Latest news with #SocialClub


The Hill
6 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
6 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
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is Rockstar Games Social Club not working anymore?
Image via Rockstar Games. Rockstar Games Social Club is a DRM software for games like GTA, Red Dead, and many more. This also worked as a central hub of the online communities and services platform for Rockstar titles. This software also made sure that players are well aware about their in-game stats, achievements, leaderboards, Crew and multiplayer events, content sharing, and what not! However, it seems that the era of Rockstar Games Social Club comes to an end. Is Rockstar Games Social Club officially shut down? Frankly speaking, Rockstar Games Social Club was actually more than a DRM. Not only players could authenticate Rockstar titles with Social Club accounts, but they could also manage profiles, link other platforms, etc. With this platform, players could join various communities, Crews to play group missions, and multiplayer modes and events. Social Club featured community tools and content sharing options to get solutions to any in-game issues. Even this platform used to grant exclusive bonuses and rewards. It seems fans won't be able to use these perks anymore as Rockstar Games Social Club is probably defunct. There have been recent reports which suggest that Rockstar Games Social Club now redirects to the standard Rockstar Games homepage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Update: The Strategy Uses By Successful Intraday Trader TradeWise Learn More Undo Not only that, core features of the platform like activity feeds, profile viewing. However, other features of the Social Club, like Crews, in-game progress, friends list and community, and many more can be accessed via the GTA Online website and standard Rockstar Games site. But still, there is no existence of the Rockstar Games Social Club, as of now. This was quite evident looking at the upcoming release of GTA 6. Social Club was obviously pretty useful but on the other hand, it was becoming old day by day. So, Rockstar would never incorporate a 17-year old software to its highly realistic upcoming title. That is why, Social Club's end might mark the addition of a completely new DRM-cum companion software for GTA 6 . This sudden extinction may seem unexpected, but the end of Rockstar Games Social Club was already hinted, two years ago. In late 2023, the official website of Rockstar Games removed all the references of Social Club. However, the features and aspects remained the same, but the wordings changed to 'Rockstar Games Platform.' So, it seems this is the final pin in the coffin of Rockstar Games Social Club. Read More: 7 problems from GTA 5 that GTA 6 must fix Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


New York Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Las Vegas brings popular card game Uno to casino in stunning development
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. Las Vegas isn't exactly a city synonymous with family friendly fun, but a new venture from the Palms Casino Resort is looking to bring some good, clean fun to Sin City. The Palms launched the first-ever 'UNO Social Club' in Vegas this past weekend,, and there are plans for more locations to launch across the U.S. later this year, according to Mattel, which owns UNO. '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, Vice President and Global Head of Games at Mattel told Newsweek. '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.' 3 A shot from the Uno Social Club. @uno/Instagram The Palms, which is located off the strip in Vegas, turned its Kingpin Suite into a UNO-themed paradise, complete with colorful decor and a private bowling alley. UNO noted on Instagram that the games were not placed on the casino floors directly, despite some rumors. 3 A look at the Uno Social Club. @uno/Instagram 'We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but the casino floor isn't ready for us yet,' the account wrote. 'We've been told that while they do have tight security, it's not robust enough for UNO at this time.' UNO, which was invented by a barber named Merle Robbins in 1971 and was acquired in 1992 by Mattel, the second-largest toymaker in terms of revenue (behind Lego) has grown into one of the most successful brands in gaming over the last 30 years. 3 Uno is going to be bringing in newcomers to the casino in Las Vegas. Getty Images Mattel and the Palms are banking on the game's popularity to be strong enough to get people away from their kitchen tables and into brick-and-mortar UNO-inspired clubs. According to the Palms, more UNO Social Clubs will pop up around the country later in 2025, using bars in major cities as hosts. Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps The announcement noted that the events will feature UNO-themed drink menus, tournaments and more. Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.


Axios
27-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
Voyage opens in Camp North End as a travel shop and social club for women
Voyage, a new women's boutique dedicated to all things travel, recently opened in Camp North End. Why it matters: The locally-owned business is not just a retail store. It's part boutique, part travel agency, part social club. The vibe: The 2,285-square-foot space, in Camp North End's Boileryard District, aims to be a destination for women who love to travel, want to travel more, or simply connect with a community of like-minded adventurers, explains owner Ophelia Allman. What to expect: Shelves filled with practical travel products, such as Cotopaxi backpacks and cooking sets for nomads, as well as globally inspired decor and apparel. Everything is primarily sourced from women-owned brands worldwide. Here's what else you'll find at Voyage: Custom travel planning: For $100, Voyage's concierge service creates personalized trip itineraries using Allman's network of global hospitality contacts. A wardrobe for your next trip: The apparel is curated for a range of climates, destinations and occasions, from vibrant dresses fit for an island getaway to activewear for outdoor excursions. Personalized styling is available by appointment. Staycation Social Club: A members-only series that highlights a new country each month through immersive experiences. Think pasta-making classes for Italy and cozy candle-lit rituals inspired by Norway's hygge lifestyle. Hands-on workshops: Think expert-led packing tutorials. Context: Allman, who was born in Crete, Greece, has lived in Charlotte for five years after moving from Atlanta. Her former career in public health took her around the globe, often solo. This led Allman to open a space where other women can feel confident and prepared for their travels. What they're saying: " Over the years, I've picked up more than just packing tips and favorite hotels — I've collected wisdom, built relationships, and developed a deep understanding of what women need to feel safe, inspired, and at home in unfamiliar places," says Allman. What's next: Voyage will kick off its Staycation Social Club on July 11 with an evening dedicated to the sights, sounds and foods of France. The club is $145 per month, which includes a subscription box full of curated goods — from skincare to cookbooks — and access to one of the in-person events. Stop by: 1824 Statesville Ave. Open Wednesday 11am-5pm, Thursday-Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm.