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The Hill
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hill
No, you can't gamble on UNO in Las Vegas, but here is how it could happen
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Social media recently went wild over the notion that UNO, the family card game, could be coming to Las Vegas as a new table game. But unfortunately, that was never in the cards. In mid-May, Mattel and Palms Casino Resort announced that Las Vegas would be the first home of an UNO Social Club, with multiple other venues planned for other cities. '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,' Ray Adler, the vice president and global head of games at Mattel, said. '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.' Lake Mead level steady, but 2-year outlook shows trouble in 2027 The Social Club opened this weekend, giving way to a wild draw of buzz that reached new heights amid apparent confusion. 'IT'S OFFICIAL. UNO IS OFFICIALLY BEING ADDED AS A TABLE GAME IN LAS VEGAS CASINOS,' DraftKings Casino, a branch of the sports betting company, posted Sunday on X. Over 3 million people saw the post and comments began to question just how much players would bet on a UNO table game, skipping the truth. One day later, DraftKings Casino reversed its position and posted an update on X. 'UPDATE: UNO is NOT being added as a table game to Las Vegas casinos,' DraftKings Casino posted on X. Mattel confirmed the news on UNO's social media Monday, saying, 'We hate to be the bearers of bad news but the casino floor isn't ready for us yet.' 'We've been told that while they do have tight security, it's not robust enough for UNO at this time,' the post continued. 'This isn't a Reverse card.' The company went on to confirm that the UNO Social Club is coming to bars in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, and Austin, Texas, in August. Mattel did not immediately respond to Nexstar's request for additional information. Vegas gaming venue: UNO can be 'very emotional' Down the street from the Palms Casino Resort, there is an alternative to the UNO-themed suite where the social club plays. Meepleville, a card and tabletop community gaming venue, has been at the corner of Sahara and Decatur for a decade, and the owners understand the UNO buzz up the street. '[UNO] is very emotional,' Wayne Schulatz, co-owner of Meepleville, told Nexstar's KLAS. 'One time, my grandmother did take a swing at me once when I was nine. But that's it. Other than that, pretty smooth sailing.' Schulatz said the draw of UNO stems from a place of nostalgia, familiarity, and everyone's playing confidence — real or otherwise. He noted the emotional connection some have to the game, especially when reflecting on playing it as a child. 'And now that they're all grown up and hanging out in Vegas, they're happy to go put some money on the line playing this game that they know they are good at, right?' The proof of the rising popularity of card and tabletop games is displayed on Meepleville's calendar. Staff told KLAS it sometimes gets too popular to reserve a table, but never too full to meet the community. 'The original owner opened it for that exact reason, trying to build community and have a place for people to come and participate in tabletop gaming,' Schulatz said. 'He recently retired, and myself and two other folks came in and have just continued on the tradition. The vibe is very, very important.' Could UNO come to a Vegas casino floor? There's a way for UNO to be available next to blackjack and poker tables in Las Vegas, but in order to avoid being discarded, it needs to file with the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The 'New Game Evaluation Procedure' requires several initial documents: a letter requesting game approval, rules of play, dealing procedures, and $3,000. Mattel, the maker of UNO, would also need to detail the table layout, dealer procedures, and a proposed schedule, among several other points. Then, UNO would have to undergo a game field trial at a select casino for a period lasting between 45 to 180 days. So far, there has been no indication that UNO will become a game you can gamble on, at least at a Las Vegas casino. The Gaming Control Board did, however, recently give the nod for 5-card Pai Gow to move forward in Las Vegas, marking one of the most recent casino floor entries.
