Played a lot of dominoes back in the day, but not familiar with that Mexican Train variation.
Here in Japan "Daifugo" is a fun party game that uses a standard deck of playing cards and can accomodate quite a large group of players: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daifug%C5%8D
If the numbers are right - 3-5 people per table - then I'd opt for mahjong as a sociable party-gambling game!
!CTP
My wife plays Mahjong with her mom and aunts. They usually get together about once a month and spend a morning playing. I am sure the dominoes variation we play has other names. That's just what they call it. I will check out that other game you mentioned!
BTW, I checked out that YouTube clip of Boyz n the Hood. I hadn't heard of it so I ended up watching it on Netflix last night. Thanks.
!CTP
It's a good movie. An absolute classic! So many famous actors in it too.