JULIANA STUMPP
STAFF WRITER

On Wednesday, March 29, students attended Casino Night at the Clarke to practice their gambling skills.

Attendees played popular games like blackjack, roulette, poker and Texas hold ‘em.

The sorority Alpha Xi Delta suggested a $1 donation to the foundation Relay for Life to those in attendance. Relay for Life celebrates the lives of cancer survivors and remembers those who lost their battles with cancer. With that dollar donation you were given a piece of paper money that would give you $500 worth of casino chips to play.

In the game of blackjack, you are playing against the dealer and determining whether you should get another card or pass.

“[Blackjack] is fun because there is an element of strategy. It isn’t just luck,” Leon Palaganas said.

At each table, there was a business card from the company Casino Magic with gaming tips and the rules of each game on the back of the card to help assist any new players.

“I love poker, because it makes you really think of strategy to gain more money depending on your hand. Plus, I enjoyed stealing my buddy’s money from him,” Brock Smith said.

The Grand Salon in the Clarke held the activity with various finger foods such as nachos, vegetables, chicken wings and fruit provided by University Catering. USUAB also provided free Red Bull.

For the underage students not allowed to gamble in Las Vegas or local casinos, Casino Night provided a similar experience before they turn 21. Students of age, however, were able to improve their gameplay before their next trip to a casino.

With the last month of school nearing, Casino Night was just one of the many activities students can get involved in before they begin cramming for finals.

Even though Casino Night is typically once a semester, the University Village Apartments have a similar night every Thursday for all students.