Las Vegas style gambling has come to Bermuda ? but with prizes up for grabs rather than cash at the monthly casino nights at Leopard?s Club.

Organiser Bruce Simons said the events were bringing in large crowds but were within the law as punters became temporary members at the Cedar Avenue club.

?We have a great demographic, we are getting everyone from all walks of life, from Chinese to locals. It started in August and is starting to catch on,? Mr. Simons said. The next casino night is tonight but punters should be prepared to stay late ? gambling can run well into the next morning. In order to pick up a raffle prize, entrants have to be on the premises when they are drawn.

?We keep you there,? said Mr. Simons. ?You can?t just come and leave. It?s a long night.

?We wanted to do something unique as well as give everyone time to get the gambling out of their system. A lot of people want to gamble without leaving the Island. People leave with a smile.?

Games include Las Vegas-style poker, crown and anchor, big wheel and poker while waitresses bring drinks to punters? tables.

Chips cost $1 to $100 but winners can?t cash them in but can bring them to the next night, said Mr. Simons who is running the operation separate from the Leopard?s Club with his brother Steve Simons and Kenneth Burgess.

?We get anywhere between 75 to 300 people a night.?

Prizes have included a weekend for two at Elbow Beach and sponsors include Gosling?s and Pitt and Company, said Mr. Simons.

He said most played for the fun of it and even those steering clear of gambling could enter the raffles which are held every two hours starting at 11 p.m.