Bets for Vets Casino Night brings the community together to support programs like equine therapy, benefiting East Texas veterans. (Contributed Photo)

Tyler’s own slice of the Las Vegas Strip comes to life at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center on Feb. 1 with Bets for Vets Casino Night, a joint fundraiser for CampV and Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

“Starbrite has a wonderful veterans equine therapy program … CampV has a multitude of programs,” said Travis Gladhill, CampV executive director. “All the money raised at the end of the night is going to be injected back into those programs for each of the organizations.”

Picture a sea of gaming tables, the shuffle of cards and the spin of the roulette wheel—all handled by tuxedo-clad dealers. With signature cocktails, mocktails and decadent bites, it’s a chance to live the Vegas dream without leaving East Texas.

CampV integrates military and civilian resources through one central location providing efficient and practical support and resources to veterans, active duty, reserves, guards and their families.

Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids, adults and veterans with physical, mental, social and psychological disabilities.

The venue will be transformed into a vibrant casino atmosphere, complete with dining tables, a dance floor and a stage illuminated with lights. A DJ will keep the energy high, and a stunning backdrop—donated by a volunteer—will set the perfect scene for a night of fun.

Guests will be welcomed with an opening ceremony featuring an invocation, the national anthem and a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony to honor those who cannot be present. City of Tyler Mayor Don Warren will serve as the evening’s emcee, guiding attendees through the night’s events and recognizing the sponsors who helped make it possible.

Gaming tables will open, inviting guests to go all in and try their luck. Winnings can be exchanged for raffle tickets, giving players the chance to take home prizes, including golf and hunting trips, as well as a variety of gift cards.

“It’s just gonna be a real fun night, entertainment and dancing and food and drinks, just an overall, hopefully super energized experience,” said April Scarborough, development and veteran director for Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian.

It’s perfect for those who have never been to a casino before, Scarborough said. Dealers will have extra time to teach attendees how to play, whether it’s blackjack or any other game they’ve always wanted to try.

With play money involved, the atmosphere will be relaxed and enjoyable, taking away the intimidation factor and ensuring everyone feels comfortable joining in on the fun.

Throughout the night, a slideshow will showcase photos and information about CampV and Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center, highlighting the work both organizations do for East Texas veterans. Staff from both groups will be mingling, answering questions, and even placing a few bets of their own, ensuring guests feel welcome and engaged.

“The goal is to introduce East Texas veterans to who we are and what we can offer them,” Scarborough said.

East Texas is home to the second-largest veteran population in the state, but connecting in a rural setting can be challenging. Scarborough said events like Bets for Vets Casino Night help bridge that gap by bringing the community and veterans together, fostering relationships and increasing awareness of veteran needs.

“The camaraderie is what veterans miss the most,” Scarborough said. “There will be a lot of veterans at the event, and I hope they take the opportunity to meet, network and discover programs like ours that can offer the support they’re looking for.”

The goal is to create a lively, interactive, and fun-filled evening where veterans can connect, enjoy themselves, and learn more about the resources available to them—all while raising funds for two organizations dedicated to their well-being.

The dress code for the evening is Texas formal. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear their jackets and cowboy hats, while ladies can get as glitzy as they like or opt for jeans and a hat, too.

There are about 90 tickets remaining for Bets for Vets Casino Night, and two tables are still available for purchase at $1,500 each. Tickets are $125 each.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://betsforvets.funraise.org/, email betsforvets@gmail.com or call 903-530-4050.