Falling coins hitting metal, voices yelling “winner, winner,” people cheering and loud music that could be heard coming from the UC Ballroom on Jan. 14 during the second annual casino night.
UTSA’s University Center Program Council (UCPC) hosted Casino Night for the second time in the programs two year history.
Casino Night was filled with an array of games such as black jack, poker, vegas slots, craps, and roulette. Free pizza and drinks were provided, and dealers of the games were dressed in actual Las Vegas attire.
“We are trying to provide a quality alternative for late night activities on campus,” Tabitha Byrne, assistant director for the UC programs, said.
“The UCPC and its events are a way to give the students some of their tuition back,” Thomas Fuqua, committee coordinator, said. “Last semester’s turnout was a success, and I’m very happy with this semester’s turnout.”
Students were admitted free to Casino Night and were provided with $10,000 worth in fictitious chips. The students could use their chips on all of the casino games in the ballroom.
Some students had a great deal of experience playing the Las Vegas games.
“I like the rush of gambling and playing the games,” student Brandon Murphy said. “Plus it’s always fun to hangout with friends.”
The friendly staff also helped those who were new to understand the concept of how to play the games.
“I was new to most of the games, but the dealers helped me learn how to play, and by the end of the night, my chip stack was touching the roof,” Loree Black, sophomore accounting major, said.
The UCPC also hosts events such as Coffee House Wednesdays, which feature a professional singer/songwriter every Wednesday; Roadrunner’s Late Night, featuring free & fun games between 9 p.m. and 1a.m.; UCinema Nights, featuring free popcorn and box office hits; and Poetry Jams, which host big name poets from HBO’s Def Poetry Jams.
The UCPC is a student-led organization that provide events and programs for students. Any students interested in joining UCPC can contact Byrne at [email protected] or call (210) 458-6044. Events are funded by student fees.