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
This Gen Z favorite card game is coming to Las Vegas casinos
If you haven't yelled 'DRAW FOUR' across a sticky bar table lately, Mattel wants to change that. This weekend in Las Vegas, the company behind one of the world's most iconic card games is launching something totally new: UNO Social Club, a real-life version of game night with a serious glow-up. The first one opens July 18 at the Palms Casino Resort, turning a suite into a full-on UNO-themed playground—complete with a private bowling alley, color-drenched décor, and more versions of the game than you knew existed. The launch event is part of Mattel's larger strategy to turn UNO into a lifestyle brand. Designed for what the company calls the 'socially distant generation,' UNO Social Clubs are meant to create new touch points for younger players who might be less interested in family game night and more interested in turning game play into a night out. 'Gen Z already loves UNO,' Ray Adler, Mattel's VP and Global Head of Games tells Fast Company. 'They've been playing it online, at parties, everywhere. What they don't always have are opportunities to connect in the real world—so we asked: What if game night could be a whole experience?' The answer? A rainbow-colored suite at the Palms packed with UNO-inspired décor and stocked with specialty decks like UNO Golf, UNO Show 'Em No Mercy, and UNO Teams. There's even a dedicated UNO host to keep the games flowing and the trash talk civil. But the Vegas suite is just the opening hand. UNO, but make it nightlife Starting in August, UNO will be taking over bars in five major cities—from L.A. to Austin—with pop-up Social Clubs designed to turn everyday hotspots into the ultimate competitive hangout. Think: UNO-themed décor, tournament-style gameplay on official tables, and selfie-friendly backdrops. Each local UNO Social Club will bring its own twist. In L.A., the party lands at Club Tee Gee's open-air patio in Atwater Village. In NYC, it's taking over the downtown favorite Cowgirl. Chicago's Empty Bottle will transform its dance floor into a card-slinging arena. Atlanta's Ormsby's will host in its basement bar, and Austin's Murray's Tavern will close out the summer tour with cocktails and custom card games under the Texas sky. These aren't family-friendly sit-downs with juice boxes—they're designed with Gen Z sensibilities in mind. Attendees can win custom UNO merch, product packs, and exclusive giveaways while battling it out over classic UNO, UNO Golf, and UNO Teams. The point is less about who wins and more about the connection and memories made along the way. Mattel chose venues specifically for their Gen Z appeal—places that already host game nights, trivia, or other community events—so UNO fans don't have to shift their habits to show up. 'No ticketing system, no velvet rope,' Adler explains. 'We want people to stumble upon it, hang out, maybe discover a new favorite way to play—and then take that energy with them.' Each pop-up is tailored to the local scene, bringing in unique variations of the game and adapting to each location's vibe. While the Vegas suite leans into spectacle, the bars will focus on accessibility and cultural relevance. UNO is growing up—but staying chaotic The brand has been on a hot streak. UNO was the top-selling traditional game during the pandemic, as people rediscovered old favorites while stuck at home. Now, Mattel's aim is to keep that momentum going—with variations that bring chaos, strategy, and, yes, pain. 'People asked for something more brutal,' Adler says. 'So we made Show 'Em No Mercy. ' That deck includes game-changing twists and double-digit draw penalties that can knock players out of the game entirely. While the classic version still sells strong, it's the newer spinoffs—like UNO Flip or UNO Attack—that are resonating with gamers who crave novelty. Mattel now views the brand as a cultural bridge: a game you played with your family, yes, but also one that evolves with you as you grow up—and grow more competitive. The ultimate goal? Make UNO something you never outgrow. UNO goes lifestyle Mattel's bet on UNO as a lifestyle brand is part of a larger push happening across the $19.5 billion tabletop games market. That market is projected to grow to $34.1 billion by 2030 according to Research and Markets, with a nearly 10% annual growth rate. And while big names like Mattel and Hasbro still dominate the space, smaller indie brands are gaining traction thanks to clever design and grassroots followings. Strategy games, in particular, are fueling the boom—especially those that combine competitive chaos with social connection. It's exactly the niche UNO is now trying to own. A new kind of brand loyalty This isn't just about nostalgia. The surge in tabletop gaming—fueled by Euro-style strategy games, hybrid digital-analog formats, and board game cafés—reflects a growing appetite for IRL interaction in a screen-saturated world. Educational games, RPGs, and collectible card games are all seeing major traction, especially in North America and Europe, with APAC quickly catching up thanks to a booming interest in social gaming and game cafés. If Barbie was Mattel's all-pink lifestyle moment, UNO is aiming to become the game night version. But instead of museum-style installations or scripted nostalgia, this is about high-energy interactivity. It's less about buying the product and more about stepping into its world—even if just for a drink, a draw four, and a photo op. 'We want to create spaces that feel familiar but elevated,' Adler says. 'If a bar was built with UNO in mind, what would it look like? That's what we're trying to answer.' What UNO is doing fits squarely into that trend. It's social. It's competitive. And it's chaotic in the best way. And if the Vegas launch goes well—and enough people show up ready to shuffle—this could be the beginning of a very colorful new era for game night.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
