By Ash Johnson
Edited by DJ Humphreys
Photos Edited by David Tayau
On March 20, 2026, Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) hosted Casino Night in the Johnson Event Center in Colloms Campus Center. Casino Night is an annual event that occurs near the end of Spring Semester.
Although there were several games available, blackjack was the most popular among students.
The goal of Blackjack is simple. The players’ cards must add up to a number higher than the dealer’s hand. The catch? If the total number adds to be more than 21, the hand “busts”, and the player loses. Number cards are face-value, face cards are 10, and Aces can be one or 11.
Approximately 100 students attended Casino Night, which was supported by Simplify Entertainment.
Although there is math involved in Blackjack, there is a debate as to whether the game is more math-based or luck-based.
Blake Splitter, a math professor at TWU, served as one of the Blackjack dealers, when asked if Blackjack is more math or luck-based.
“I think it’s a little bit of both, but if you play well, it can be more math-based.” Splitter said.
As the night progressed, the debate between chance and calculation continued. At the Blackjack tables, some students used probability to determine whether to “stay” or “hit”. Other students hoped that the dealer would bust or have a lower score than them. One student relied on superstition through the power of shaking food in a bowl.
The food at Casino Night was provided by Aramark.
People continued to play until it was time to cash in any remaining chips earned in exchange for tickets.
One student, Ethan Kline, stood out after trading in at least 40 black chips, earning them from playing Blackjack.
After we found him, we asked Ethan what his advice was to people who wanted to win at Blackjack.
“My advice to anyone playing Blackjack is to not lose, and always, always win.” Kline said.
Not all players shared the same experience.
Bri Johnson said, “The game is rigged.”
The event concluded with a prize drawing, where Ange Astolfi won the final prize, an iPad.
Tyler Forrest, president of TWU, said the event was a success.
“It was a fantastic evening because there were so many excited students here,” Forrest said.
Benjamin Forrest also shared his experience.
“I think I had a fun time with my dad, my mom and the students,” Benjamin Forrest said.