For almost 25 years, ULM’s Campus Board Activities (CAB) presented a fun tradition of a free Casino Night. Students receive free chips to start their journey, making it something students and staff look forward to all year long.

CAB president and senior toxicology major Beau Benoit spoke fondly of the impact he hopes for with this Casino Night.

“Casino Night is one of those one-off events that everybody can look forward to, especially this time of year,” Benoit said. “It’s a good break in between everything.”

CAB decorated Bayou Pointe with beads and masquerade masks in honor of Mardi Gras, where they gave out special color-changing hurricane cups as souvenirs.

CAB provided snacks and refreshments for Casino Night, but this year marked the first time a small bar served alcohol to those 21 and older.

Casino Night brought back traditional games, such as roulette, poker and blackjack. Cabbies gave players a white chip at the entrance of Bayou Pointe, which they used to wager on these games.

After finishing the games, attendees exchanged chips for raffle tickets to place in the prize boxes. These prizes ranged from laundry essentials to electronics.

For many students and even CAB workers, this year was their first time attending Casino Night and participating in any type of gambling. The event allowed attendees to learn more about these games in a comfortable environment.

One ULM student, senior computer science major Kameron Mattocks-Richard, has attended Casino Night for three consecutive years. To him, Casino Night is the best event of the academic year.

“Everyone is just having fun. No one is getting mad or arguing about money,” Mattocks-Richard said. “It’s just everyone having a good time amidst classes and schoolwork.”