- These may not beat Ashrita Furman's claim to fame of holding the most world records, but they're pretty cool...
The casino can be a strange place at times – filled with people at varying stages of their gambling journey, from beginners to experts, and even first-timers. Perhaps this is why the casino has found itself being an individual category when it comes to weird and wonderful world records. Whether it be playing cards or gaming chips, there are fans out there that will find a way to incorporate their love for casino into a way to make a name for themselves in the gaming hall of fame.
Prepare to be amazed, and perhaps inspired, as we talk you through some of our favorites.
The furthest and fastest card-toss
Our first record occurs outside of the casino setting but utilizes one of the most iconic and synonymous pieces of gameplay equipment on the planet – playing cards. In 2002, American magician Rick Smith Jr. made a name for himself in the casino hall of fame by achieving the furthest and fastest card-toss. Already known for dabbling in card-centric tricks, Smith Jr. was undoubtedly looking for a new way to shock and delight his audiences.
The magician took to the stage at the Convocation Centre in Cleveland, Ohio, determined to get his name in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records. With all his might, Smith threw the card a whopping 92mph and covered a staggering 65.95 meters. Record well-earnt, we’d say!
The largest one-hand fan
Going a little further back in the history of casino world records, 1994 saw Ralf Laue make a name for himself at the casino by holding up the largest one-hand fan of playing cards. What made this feat ever more impressive was the color and value of each and every card was displayed clearly within the fan, totaling an impressive 326 playing cards in just one hand.
This record is of even more interest thanks to the determined fella who set it. Laue wasn’t just a fan (get it?) of playing with cards, he’d also tried his hand at many other world records – and succeeded. Some of his other accomplishments include pancake flipping and completing the fastest game of Operation.
The most valuable casino chip
A less active, but equally as impressive, record comes in the form of the most valuable casino chip to have ever been made. Whilst casino chips are usually used to represent a range of monetary values – in order to place bets – the plastic disc itself has very little real worth. However, in 2013, Canadian jeweler Gerald Levy decided that that just wouldn’t do. With the objective of creating a bedazzled reflection of the chips we’re used to, Levy created a gold chip that was ladened with precious stones, big and small.
Whilst you’re unlikely to catch a glimpse of a sparkling chip on any online casino in Canada, you can see a photo of one in the Guinness Book of World Records. Prepare yourself to be stunned by the dazzling diamonds, as the chip is estimated to be worth a staggering CA$450,000! No wonder it earnt a record!
The biggest blackjack table
The Viejas casino in Southern California was once the home of the largest fully-functional Blackjack table, constructed in 2012. The iconic gaming table measured an astonishing 207m2 in surface area, and the dealer had to stand up on top of the table just to oversee gameplay.
The reason behind this magnificent feat was to celebrate the casino’s 21st birthday. To further the celebrations, six special guests were invited to play on the comically oversized table, using size-appropriate casino chips and playing cards.
Now that you know what’s been achieved in the history of casino gaming, why not pave the way and attempt a world record of your very own?