UNO Social Clubs will come to more US states and cities in the future
Mattel, one of the leading names in family board games, have announced their latest venture – UNO social clubs.
The first event will take place this weekend at the Palms Casino Resort, from July 18-20, with players able to enjoy UNO-themed drinks and food, gaming tables, UNO games and expansions, and, perhaps most excitingly, a private UNO dealer to shuffle cards and clarify the rules (but no gambling is allowed).
UNO was invented in 1971, originally sold from inventor Merle Robbins’s barbershop. Robbins sold the rights to the game to a group of friends before it was eventually picked up by Mattel in 1992.
Dozens of versions of the game exist, including titles like Uno Minecraft and Uno Harry Potter.
These, and the many other game variations, will be available to adult players at numerous UNO Social Clubs – that are due to be held in venues across the US. The first venue to host such an event will be the Palms Casino Resort this weekend.
The Palms Casino, opened in 2001, is one of the most widely recognized casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. It is known for its upscale atmosphere, and it regularly hosts evenings and events. The casino recently hosted the Culinary Weekend and Independence Day Weekend.
In a press release, the casino said: “UNO Social Clubs transforms game nights into an elevated social experience where friends connect, compete and create memories in venues across the country.”
They went on to say that games included during the event would include UNO Golf, UNO Teams and UNO Show ’em No Mercy.
Following the announcement of the new games evenings, Mattel was forced to post an update, as fans questioned whether this meant players would be able to bet on the games.
In an Instagram post, the company clarified: “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.
“This isn’t a Reverse card. While we get this sorted out, the UNO Social Club is rolling out to bars in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta and Austin this August.”
Although the game maker has listed other cities for similar events in the future, no further dates or details have been announced, but players can expect games and themed events to crop up in bars and adult entertainment venues across the country.
If the events prove successful, other Mattel brands might enjoy the same treatment, and UNO Social Clubs could crop up in other countries.
Mattel is celebrating their 80th anniversary this month, having been established by Ruth and Elliot Handler and Harold ‘Matt’ Matson.
Their first toy was the Uke-A-Doodle, a child-sized ukulele that was designed to make music more accessible for kids. The company is also known for launching the Magic 8 Ball, Hot Wheels and Barbie.
