Case Study: Casino Night at a Hollywood-Themed Staff Party at Ashridge House
When you combine a historic country estate in Buckinghamshire, a Hollywood dress code, a free bar, a DJ, a photobooth and 200 guests ready to celebrate, you already have the ingredients for a memorable staff party.
Add a Ashridge House.
The Setting: Glamour Meets History
Ashridge House is an impressive venue at the best of times, but on this occasion the interior spaces were dressed to match a Hollywood glamour theme. Guests arrived in full glam attire, enjoyed a sit-down meal, and then moved into party mode with music from a DJ in the adjoining room, a photobooth, and flowing drinks from the bar.
The casino tables were positioned in the Library, a room whose character and atmosphere perfectly complemented the elegance of the evening.
The Casino Setup
From 9:00pm through to midnight, our professional dealers Andy and Marty hosted:
While both tables were popular throughout the night, Blackjack quickly became the busiest table, with a core group of guests returning repeatedly and building real momentum as the evening went on.
Guests did rotate between the tables, but Blackjack developed its own following — helped by the natural buzz that builds when chips start stacking up and spectators gather to watch the action unfold.
A Mixed Crowd of New and Experienced Players
With around 200 guests attending, the mix of casino experience varied widely. Many had never played before, while others were more confident and quickly got into the swing of things.
Andy and Marty ensured everyone felt comfortable joining in. Rules were explained clearly, the atmosphere stayed light and welcoming, and even complete beginners felt able to sit down and have a go.
This inclusivity is often what makes a fun casino work so well at staff events — it’s entertainment that doesn’t exclude anyone.
Moments of Drama at the Tables
As the night progressed, a few players began to build up sizeable stacks of chips on Blackjack, drawing small crowds of onlookers. In true casino style, several of those big chip leaders then decided to go “all in”… and lost it in one dramatic hand.
These swings created some of the most entertaining moments of the night — cheers, groans, laughter, and spectators fully invested in the outcome of hands they weren’t even playing.
How the Casino Fitted into the Night
Importantly, the casino wasn’t the only attraction of the evening — and it didn’t need to be.
The Hollywood theme, glamour, music and overall styling were the primary draw. The casino added to that theme perfectly, giving guests something immersive and social to enjoy between dancing, photos, drinks and conversation.
Rather than transforming the room entirely, the casino enhanced what was already a brilliantly styled event.
Food, Drink and Flow
Guests had enjoyed a sit-down meal before the casino opened, followed by smaller bites later in the evening. With a free bar running and party music playing next door, the casino tables provided a natural place for people to gather, chat, laugh and engage with something together rather than drifting into smaller closed groups.
It helped maintain energy and flow throughout the later part of the night.
Guest and Client Feedback
The feedback after the event was extremely positive — particularly regarding the Blackjack table, which many guests commented on afterwards.
Holly, who was involved in organising the event, was especially pleased with how well the casino element worked within the party as a whole. The client has booked similar entertainment previously and, based on the reaction, would happily do so again.
For many of the guests, this was their first experience of a casino table, and it proved to be a memorable one.
Why the Casino Worked So Well at This Staff Party
- It complemented the Hollywood glamour theme perfectly
- It gave 200 guests an interactive, social focal point
- It worked alongside music, food, drink and other entertainment rather than competing with it
- It catered to both complete beginners and confident players
- It created natural moments of drama, laughter and shared excitement
In an evening full of style, music and celebration, the fun casino didn’t try to be the headline act — it simply became the part of the night that guests gathered around, talked about, and remembered.
