It's one of the first questions people ask when they're planning a fun casino. Too few tables and guests queue. Too many and croupiers stand about at empty tables while everyone's on the dance floor.
There's no exact formula, because every crowd is different. But there is a rough guide, and a few things that push it one way or the other.
The rough guide
As a rough guide, one casino table handles around 15 to 25 guests playing at a time. The key words there are at a time. At most events, only part of the room is playing at any one moment. Others are at the bar, dancing, eating or chatting.
So you're not dividing your whole guest list by 20. You're thinking about how many people will want to be at a table at the busiest point of the night.
A good way to think about it is the busiest half hour. That's usually just after the meal, when people are full, relaxed and looking for something to do. If your tables can handle that rush without long queues, they'll be fine for the rest of the night.
A starting point by guest numbers
Here's where most events end up. Treat it as a starting point, not a rule:
- Up to about 40 guests: one table, usually roulette
- 40 to 80 guests: two tables, usually roulette and blackjack
- 80 to 120 guests: two or three tables
- 120 to 200 guests: three or four tables
- 200 plus: five tables or more, possibly with two roulette wheels
When to go up a table
Some events need more tables than the guest list suggests. Go up if:
- The casino is the main entertainment, with no band or DJ to split the crowd
- There's a prize worth winning, which keeps people at the tables
- Your crowd is mostly keen players, such as a poker club or a stag group
- You're running a poker tournament, which ties up a table for a couple of hours
- It's a corporate event where you want everyone to have a go
When fewer tables will do
On the other hand, you can often get away with fewer. A wedding with a packed dance floor, a party with a great band, or a short session over a drinks reception all mean less demand for tables.
And remember that watching is part of the fun. A busy roulette table with a crowd round it creates a much better atmosphere than three half empty ones.
Which games to pick
If you're having one table, make it roulette. It's the most popular, the easiest to learn and handles the most people. Second table? Blackjack. It's quick, sociable and beginners pick it up in a couple of hands.
Third table is where it gets more personal. Poker (Texas Hold'em) suits groups with a few keen players. Three card poker is faster and works better with beginners. A second roulette wheel suits a big crowd who just want to play the easy game. Craps is less common, so ask if you'd like it.
A couple of worked examples
Numbers on a list only go so far, so here are two typical events.
A company Christmas party for 90, with a three course dinner, a DJ and a free bar. Probably half the room will be dancing at any time. Two tables, roulette and blackjack, opening after dessert for about three hours, would usually cover it. If the boss wants everyone to have a go, add a third.
A 50th birthday for 60 at a golf club, no band, just a playlist. Here the casino is the main event, so more people will want to play at once. Two tables still works, but roulette will be busy. Ask about two roulette wheels if the birthday crowd isn't big on cards.
Space for each table
Each table needs room for the table itself, the croupier behind it and players and spectators round the front. As a rough guide, allow an area of about three metres by three metres per table. Roulette pulls the biggest crowd, so give it a bit more.
Tables don't usually need power, so you've got some freedom over where they go. Avoid squeezing them against walls, blocking fire exits or putting them right by the speakers. If you can, sketch the room with the tables marked on and send it over with your quote request.
How the number affects the price
Each table usually comes with its own croupier, so more tables means a higher price. For a rough idea of costs, see our price guide. If you're on the fence between two numbers, tell us, and we'll give you both prices so you can decide.
Still not sure? Tell us about your event, including guest numbers, the venue and what else is happening on the night, and we'll suggest a set-up.
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