No party is complete without fun games, and casino classics are a current favourite. From 2023 to 2024, 48% of UK adults played card or casino games weekly. Poker, roulette, and bingo make great party options, or you can go all out with a casino-themed event. In this article, we’ll explore the best games to get everyone involved.
Bingo
We’re kicking off the list with bingo, a versatile game that gets everyone involved. Forget the bingo hall stereotype – this is the kind of game that has guests shouting “full house!” with excitement. Hosts can go classic with a physical setup, complete with bingo balls and a number machine, or add a fun twist by customising bingo cards with phrases that get everyone laughing.
Online bingo offers even more variety, from themed games like The Office bingo to ice-breaker versions using fun facts instead of numbers. Many platforms let hosts fully customise their games, choosing formats, creating unique cards, tailoring graphics, and even adding leaderboards.
For an even more immersive experience, live online bingo with real callers (sometimes even celebrities!) brings the energy of a real event right to the party.
Poker
A poker party is a great way to lean into the casino theme, with decks, chips, and tables adding to the atmosphere. Poker is party-friendly, appealing to both beginners and seasoned players thanks to its simple rules and various game styles.
Players are dealt five cards and wager based on the strength of their hand, such as sets or runs, with the goal of forming the best hand, like a full house. Strategy and bluffing add excitement, as players can fold, call, check, or raise. To keep things light, consider playing without real stakes while guests learn the ropes.
For a hassle-free setup, online poker is a great alternative. Hosts can keep it party-friendly by joining the same virtual table or opting for live poker with a real dealer via live stream. Many platforms also offer group features and personalised tournaments so guests can play together.
To find the best providers with these options, CasinoDetective is the UK’s most popular comparison site. It simplifies party planning by highlighting top poker sites with expert reviews and the best offers, including deposit bonuses and cashback. With tools like this, it’s easy to find a platform that lets you set up a personalised tournament for your guests.
Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the best options for all guests at a party because of the simplicity of the rules and objectives. The basic principle is to get as close to 21 (blackjack) as possible without going over.
Players place a starting bet before two cards are dealt to them face-up. One card is dealt to the dealer face-down and another face-up. Players may have a natural blackjack of a ten and an ace, for example, or may have to decide whether to take another card to get closer to 21.
The dealer has to ‘stand’ (not take another card) if the value of their cards is over 16. The winner is the player who gets the closest to 21.
Blackjack can make a thrilling game, with the tension of going bust balanced with the possibility of getting a blackjack. As it’s usually played with two to seven players, blackjack is also very party-friendly.
Hosts can organise different tables for parties over seven and create league tables across the party. Blackjack can also be played online, with up to five players allowed at a virtual table at any time.
Online progressive jackpot blackjack raises the stakes by allowing players to make a side bet on specific combinations of cards to appear. The jackpot increases after each bet, with any players who predict the correct combination getting a share.
Progressive jackpot blackjack can be party-friendly as players are engaged by which cards come up, even when it’s not their turn. To make sure guests get to play together, hosts can explore the multiplayer or live dealer options offered by many providers.
Roulette
Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games and is perfect for a party. Hosts can use their own wheels and roulette layout to create their very own mini-casino. Roulette is also one of the simplest casino games as it requires less strategy than other options.
Players can bet on several options, including what number the ball will land on, whether it will be odd or even, and whether it will land on black or red. There are other popular options for bets, such as ‘dozen’, which involves players choosing six numbers together for the ball to land on.
At parties, the host can be the croupier, the person who spins the wheel, and guests can place wagers on where they think the ball will land. Online options, such as live roulette, allow everyone at the party to get involved in the gameplay. Guests can still make all the same bets, but a live croupier will spin the wheel in the place of the host.
Live roulette is a great option for groups as it allows players to be at the same table and interact via chat functions. Online roulette doesn’t allow guests to work as a group, which can foster a good deal of healthy competition.
Craps
The final option on our list is the classic casino dice game craps. While it may initially seem a slightly more complicated option due to the number of possible bets, craps can be incredibly fun for guests once they get a basic understanding.
In craps, two dice are rolled to give the ‘point’ and the aim is for players to roll the same number again before a seven is rolled. If a player doesn’t roll the point, the dice pass to the next player on the table, making craps a great fast-moving option for groups.
Online craps uses the same basic principles, but a random number generator decides the roll of the dice. Playing craps online can be a great option when guests are getting used to the strategy of the game as it’s possible to play for free. Hosts are also able to set up their own table online for guests to play this fast-paced casino game.
What Games are Best for a Party?
Casino games can be fantastic fun at a party, with a great variety available and options for all players. Games like poker and craps require a little more strategy and knowledge than other casino games but can be an excellent choice for those looking to give their party a competitive edge.
Bingo and blackjack are some of the simpler casino games, and through enhancements like live dealers and progressive jackpots, they can be enjoyed by all players. Live dealer and online games also allow all players, including the host, to get involved. Overall, casino games can be terrific options for parties and bring a competitive, interactive spirit to the event.