KEY POINTS:
Apparently everyone's doing it - playing Texas Hold 'em poker that is. It's huge in America and now extremely popular in New Zealand, thanks to a couple of new television series and glamour films Casino Royale and Oceans 11, 12 and 13. Poker is cool.
And the good thing for workers is that many companies are throwing gaming nights for staff and clients, taking them either SkyCity or hiring venues and bringing in companies such as Las Vegas Functions to provide the tables, croupiers and roulette wheels.
Debbie Prevett of the long-established Las Vegas Functions, says all kinds of organisations, from Government departments, councils, breweries to construction companies, are booking a night of fun.
Perhaps, not surprisingly, she says some the most dedicated fans are the big banks. Their social clubs will often book Las Vegas Functions for the night or an evening will be held during their annual conference.
And there are few limitations when it comes to the venue.
Prevett says Las Vegas Functions has taken its tables on to boats and trains, and it will travel all over the country if need be. They haven't organised gaming onboard any planes as yet, but it's definitely a possibility, she says.
Another favourite venue for corporates wanting a flutter is the Montecristo room in the basement of Toto's Italian restaurant in Nelson St, Auckland.
People like to dress up to get into the spirit and really make a night of it, says Montecristo host Glen Giroux. He often brings in companies such Las Vegas Functions to run the event.
SkyCity has recognised the enthusiasm for all kinds gaming, not just poker, by corporate clients and is introducing more corporate tables next month so companies can play roulette, blackjack and poker with their own dedicated croupier.
And you will have the whole table to yourself, whereas at present others can join it, says David Christian, SkyCity Auckland general manager.
Why do corporates like gaming so much? Because it's such an ice breaker, Christian says. It's a real leveller - beating your boss can be fun and companies often book the evening as a reward for staff, he says.
In a bid to feed the interest, SkyCity has a poker school, which is popular with budding card players. And it is possible for novices to completely clean up at times, which is always fun to watch, Christian says.
Just to keep things at a sensible level and avoid any awkward problems most corporate-organised gambling evenings are run with either fake money or with strict betting limits. Even at SkyCity, if it's a corporate function betting limits are kept to $2.50 a bet. You play for an hour and break even; it is just to make it a fun experience, Christian says. And Las Vegas Functions corporate nights are all played with silly money, Prevatt says.
Richard Manthel, managing director of recruitment company Robert Walters, has entertained staff and clients over the gambling table, but always for funny money.
For it's last gaming night, the company took staff to the Northern Club. It was a dress-up party, using monopoly money, and the person who won the most was rewarded with a trip for two, says Manthel.
The company has also found gaming evenings a great way to entertain clients.
It's a great way for people to relax in a friendly environment, he says. They all have the same aim - they want to beat the house.
- Detours, HoS
