rent smaller cocktail-height tables or use felt tablecloths over folding tables. Focus on blackjack and poker, which need less space than roulette or craps.

How do I collect all the photos guests take? Set up a Gather Shot QR code at your photo zone. Guests scan it and upload directly from their phones. No app required, and you get all the photos in one place.