So you’ve recently received a surprising and somehow peculiar invitation in the mail and you had to read it a few times to understand exactly what it said. An invitation to a “Monte Carlo Fundraiser” or “Casino Night charity” event (?). As much as you love charities, you probably have no idea such a thing as charity for casinos even existed. And it’s not really what it sounds like – so what’s the deal?
Don’t worry, this is the guide that will take you through your next Monte Carlo Night!
Accept or Not
If you are a passionate gambler who never misses out on a chance to play, you are probably already getting ready to RSVP and worry about the rest of the details later. But what if your not? Perhaps you’re even against gaming for money, then what do you do? First of all, you continue reading this article because as you will learn, these events are all about fundraising and not about gambling. So accept.
Another reason for hesitation can be If you have never played a casino game in your life. In that case, your head is probably spinning from all the confusion. Should you decline the invitation simply because you do not know how to gamble? No! But you probably want to know the answer to a few questions so let us explain.
2. What’s The Big Thing?
As a novice to the idea of casino fundraiser events,you wouldn’t be the first one thinking someone was actually inviting you to go to Monte Carlo and gamble to show your support for a good cause. But that’s not the case. Nothing to feel embarrassed about if you already packed your bags but these events are actually named the way they are because they bring together guests around the theme of a fun gambling experiences, much like the ones at a brick-and-mortar casino. However, instead of going to Sin City or Monte Carlo, these gambling jewels come to them.
3. Clearing Out The (Money) Confusion
So, it’s a casino theme combined with fundraising. Will people expect you to gamble and win money you will then donate to a good cause? No.
Your donation is done buy paying for the event ticket. This is how it works:
Each guest (that would be you, as per your invitation) will either pay in advance for the event ticket, and/or make a donation in order to enter the event. In return you will be given a number of chips in exchange for the entry fee. The chips will be used to play the guest’s favorite casino games during the event. It is usually possible to make an additional donation by buying extra chips, in case you run out of them during gameplay. The format of the event and the “house rules” issued by the host (usually on display at the event or written on the invitation) will decide whether you are allowed to buy more chips or not.
So, while you can expect real casino game tables and dealers, similar to the ones found in real casinos, you will be playing with fake money. Yes, this means you will not win any cash.
4. Is It Legal?
Yes, to organize and to participate in a Monte Carlo Fundraiser (Casino Night Event) is legal as no real money are allowed around the table games. IF you attend an event and you see people betting real cash around the table games, then it’s not a legally organized event.
5. Gamble or Not?
You don’t have to gamble and there are always guests that don’t. However, many do use the opportunity as it’s all about the fun. We admit, joining the crowd around a table can feel a bit intimidating for newbies who never set foot inside a casino, or never played a game of roulette. No one is expecting you to know how to play these games, and it’s perfectly acceptable if you don’t want to. Still, to get the most out of the fun, you may want to familiarize yourself with some basic rules before the event. Today there are many websites online that allow you to play table games for free without being a paying customer at an online casino.
6. What To Wear
Cocktail or black-tie attire are usually mandatory during these events. Check the details in your invitation to know what is the exact dress code and follow it. Do not hesitate to engage in conversation with other guests – you are expected to socialize. Also, help yourself from the dining and wining corner; just make sure you respect the social norms for public or private events.
7. Against Gambling – Why Attend?
Because it’s for a good cause! Again, no real money gambling takes place during these fundraisers so even if you are against gambling, you do a good cause just by attending and non of the guests will be involved in any real money gambling. There really is no reason not to attend.
While you will get the chance to play real casino games supervised by real dealers and croupiers, you will not be actually wagering any real money. This is the main difference between genuine casino gambling and casino fundraisers. While the fun and excitement are still there, you can shake off the thought that you could lose any money. The whole idea is to use “funny casino money” and chips that have absolutely no cash value for pure entertainment – while making your own contribution to a noble cause. So even if you are not the best gambler in the room or if you are a complete novice when it comes to casinos, you can still attend the event, have fun and come home with more peace of mind at the end of the night. You can also choose not to do any gambling if you do not wish to, and exchange your chips for a prize during the raffle.
8. You Can Still Win Interesting Prizes
Besides the gratitude of the hosts and the charities that you have helped, most of the organizers of these events will not let you go home empty handed. It can either be a small gift or fun prize to all guests or a more valuable prize to the winner of the event (the guest with most chips left at the end of the event). The prize cannot be cash or gift cards, but fine bottles of wine, weekend getaways to exotic locations or new smart TVs can all up for wins.
In anticipation of the big casino charity event you have been invited to, we hope these few pointers have answered all of your questions. Now it’s time to get dressed!
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