A fun casino is a great fundraiser because it doesn't feel like one. Guests have a properly good night out, there's something to do all evening, and money for your cause comes in from several directions at once.
This guide walks through how charity casino nights usually raise money, how to get prizes donated, and how to plan the night so it runs smoothly. One thing to be clear on first: it's fun money only. Nobody gambles, and nobody wins cash.
Who runs casino fundraisers
Pretty much any group raising money. School PTAs, sports clubs, Rotary and Round Table, Scout groups, hospices, local charities and company charity committees all do them. They suit a charity ball as an extra after dinner, or a more relaxed club night in a village hall.
The format is flexible, which is a big part of the appeal. You can make the casino the whole evening or just one part of a bigger do with dinner, a raffle and a band. Either way, the tables give guests a reason to stay late, and that usually means more raffle tickets sold.
Where the money usually comes from
Most casino fundraisers bring in money in more than one way. The usual mix looks something like this:
- Ticket sales, often with a meal and a starting stack of fun money included
- Donations to the charity for extra fun money when guests run low
- Table sponsorship by local businesses, with a sign on each table
- A raffle or silent auction running alongside the casino
- Bar profits, if the venue agrees to share them
Keep it fun money only
This is the bit to get right. The fun money and chips must have no cash value and can't be exchanged for money. Winners get prizes, handed out raffle style, and those prizes are donated, not paid for out of the stakes. That's what makes it a fun casino rather than gambling.
We don't give legal advice, and every event is a little different. What we can tell you is that fun casinos with no real money are a normal part of UK events, and we'll happily talk through your fundraiser set-up with you before you book anything.
Pricing tickets
Work backwards from your costs. Add up the venue, food, the casino and anything else, then decide how much you want to raise. That tells you roughly what to charge and how many tickets you need to sell.
Include a decent starting stack of fun money in the ticket, so nobody feels they have to donate straight away just to play. The extra donations work best when they feel optional and fun, not expected.
It also helps to decide early whether the ticket includes food. A meal makes it feel like a proper night out and justifies a higher price, but it adds cost. A buffet is a good middle ground.
Getting prizes donated
Donated prizes are what make the numbers work. Every pound you don't spend on prizes goes to the cause. Local businesses are often happy to help, especially if they get a mention on the night and in your social posts afterwards.
Good things to ask for:
- A meal for two at a local restaurant
- An overnight stay at a hotel
- Spa treatments or a pamper day
- A round of golf for four
- Hampers, wine and spirits
- Tickets to a local attraction or sports match
Ask early, ask in person
Businesses get asked a lot, especially around Christmas. A short, friendly letter explaining the cause and how you'll thank them helps. Popping in and asking face to face works even better.
Put the prizes on display on the night with the donor's name next to each one. Guests see what they're playing for, and the donors get a proper thank you. It also makes it easier to ask them again next year.
Planning the night
As a rough guide, allow one table for every 15 to 25 guests playing at a time. A club night of 50 might need one or two tables. A charity ball of 200 might want four or five. Three hours of play suits most events.
Set up a donations desk near the casino, staffed by a couple of volunteers. That's where guests go to donate for extra fun money, so the croupiers can keep dealing. Put a small sign on it showing what a donation gets them.
Then plan the finish. Close the tables, have the croupiers count up, and announce the winners properly. Tell everyone how much you've raised, too. People love hearing the total.
Next steps
Have a look at our charity casino nights page, check the price guide for a rough idea of costs, or send us the details. Tell us about the cause, the venue and how many guests you're expecting, and a real person will reply, usually the same day.
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