Kate Moss was recently photographed enjoying a night out at the famous Aspinalls Club in Mayfair, London. As the Aspers group prepares for the opening of its venue in Northampton, gaming expert Mike Davey offers a few tips for the casino novice…

 

If you’ve never set foot inside a casino the opening of Northampton’s newest entertainment venue this summer offers a golden opportunity to find out whether casinos really are as stylish, glitzy and glamorous as those James Bond films would have us believe.

 

The new Aspers entertainment complex and casino, which opens in Commercial Street on June 26, will be holding regular beginners’ nights specially aimed at those who might feel a tad nervous about venturing into a casino for the first time.

 

Contrary to popular belief, casinos are not just the playgrounds of the rich and famous. A modern gaming venue offers an interesting entertainment experience for people from all walks of life - from business colleagues wanting somewhere to unwind at the end of the week, to groups of women looking for a safe venue for a girls’ night out.

 

This is the message Aspers Northampton Gaming Manager Mike Davey is keen to get across as the casino prepares for its grand opening. Mike believes many people have a totally false image of what casinos are all about, often based on what they’ve seen in James Bond films.

 

“Many people are nervous about going into casinos and worry about what they should wear,” explained Mike.

 

“But you certainly wouldn’t walk into a casino to find everyone wearing Bond style tuxedos and sipping vodka martinis,” he pointed out. “The dress code at a casino these days is fairly relaxed. Most people wear smart casual clothes, even smart jeans are quite acceptable. Of course, there are some people who like to dress up a bit more on a night out and that is fine too.”

 

He added: ”Another myth is that you have to spend lots of money at a casino. There are low stakes tables for beginners so you could have a fun night out without spending a fortune. You don’t even have to gamble; you can enjoy a drink or meal or watch the live entertainment with friends.”

 

If you do want to try your hand at gaming, you must be over 18, and the choice of games on offer includes everything from Roulette, Three Card Poker and Black Jack to Two Way Hold ‘Em. There’s also a card room where you can join in the poker craze that has swept Britain, and have a go at automated Roulette machines and slot machines that offer Vegas-style prizes.

 

“Poker is a real art which is all about body language and it is where the expression ‘poker faced’ comes from,” explained Mike. “It is about studying the body language of the other players to trying to figure out what sort of hand they have. If, for instance, they have a good hand, their hands might shake with excitement or they might develop a tick. These are what we call ‘tells’.

 

“At the same time players have to try and remain poker-faced themselves so they don’t give anything away. It’s all about bluff.”

 

Casino etiquette is also very important.

 

Mike, who has worked in the casino industry for nearly 20 years, continued: “For instance, an important part of casino etiquette is that a dealer is never allowed to take cash from a customer’s hand. You must put your money directly onto the table. This is where the phrase ‘cash in hand’ comes from to describe a bribe.

 

“People who are familiar with playing Pontoon at home might use the term ‘stick’ or ‘twist’ but at a casino you wouldn’t use these terms. Instead you would say ‘card’ or ‘no card’. This is basic casino etiquette which can soon be picked up and which will be explained on our beginner nights. “

 

Mike has a word of caution for anyone setting foot in a casino: “Set a budget before going through the doors. My philosophy is to know your limit and stay within it.”

 

Following its opening on June 26, Aspers will be open until 6am, seven nights a week. To find out more about Aspers’ beginners’ nights call 0845 521 1171.

Anyone can visit provided they are over the age of 18 and you can join the Aspire loyalty scheme which will earn you points that can be redeemed at the venue.