Most people think that planning a DJ set for a casino party is a lot like planning the wedding, except with more songs about money and less flowers. The truth is it’s actually much simpler than that. You should start by listening to a lot of music — if you’re going to play for people who are out to have fun and forget about their troubles (which includes everyone in this particular scenario), then you need to be able to adapt your style depending on what kind of mood they’re in. But don’t worry; we’ll break down all the details below so that you can understand what goes into being an excellent DJ at any event!
Create a song list by theme
One way to plan your playlist is to create a theme for the event. For example, if you are DJing a casino party, you could have themes based on the different games that guests will play during the evening. During lockdowns in connection to COVID-19 pandemic, DJs managed to create themed online events with the help of online casino websites. For example, Pokie Spins casino allowed people to join the casino while DJs entertained the guests, all it happened via ZOOM.
You could also have themes based on locations in Las Vegas and other cities around the world that host casinos or gambling tournaments. By choosing a theme, you can focus your playlist around songs that fit within that genre or style of music.
Here are some examples of possible themes:
- Live performance venues (like theaters)
- Classic rock artists
- R&B singers
Listen to a lot of music
The first step in planning a DJ set is to listen to music. You should listen to music that is similar to the music you will be playing, but you should also listen to music that is different from the music you will be playing.
For instance, if your event is being held at a country club and your client asked for 1980s hits like “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel or “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper, then it would behoove you as a professional DJ not only to listen to these songs (because they’re super catchy AF), but also songs which are similar yet distinct: maybe some Fleetwood Mac or Bryan Adams tracks.
Then again, if this same event were being held at an outdoor concert venue with a large crowd of young people who love EDM, it might make more sense for your playlist selection process not only include songs similar in tone (like The Chainsmokers’ recent hit “This Feeling”), but also other artists who have come out recently and have been getting radio play like Kygo or Marshmello — though keep in mind both those artists have their own unique sound!
Prepare your DJ set lists
- Use a spreadsheet to plan your setlists. You can create one in Excel, or you can use Google Sheets (which is free).
- Have a backup plan in case you lose access to your spreadsheet. If there is an issue with the internet connection during your set, make sure you have a hard copy of all of your playlists and backups stored on USB flash drives or CDs/DVDs.
- Always include a list of equipment used in each set so that other DJs know how many microphones and speakers are available for use at their events.
Check the venue and your equipment
- Check the size of the venue.
- Check the acoustics of the venue.
- Check that all equipment is in working condition and in good repair.
- Check that everything necessary for your setup is available when you arrive at the venue, such as power cables, extension leads and so on. Do not assume anything: ask the management or staff at the hotel to confirm everything will be ready on time before loading up with gear!
- Make sure there’s plenty of space for you to move around during your set-up process without bumping into anything (or anyone) else — especially if working from a DJ booth or stage which may have restricted access points/movement zones!
Practice and test your equipment
You should also practice and test your equipment before the event. Make sure that your equipment is compatible with the venue, as well as its power supply, sound system and any other technical requirements. If you can’t test your setup beforehand, ask someone at the venue to help you make sure everything is working properly on site.
Play to the crowd, be flexible
When you begin your DJ set, remember that this is not just another night at the club. This is a casino, and the guests expect certain things. They expect to hear music they know and love. They expect to be able to dance with their friends until 2 in the morning. That said, there are no guarantees about what kind of crowd you’ll have at any given event — so be prepared for anything!
- Be open-minded about who shows up at your party. Don’t be afraid to play something different from what you’ve practiced (and maybe even try a few new songs) if it seems appropriate for that particular audience. It’s good practice for being flexible on stage in general, but especially when dealing with people whose tastes differ from yours.
The best DJs are willing to adjust on the fly
A good DJ will be willing to adjust on the fly. As a client, you should expect that every detail of your event may need some tweaking along the way. The best DJs are flexible and adaptable, able to roll with whatever curveball comes their way without missing a beat.
It’s important not to be afraid of making changes — even if those changes result in things going less-than-perfectly. If something goes wrong during your casino party DJ set, don’t panic! Remember: everyone makes mistakes sometimes; there’s no shame in making an error if it means correcting course before things get worse (and as long as no one gets hurt).
There are many ways in which things can go wrong during these types of events — but there are also plenty of ways for them to go right! Don’t be afraid to ask for help from other people or seek advice from someone who’s been through this process before (it could even be us!). You should also feel free to ask for second opinions about what decisions might work best for your specific needs and situation — especially if someone has already had experience with similar situations before!
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into DJing. It takes time and effort to prepare, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes like second nature.