The Ultimate Guide to Playing Casino Games at Home
At PokerNews, we obviously spend most of our time writing about the joys of playing casino games and slots at online casinos.
But what about playing casino games at home?
If you’re intrigued then the good news is, it’s not as difficult to play games at home as you might think. All you need is a few friends who are ‘game’ to try, and a few select bits of equipment.
Welcome then to the PokerNews Guide to Casino Games at Home!
Why Play Casino Games at Home?
With so many games available online, it may seem odd to choose to set up a home game. Well just like playing in a bricks & mortar casino, choosing to play at home with friends has many benefits that make it a good option, even if you’re not playing regularly.
For one thing, you’ll find that playing in person with friends offers a lot of humor, and community, and aids mental wellbeing in a way that may not be possible with online games. Despite the fact that players couldn’t meet face to face, this is something we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic with players stuck at home opting to set up games with friends over networking software like Zoom.
It's also a great way to learn how to play specific casino games, or test your chosen strategy, without necessarily risking any cash (depending on how you play with friends!) if you play with beginners, you can all learn together before deciding to play more serious games, either online or in person at a casino.
Setting Up Your Home Casino
Turning your own space into a dazzling home casino night experience requires careful planning. But let’s be clear – we’re not talking about something akin to the casino run by Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell in 2017 madcap comedy, The House. This is strictly casual playing between friends.
Here are three key areas to focus on:
Finding the Perfect Venue
The foundation of your home casino lies in choosing the right space. Look for a well-ventilated area with enough space to accommodate your desired games and guests. For most games, a medium-large dining table would be ideal.
A basement or large living room could be the best space, making sure you don’t need to disrupt too much of your home life. Consider soundproofing if noise might be an issue.
Most importantly, ensure comfortable seating and enough space for your players to move around if they want to.
Creating an Atmosphere
You don’t need to go full-on Monte Carlo here, but transforming your chosen space into an atmosphere that lends itself to enjoyable games is a good plan. Dim the lights and set the mood with simple decorations, like velvet cloths over tables and comfortable furniture and seating.
If you’re going all in, consider investing in some more lighting like string lights or lamps, to create a soft glow. Music is also a good idea but something chilled is a better option than EDM or the latest hardcore punk band.
Equipping Your Casino Arena
Now comes the fun part – gathering the essential supplies! Of course, this depends on your chosen games but it’s a good idea to have enough equipment to mix it up.
We’d suggest starting with the basics:
- Playing cards in various styles
- Poker chips (plastic or clay, depending on your preference)
- Dice sets.
Unless you’re an advanced player you don’t need to invest in super high-end equipment but do go for equipment that is well made and feels quality in the hand.
Depending on your chosen games, you might need a roulette wheel, a blackjack table felt, or a mat for playing craps (more on this below).
In addition, depending on how seriously you are taking things, don't forget scorecards, notepads, and pens for keeping track of the action.
By focusing on these key areas, it’s easy to create a decent casino space in your home. Remember, the goal is to create a comfortable, inviting, and well-equipped space for you and your friends to enjoy a game or two, but there’s no need to go overboard or spend lots of money on equipment.
Popular Casino Games to Play at Home
So you’ve transformed your living room or den into a mini-Bellagio, the lighting is on point and the snacks are ready… Now it’s time to pick your games!
Whether you're a seasoned gambler or a curious newbie, these classic casino games can make your night swing. Here’s a bit more on each game, including what you’ll need to play (we’ve even included some Amazon links which will take you to our recommendations for casino equipment).
Play Blackjack at Home
This casino card game pits you against the dealer in a race to 21. With its simple rules and opportunity for strategy, blackjack is a crowd-pleaser for all skill levels. Master basic strategy, manage your bets wisely, and maybe, just maybe, you'll hit that lucky blackjack.
What you’ll need:
- A blackjack felt to lay on a flat surface or table.
- Alternatively, opt for a matt with a rubber underlay to stop it slipping.
- A pack of cards.
- A set of chips.
