U.S. Poker & Casino rolls into corporate events

An interview with Jeff Durocher, president & CEO of U.S. Poker & Casino Parties.

Q: Tell us a little about the business.

A: We are a corporate casino and charity fundraiser event company. We provide casino nights for all sized events from 10 to over 2,000 people. We bring the casino to you. Our most popular games are Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold'em Poker and my personal favorite Craps. Our top-quality equipment and professional dealers set us apart. Our clients could be large corporations like McDonald's, Walgreens, CDW, charities large and small or private home parties, weddings, bar and bar mitzvah's and even golf course or beach side.

Q: How and when did the business start?

A: I purchased the business in 2011 from DMC in Chicago. I had a long and successful career as an executive and I was looking to own my own company. I wanted a niche company that was fun and served the corporate world.

Q: How do you cater to the corporate client?

A: We bring a full range of services to corporate clients. We can do their event planning, add casino décor or highboys, Elvis impersonators - whatever they want to make their casino night the most memorable event of the year.

Q: What is the one tip you would give someone just starting in the industry?

A: Stay involved in the day to day operations. It is not easy to run from a distance.

Q: What are people in your industry talking about?

A: Texas Hold'em tournaments are coming back. Poker went through a phase, then it went online, now it's coming back strong.

Q: Do you use real money?

A: No, that is against the law. All of our games are for entertainment purposes only. I'm not interested in going to jail so we run a very clean business.