gals in fancy suits and glitzy dresses. Party revelers came from all over the Pioneer Valley for this annual glam event, many making the trek from Mount Holyoke and Smith.
Roulette, blackjack, high low and poker tables dominated the scene as bets were placed and money was lost (and sometimes won). Lucky victors often gave the money to charity,
which helped raise a grand total of over $10,000. Frowns were rare as dealers made sure to crack jokes as they dealt cards.
If you didn't find yourself in the gambling mood but wanted to avoid the cold, there were plenty of other options available right in Valentine. The annex became a swing dancing ballroom with Doc Scanlon's Rhythm Band, whose musical abilities rivaled that of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. The dance floor was packed all night, as party-goers were eager to show off their suave swing-dancing skills.
Between gambling and dancing, juniors and seniors could enter the over-21 room that offered an endless supply of
champagne for a nominal fee. Casino-goers of all ages
could delight in the tasty non-alcoholic pina colada and strawberry daiquiri concoctions mixed by Amherst's own student bartenders.
Casino was a hit among newcomers and returning patrons alike; everyone seems to welcome a change from the weekly TAP scene on Saturday nights.
"It was a nice change from the regular Amherst weekend night life," said Jake Kahn '03. "I had a good time and I liked that they donated all the proceeds to charity. It made me feel a lot better about gambling."
One freshman was somewhat disgruntled by the scarcity of poker tables, apparently oblivious to the fact that the odds of
winning were higher if he did, in fact, continue to play blackjack. "I liked the gamble. I like to gamble," said Doug Orbaker '04. "They were a lot of blackjack tables, not enough poker tables. I wanted to get into a poker game."
Others were excited by the opportunity to dress up.
Luckily, at this year's casino there were no topless girls wearing only playing cards; formal attire prevailed. "I loved it. I
loved the swing dancing, it was fun," said Ifeoma Anunkor '04. "I didn't gamble much, but it was nice to have an occasion to dress up for."
All in all, casino proved successful once again. Even though most gamblers left with empty pockets, they also left with a smile on their faces, knowing they had turned