All In: Abbot Casino

A group of well-dressed Exonians enters Grainger. Cameras flash in their faces as they swagger towards one of the many blackjack tables scattered across the auditorium. “All in,” one of them says in a deep, confident tone, as he stops to get his picture taken. “Blackjack,” calls the dealer, who sweeps the chips off the green fabric table into the player’s red cup. This is Abbot Casino.On Saturday, Abbot Hall hosted its annual casino event in Grainger Auditorium. Students began to file in to Abbot Casino at 8:00 p.m. for a long anticipated evening of gambling, looking chic and taking pictures to commemorate the night. Lower and Abbot resident Aum Bhuva said of the event, “We hope it is a great place for people to socialize, take pictures and live life like a high roller for a little bit.”In keeping with the Abbot Casino tradition, residents of Abbot acted as “the house,” dealing cards and distributing “poker chips” to students. In contrast to last year, when students stood at tall tables in the center of the room to gamble, this year students sat in low chairs around tables set up around the perimeter of the room as they played games such as Blackjack, Texas Hold’em and Roulette. Many students commended the different table placement. Senior and Abbot resident Levon Brunson explained that the “overall traffic flow was noticeably better.”

“We’re good at what we do, and that’s hosting the best and classiest event of the year.”

This year, appointed photographers roamed the room and took professional pictures of Exonians. For many, the appeal of this opportunity for a photoshoot outweighed the temptation of the games. Lower Emily Pelliccia said,“I didn’t actually gamble because I was so busy taking pictures with people. It definitely seemed like the event was more about pictures than anything else.”Lower Chiara Perotti agreed with Pelliccia and said she was grateful for the many available photographers, explaining that they could take higher quality photos than the average Exonian with their phones. “We all want to get that ‘squad pic,’” she said. “And at the same time do funny poses with friends and classmates.”However, once casino-goers sat down, they were greeted by Abbot Hall residents who helped them learn and understand the rules of each casino game. Perotti was also impressed by the willingness of the dealers and everyone around the table to help her learn. “I was really confused at the beginning, but once I got the hang of it, it was a lot of fun.”Since the event is largely about looking elegant in tasteful formal attire, many Abbot members expressed annoyance at the attendees who arrived in Hawaiian shirts, bucket hats and sunglasses, claiming that it ruined the classy atmosphere that the dorm tried so hard to foster. “Really?” said Bhuva, of these wardrobe choices. “That’s not formal.”Last year at the end of the night, the successful gamblers with the most chips had the opportunity to enter in a raffle. This year, the only prize offered was the glory of a win. Despite this, many students stole extra chip vouchers and chips in hopes to increase their chances at victory. Bhuva dismissed these attendees and said, “Those people who cheat are obviously missing the point of Abbot Casino.”For Abbot residents, the night is both a cherished tradition and a bonding experience. Brunson noted that the hard work and time that goes into the event ultimately brings the dorm together. He said, “At the end of the event, when all is said and done, it makes you feel closer to the dorm when you stop and think, ‘We did that, and I was a part of making it so great.’”Senior and Abbot resident Will Haering explained that everyone contributed to the event, even the preps, who received lessons on how to deal prior to the night. “Casino is definitely a big event for Abbot and something everyone in the dorm takes pride in getting to run,” he said. “It is an event that requires effort from everyone in Abbot, and we bond over being able to host such a great campus event.”Bhuva went on to describe the fun celebrations following the night. “Afterwards, we have a picture session with the dorm and a pizza party late into the night. It is a great time for all,” he said. Haering explained that the boys took photos and had a party in grill to celebrate “another successful year.”Other than the removal of standing tables and a considerably increased food budget for the night, Abbot Casino 2016 retained much of its traditional charm. Most Abbot residents felt they have captured the knack of hosting a successful event and are hesitant to interfere with the beloved tradition. Brunson explained that Abbot sticks to a similar format every year, saying  “We’re good at what we do, and that’s hosting the best and classiest event of the year.”