There won’t be a betting line or a point spread, but a spirit of camaraderie and a little friendly rivalry will abound Saturday afternoon.

Vicksburg’s casinos are lacing up their sneakers and getting ready to hit the hard courts in an effort to raise money and canned goods for United Way of West Central Mississippi and the Storehouse Food Pantry.

All four Vicksburg casinos — Ameristar, DiamondJacks, Lady Luck, and Riverwalk — will be competing against each other for bragging rights in a fundraising basketball tournament.

“We’ve had lots of excitement,” Ameristar marketing manager Lori Burke said. “We have team members still calling asking if we still need people to play basketball.”

“We even have a group that wants to cheer lead for the team,” Burke said.

The games will help raise awareness and capital for two charities that help thousands of individuals every year.

“You have casinos that are competitors that are coming together as a team to support a charity,” Burke said. “I think that’s incredible that you lose the competitiveness and the casinos come together for a cause.”

“This will be our first year to participate,” Senior Operations Shift Manager at Riverwalk Casino Penny Bankston said. “It’s a good chance for all the casinos to come together to show our support for the community.”

The United Way of West Central Mississippi has been in the community since 1953 and is grateful for the support.

“The United Way of West Central Mississippi is so very grateful to be the recipient of such generosity. The Casino Charity Basketball Challenge is a unique, fun-filled way to generate not only funding, but awareness of the issues being addressed in the areas of health, financial stability and education,” said Michele Connelly, Executive Director of United Way. “I will definitely be there to cheer on the athletes and watch the three point baskets that will signify the success of not only the casino’s team, but our community.”

Many of the casinos employees have volunteered to assist in other ways besides being on the court.

“We’re all volunteering to do the ticket sales, work in the concession stand and all the casinos are going to bring door prizes to give away at halftime.” Bankston said.

In addition to items donated to be used as door prizes, the casinos also donated food and drinks to stock the concession stand.

“It’s an opportunity for the casinos to give back to the community over a little friendly competition,” DiamondJacks Executive Vice President and General Manager Felicia Gavin said. “We’re donating food and some door prizes, such as vouchers to our buffets, umbrellas, rain coats and various logo items.”

Organizers are expecting 150 people or more, and all proceeds benefit the United Way and Storehouse Food Pantry.

While none of the casinos would give odds on the games, they all expressed belief that their team would win.

Admission to attend the event is $5 or three canned goods. The event will be held at the Warren Central Gymnasium from 1:30 until 5 p.m.