SPB’s Casino Night offers games, prizes and crafts
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In true Las Vegas fashion, Oakland University students pushed their luck at SPB’s Casino Night on Feb. 4. The Oakland Center (OC) was transformed into a Vegas-themed speakeasy, complete with casino games, activities and complimentary refreshments, while semi-formal dress was encouraged.
Attendees were welcomed to the event by SPB representatives offering free SPB Casino Night merchandise. Current OU students were also provided a cup of starter chips for use at the gambling stations.
The Ballrooms of the OC held a variety of games, including poker, blackjack, let it ride and roulette. Chip-holders were invited to participate by placing “bets.”
“As a first-year student, it was incredible to see the OC transformed into a casino,” freshman Juliann Derr said. “All of the lights, chips and formally-dressed dealers made the experience very immersive. It was really fun to learn all of the games for the first time.”
Players looking for a high-risk, high-return game were invited to try out the High Rollers Lounge. This section required an entry “fee,” but carried the potential for a large payout.
Chips earned throughout the night could be exchanged for tickets, which were used for raffle prizes. The large variety of prizes included a Victrola Record Player, a Nespresso Machine, AirPod Pros, a PS5 and more.
Besides the casino games, there were an array of other activities to participate in throughout the night. The Gold Rooms held arcade games and mocktails, a relaxing environment that provided a break from the high-intensity betting games. The “Elvis” movie was also shown on the Habitat’s big screen.
Interactive pop-ups were stationed throughout the main floor of the OC. These activities — which included glass painting, airbrushed t-shirts, caricatures, bent metal sculptures and personalized plushies — allowed students to create personalized, take-home trinkets.
Complimentary food service was provided, with a buffet offering nachos, bosco sticks, salad and hamburger sliders. Ice cream freezers and a cotton candy station lined the food court, satisfying those with a sweet tooth.
“It was so much fun to see all of my friends dressed up for Casino Night,” freshman Maggie Quinn said. “We had a great time playing poker, making stuffed animals and enjoying delicious food.”
At the end of the night, students gathered in the ballrooms to await the raffle prize announcements. During this time, an Elvis impersonator sang songs for the audience. Then, mentalist performer Tom Kennedy took the stage, awing spectators with mind games and magic tricks.
As the semester continues to progress, SPB continues to entertain students. For the month of February, SPB will be hosting its Coffeehouse Series in the OC Habitat. On Feb. 13, pop violinist T-Ray will take the stage, with Spoken Word Artist Kyla Jenee Lacy visiting campus the following week.
On April 5, SPB will host their annual Drag Queen Bingo, featuring Naysha Lopez. At this event, students will have the opportunity to win prizes whilst enjoying a live drag performance.
To learn more about SPB, visit their GrizzOrgs page. Timely event updates can also be found on the organization’s Instagram page, @spbou.