Play Baccarat at Home
If you’re going for the authentic baccarat experience then maybe opt for a tux, as this is one casino game with 'elegance’ running through it. Starting to play is simple: choose whether the "Player" or "Banker" hand will come closer to 9, or bet on a tie. You can also decide to play high-roller or low-roller versions, making it accessible and exciting for everyone.
What you’ll need:
- Again, you’ll need either a baccarat felt or a matt to play on a table.
- A pack of cards.
- A set of chips.
Play Roulette at Home
Unleash the "wheel of fortune" in your living room! Watch the numbered ball spin and land, hoping it matches your lucky spot. From simple bets on red/black to intricate corner wagers, roulette offers an entertaining mix of chance and anticipation.
Roulette is a slightly more difficult game to pull off at home, simply because not everyone can lay their hands on a roulette wheel! However, sites like Amazon offer a mini version of the wheel you’d typically find in a casino and this is a good option for a home game.
What you’ll need:
- A roulette table felt or a matt.
- A roulette wheel and ball.
- A set of chips.
Do you know your Martingale from your D'Alembert?
Read our full Roulette Strategy Guide to work out how to run your next online roulette game!
Play NowPlay Craps at Home
Craps is one casino game that appears more complicated than it actually is, but there’s no. need to be intimidated.
At its heart, craps is all about predicting the outcome of dice rolls, and making different types of bet in accordance with the table layout. It’s also an exciting game, and offers a lot of entertainment for both the shooter and those watching.
What you’ll need:
- A craps table felt or a matt (ideally you’ll need a fairly long table to shoot the dice).
- A set of chips.
- A set of dice.
Play Bingo at Home
Another game that found a new audience during lockdown, bingo is a very popular game, and is easy to play. To play at home, you’ll just need a set of bingo balls and a container to use to draw numbers. Players mark off numbers as they're called, and be the first to complete a pattern to win. ‘BINGO!’
What you’ll need:
- A set of bingo balls.
- A container of receptacle to draw the balls from.
- Bingo cards and marker pens (these can be downloaded from the internet and printed at home).
Tips for Hosting an Epic Casino Game Night
There is of course, more to hosting a casino game night than just the games you select. So before you shuffle the deck and roll the dice, let's ensure it's a truly memorable experience for everyone. Here are some key tips to keep the fun rolling:
Invite Wisely & Set Expectations
- Plan your guest list: Invite friends and family who enjoy playful competition and responsible gambling. Consider their experience level and game preferences when choosing activities.
- Set the tone: Clearly communicate the event type - casual fun or a more sophisticated evening. Mention the games offered, dress code (if any), and contribution details (potluck, snacks provided, etc.).
Manage Finances & Set Limits
- Transparency is key: Discuss upfront whether there will be betting involved and how winnings will be handled (charity, potluck contribution, etc.).
- Suggest betting limits: keep the game friendly by agreeing on betting limits and values for chips if being used.
- Provide alternative options: Offer non-gambling activities like board games, trivia, or karaoke for guests who don’t want to gamble.
Provide Refreshments & Snacks
- Think finger foods: Opt for bite-sized snacks like chips, dips, mini sandwiches, and vegetables to make eating easier.
- Provide a range of food: Offer a variety of options to accommodate different diets, food restrictions, and allergies.
- Limit alcohol: It can be good to provide some alcoholic drinks for those who want them, but make sure to limit this just in case.
- Stay hydrated: Provide readily available water, juices, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Practise Responsible Gambling
- Promote responsible practices: It can be a good idea to set a limit on bets before any games start.
- Offer breaks and reminders: Encourage regular breaks to step away from the games and socialize.
- Monitor the atmosphere: Hopefully this won’t prove necessary, and you shouldn’t need to ‘police’ your evening but do be prepared to intervene if you think someone is gambling excessively or losing a lot of money.
Hopefully by now you've got the idea! Casino games at home can be the perfect mix of social interaction and gaming entertainment, and at the same time, a good way to pick up some strategy tips.
So why not hit the links in this article, check out the equipment available, and channel your inner casino boss!
