The clink of champagne glasses, the flipping of cards and the cheers from a big win are some of the sounds you would hear in casinos throughout Las Vegas, Atlantic City and even Utah Tech University.
Casino Night is an annual event where the Utah Tech Student Association is able to give back to its students. This anticipated event provides students the opportunity to dress up in elegance and class with the 80s and 90s theme of fashion as well as the music. Even students under 21 years old were encouraged to play classic casino games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em and Craps. Mock champagne and soda beverages were available for students to sip on as they enjoyed the evening.
Courtney Grob, a guest who attended with a student, said, “It was a great excuse to get dressed up and have a good evening with friends and try something new.”
Grob said she was surprised at how many people were at the event. She did not expect it to be so busy.
In past years, this event has had thousands of attendees participate, and this year’s Casino Night was anticipated that 700 or more people attend.
“My favorite part is the perfect imitation of a casino,” said event organizer Asher Anderson, a senior marketing major from Mesa, Arizona. “Especially since most college students are underage and we are in Utah, there is no gambling or casinos, so it’s fun to pretend like you’re in one of those casinos you see in Vegas.”
The decor throughout the Gardner Center resembled that of a casino. As guests walked in, they were given the chance to walk across a red carpet and get photographed. Throughout the building, there were different sections for each type of game as well as an exclusive section blocked off for those with enough chips.
UTSA took the opportunity to give back to their students with high-end prizes. The first 200 students received a limited edition toothpick holder, and some of the top prizes to win this year included:
- State park pass
- PS5
- Helicopter ride for 2 above Zion State Park
- TV
- Ninja Creami
- Lululemon backpack
- Nike hoodie
- Lego set
With each raffle ticket worth $500, prizes could be won by trading in chips won in the games for tickets. Audience members at Casino Night were encouraging and cheered on those who won the raffle for these prizes.
Jon Balls, an attendee, said he enjoyed the evening with everything it had to offer, going on to say that it is a great testament to what the university has to offer for both its students and the public.