Mavericks place bets at Casino Night

Feeling lucky? 

A casino night was held in the CSU ballroom Saturday evening where attendees played poker, bingo, blackjack and roulette with fake money. A photobooth was provided alongside several props and accessories, as well as snacks and water.

Those who won games either earned raffle tickets or chips they could cash in for tickets. A raffle occurred at the end of the night, where prizes such as blankets, water bottles, mugs, plushies, a gambling set, a toaster oven, and even a popcorn machine were given away.

With a high turnout of 223 students, the blackjack and roulette tables were packed full. Students Neil Hurner and Jackson Lowe said they enjoyed the event.

“I’ve only been actually gambling once, so I don’t have much of a point of reference, but both were fun.” Hurner said.

“I think it’s different with the sense of using the fake Monopoly money and the raffle tickets … though I wouldn’t know because I haven’t gambled before.” Lowe added on.

“[I just wish there were] more dealers.” Hurner also said.

“Yeah, more dealers, more tables.” Lowe finished.

Other students, however, such as Al Worrall, said he thought the event could possibly encourage students to gamble. According to the American Psychiatric Association, 10-15% of youth have a gambling problem. 

Additionally, many adults between the ages of 18-24 are more likely to make risky behavior when it comes to gambling. While the event used fake money, the action of gambling troubled Worrall greatly. This event was held by the student events team, keep an eye out for future events, and if you are interested in joining the student events team, you can come to one of their daily meetings, which is held 4 p.m. Tuesdays in CSU 245. You can also email Jaycey Horton at jaycey.horton@mnsu.edu.

Write to Ellie Meschke at eleanor.meschke@my.normandale.edu