Casino theme night ideas are plentiful, but are generally done as a mash-up of every casino-like idea done in the business.  Generally put together, it ends up being loud, and messy, and what ends up looking like a mix between a children’s birthday party with cards as the theme.

In my over 10 years worth of casino night experience, there have been only a handful of casino theme events that have stood out.  Below are some of those themes, and none of them involve balloons.

• The Present Day Las Vegas Experience
  Ironic I start with this one, I know, but most folks don’t get it right. There ‘s no Elvis in this one (which makes sense, since it’s a present day Las Vegas theme), but there are show girls in full feathered gear, large props everywhere including a photo station for those wanting to take a casino themed “at the table winning” pic, and a live DJ playing dance party music.  This is more geared to the 20 something set.
• Classic Las Vegas Experience
  This is when you pull out the Elvis cut out, throw on some Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra music, and have at it. The era would be 1960’s, edging back to the 50’s.  Many of those images you can find on Pinterest.  Show girls on the floor, some great black and white photos on the walls from classic Las Vegas days. Throw in some fedora party hats and you’ve got yourself a night out.
• Prohibition Era Experience
  Think of flappers, pin striped suits, gin runners, etc.  Part costume party, part casino party.  When I worked this gig, I have to admit, it was a lot of fun.   There was a lot of brandy, cigar girls in full costume offering themed items and small burlap money bags with thank you items as going away gifts.  Think of “The Great Gatsby“.
• James Bond Experience
  You need to watch Casino Royale to get my gist.  Basically upscale, Monte Carlo style casino event.  No large flashy images and it’s all about keeping it simple and classy with a black and white with a touch of red.  Invites call for tuxedos and cocktail dresses.  Ironically this is perhaps the easiest out of the group to throw, since it takes little prep, however with this party, location is key.  If you don’t have a blank canvas of a location, it will throw off the theme entirely.
• Harlequin/Alice In Wonderland Experience
  This theme can be used for both children as well as adult casino parties (yes, there are children casino parties, mainly bar mitzvah and bat mitzvahs).  For the adult version, use the 2010 Tim Burton version with Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter as your reference, and for children, use the Disney 1951 version.  Most of the image ideas are taken from Alice in Wonderland when she meets the Queen of Hearts, so basically cards, red and white roses, and of course, this means someone will have to walk around greeting the guest as The Queen of Hearts and other folks will be walking around in costume as well.  Which ones you choose will be up to you.
  
• Old West/Moulin Rouge Experience
  The Old West theme only works well for poker events, however with the Moulin Rouge element, you can make a good overall casino night event.  Fun wanted poster photo gallery, and party favors of chips, bars of gold and other paraphernalia that evokes the old west or the gold rush era are great with this theme.  Instead of showgirls, you have saloon women, a la Mae West, or dancing girls.  I’ve seen some burlesque touches on this  theme, which adds more of the Moulin Rouge element, but obviously, be mindful of the age group you’re catering to.

For more ideas, you can always head over to our pinterest page and check out some of the stuff we’ve found interesting.