Hands held high, they shook the dice like a high-rollers on the Vegas strip. No money is at stake, but they hit the jackpot in fun on Bunco Day at Madison Senior Center.

To play Bunco, players roll three dice in six rounds. They start by rolling for “1,” then “2” and continue through “6.” They score one point for each desired number. The game finale is reaching 21 points or rolling three-of-a-kind for that round’s number.

At the Bunco tables on Aug. 22 were Peggy Belcher, Dorothy Bridge, Rosemary Brocato, e’Claire Cook, Ernestine Flagg, Anna Gay, Fran Hatmaker, Barbara Hosch, Lucille Miller, Wanda Morrison, Lyn Randolph and Aurora F. Silva.

Discouraged, e’Claire Cook said, “I’m not doing so hot.” Another player encouraged her, saying, “You go, ‘gurl.'”

“Bunco started in Chicago, you know,” Wanda Morrison, a 30-year Bunco veteran, said. “It was illegal and the gangsters played it.”

Vickie Parker, the center’s acting manager, kept the game rolling (literally) as the women changed tables between rounds.

At 87 years, Ana Gay had that day’s distinction as oldest player. Her grandson, Tyson Gay, won a silver medal as a team sprinter in track and field at the London Olympic Games. “I’m proud of Tyson!” Gay said.

The lucky winner of the billfold was Lucille Miller, who wore a sporty straw derby and violet “Mose Chapel” T-shirt. Getting in the spirit of the game, Miller shook the dice and whispered, “Come on, 3s. Work it for me!” She hit two points in that roll.

Madison Senior Center’s address is 1282 Hughes Road. For more information, call 256-772-6242 or send email to vickie.parker@madisonal.gov. On the city’s website, madisonal.gov, click “Madison Senior Center” in the Parks & Recreation section.