Beloved game Uno is set to debut in one Las Vegas casinos with plans for more, but there's a catch

News.com.au

13 hours ago

The stakes have well and truly been raised for a simple game of Uno.
The popular family game played by people as young as seven will make its controversial debut in Sin City on Friday in a wild shift from the dining table to the dealer's circle.
Game owners Mattel have given the green light to a 'Uno Social Club' above the gaming floors at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas off the Nevada strip, with plans to expand to more gambling locations.
Slamming down the cards in frustration after copping a draw four won't exactly be the classiest move at the decked out venue, with players treated to dedicated game hosts shuffling the decks — ensuring no cheating.
The room will also feature a private bowling alley, pool table and plush lounges.
Different variations of the classic game will be on offer on different tables from July 18-20 and there'll be no children in sight at the exclusive event, with only participants over 21 allowed.
But there's a catch.
Guests wanting to gamble on the games, despite the venue, won't be allowed.
The decision is part of Mattel's main objective to provide an 'elevated social experience' at casinos instead of real money games.
'We created Uno Social Clubs to reimagine what game night can be—bringing people together for real-world fun, connection, and a bit of friendly competition,' said Ray Adler, Vice President and Global Head of Games at Mattel.
'The Uno Social Club in Las Vegas is just the beginning, and we're excited to see how these new experiences inspire players to show up, play hard, and make unforgettable memories.'
Uno is also not an approved game at gaming venues and any gambling would be considered a violation in the eyes of the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Entry to the event was based on the winners of a social media hashtag competition run by Mattel earlier in the year.
Influencers were invited to test out the space recently, but as per the casino rules were not allowed to place bets on games.
'(G)ood thing there was no betting,' influencer itszuose, who boasts 134,000 Instagram followers said, 'bc I would've lost a lot of money.'
The thought of the wildly popular game enjoyed by children and adults alike arriving at casinos is a scary thought for some.
Despite a strict ban on betting on the games, there are fears it's now just one step away.
'Vegas just trying to ruin lives,' one Instagram user said.
'Losin 500k cz u (sic) forgot to say Uno.'
'If y'all thought gambling addiction was bad now, when this is official gambling rate might go up especially for average people,' another said.
'What's next? Coin toss?'
Earlier this year Yaamava Resort and Casino in California duped users online as part of an April fool's joke by announcing a real-money Uno table game at their venue, with tongue-in-cheek warnings to 'please use Draw 4's responsibly.'
But the main question on everyone's mind:
'Can you stack +4 on +4?'
One thing for sure, some clarity on the hugely divisive rules will be much needed ahead of play.