UNO in Las Vegas? Here's what is actually happening behind the hype
It all starts with a draw of four card, and then another, and then another, and before you know, your best friend is glaring at you across the table, your uncle's muttering something about betrayal, and someone's dramatically stormed off. UNO, that bright, chaotic deck of cards that's turned family game nights into battlefields, has now landed somewhere even wilder: Las Vegas. But the real question that everyone is curious about is whether people can gamble, too? The answer? Not quite. Mattel, the makers of UNO, confirmed to USA TODAY on July 14 that while the game is indeed debuting at a Las Vegas casino this weekend, actual gambling isn't part of the deal. '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, Mattel's vice president and global head of games. While betting is off the table, you are promised an immersive experience set up at the Palms Casino Resort from July 18 to July 20. The event, billed as an 'elevated social experience', features themed rooms, a game host, a private bowling alley, and an explosion of UNO branding across a specially designed suite. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Obtén audífonos premium sin pagar absolutamente nada Top Audifonos Undo That suite will host the winners of a TikTok contest, who were selected from submissions made before June 19 using Mattel's new UNO Reverse Card filter and the hashtags #UNOSocialClub and #MattelContest. Entrants had to be U.S. residents aged 21 and above. UNO: The card game that has caused rifts UNO's story began not in Vegas or a glitzy boardroom, but in a modest barbershop in Ohio. In 1971, Merle Robbins, a barber and family card game enthusiast, came up with a clever twist on Crazy Eights. Frustrated with remembering the ever-changing rules, Robbins simply wrote each action — skip, reverse, draw two — directly onto the cards. The result? An entirely new, more streamlined game that anyone could pick up and play. Merle and his wife believed in their invention so much they mortgaged their home to print 5,000 copies, then drove around the country selling decks from the back of a camper. The gamble paid off. Eventually, a marketer named Bob Tezak saw its potential, bought the rights, redesigned the packaging, and pushed UNO into the mainstream with aggressive sales tactics in the 1980s. Robbins retired from cutting hair and collected royalties for each deck sold. And now, five decades and billions of cards later, UNO is flirting with casino culture — without actually becoming a gambling game. It's clever marketing, nostalgia bait, and pop-up event culture all shuffled together. So, is UNO becoming the new blackjack? Not today, but who knows one day.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
UNO addresses Las Vegas casinos speculation with update on new experience at the Palms
UNO has responded to swirling speculation about its presence in Las Vegas, following excitement sparked by reports of a new experience tied to the iconic card game. While early assumptions pointed towards a possible entry into casino gaming, the brand has now provided clarification. Mattel confirmed the launch of the UNO Social Club at the Palms resort in Las Vegas. The new venue reimagines game night by offering a live, in-person setting focused on connection, casual competition, and entertainment. 'The UNO Social Club in Las Vegas is just the beginning,' said Ray Adler, vice president and global head of games at Mattel, adding that the goal is to create 'unforgettable memories' through gameplay. On July 14, UNO addressed the rumour that it would be entering the casino scene. In a message shared by Las Vegas Locally, the brand stated it would not be featured on the gambling floor, joking that casino security was not quite ready for the intensity of UNO matches. Despite the clarification, the core of the news remains upbeat. As part of the launch, a contest will run until July 19. The winner and a guest will enjoy a weekend stay in a vibrant UNO-themed suite at the Palms, designed in bold colours inspired by the game's signature aesthetic. Although fans may not see UNO chips on betting tables anytime soon, the social club offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the game in a festive and immersive setting.
Courier-Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Mattel opens adults-only Uno club at Las Vegas Palms Casino with strict gambling restrictions
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. 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. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY 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. Las Vegas Uno Social club features private playing tables. Photo: Palms Casino Resort. The room features multiple tables, a private bowling alley, a pool table and lounges. Photo: Palms Casino Resort. '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. The exclusive club kicks off from July 18. 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. Originally published as Beloved game Uno is set to debut in one Las Vegas casinos with plans for more, but there's a catch
