Seniors from across the island came to Hilo on Wednesday to try their luck at Casino Day.
Smiles, laughs and celebrations were abundant as about 500 kupuna played blackjack, roulette, bingo, Plinko and other classic casino games together during the annual event at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium.
Novice card players Annie Little and Elaine Reed laughed as they gambled their chips at a blackjack table for the majority of the event. Each round was a fun one, regardless of the outcome.
“We played a few card games before coming to this table, where we met the best blackjack dealer ever. This was my first time coming, and it was so much fun,” Little said.
“It was pretty back-and-forth with winning the whole time. I don’t gamble much, so the way I play is just for fun,” Reed said.
Those who ended with the most chips received prizes. However, many participants were there for the fun of the day. Volunteer casino game dealers kept up the energy and were happy to help people learn and excel at the various games.
Finding dealers was a big undertaking for staff of the Hawaii County Elderly Activities Division, or EAD, since this was the largest Casino Day yet. Director Roann Okamura decided to try her hand as a roulette dealer and hosted a table throughout the event.
“We usually have around 300 people, so this was easily our largest turnout yet,” Okamura said. “Roulette is a great game, and I will play it when in Las Vegas, but dealing is a little harder since I’m a senior, as well.”
Casino Day came about as a way to give kupuna the feelings of gambling in Las Vegas if they have been before, or have never been at all.
“Most of our seniors can’t go to Las Vegas anymore, and this brings back that vibe for them. It also gives them different people to play with if they are used to playing games at home,” Okamura said. “For those that have never played, they can get some experience and have more confidence if they do go to Vegas at some point.”
Kupuna come from around the island for the friendly competition, but the main purpose behind these large events is giving kupuna the chance to socialize with friends and people they haven’t seen in a while.
“I love coming here because you get to see all your old friends and just have a good time. It’s something fun and different to do,” said Beatrice Cabral.
Okamura was happy to see so many familiar faces of people that have been part of EAD programs for several years, as well as former employees who decided to come back to volunteer for the event.
“There are many people who used to work with us dealing cards, because when you work with EAD, you become kind of hooked,” Okamura said. “It feels good to be part of these events because it’s for our seniors.
“We’ve been very fortunate that people join our programs and grow to be part of this community.” Okamura added.
The spring session for senior classes at the Kamana Senior Center in Hilo, the Hamakua District, the Keaau Community Center — which serves Puna and Ka‘u — and the West Hawaii Senior Center will run until Sunday, June 9.
Registration for the summer session will be from Monday, June 17, to Friday, July 19.
Classes will begin on July 8.
More information can be found on the county’s website at tinyurl.com/3a8bmbxx.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
