So I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of any good places to play? Like as in a good place for player rewards and what not.
I will put this little note, I will not play at any Harrah's, Caesars, or Horseshoe properties. This is just my preference tho.
Yet I'm open to any other suggestions tho.
Chicago Trip in June
- Started by
- cheetahwind
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
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- Started by
- cheetahwind
- at May 12, 14, 12:01:35 PM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
-
- Replied by
- Feelin froggy
- at May 12, 14, 01:21:16 PM
- Admin 6049
- last active 6 months ago
Very cool that you will be in Chicago cheetahwind!
You must try Rivers Casino. They've stolen most of the business from the casinos just over the border in Indiana like Horseshoe etc. The Rush Rewards program is pretty good. They give free cash and tons of promotions. They usually have some sort of perk for new members like a free buffet or something. Not sure what it will be in June. There is no hotel on site but they offer shuttle service to those nearby, and there are plenty of hotels nearby.
Ameristar Casino and Hotel is good too but the rewards program is not as good. You get nothing as a new member but there are lots of games and they have the latest ones to hit the market, something that Rivers is a little slow on. It's actually a boat with 4 floors. I loved it!
Those are my suggestions. Where will you be staying? -
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at May 12, 14, 04:56:44 PM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
I'm looking on staying in the Waukegan or Gurneee area. You would think being within 8 hours of Chicago my whole life I would have been there once. I never have. I'm a real big roller coaster enthusiast. So I'm going to ride some of the coasters at Six Flags there. Then decided I want to take in a museum and possibly some of the gaming action of the area.
I'm going to be booking my room within the next week, am looking at doing the second full week of June. I figure it should be a fun little trip. -
- Replied by
- Lipstick
- at May 13, 14, 12:23:00 AM
- Admin 13900
- last active 11 months ago
Hi Cheetahwind,
Welcome to the windy city come June! I'm with froggy i definitely recommend Rivers Casino. They are absolutely the best in the Chicagoland area. It is the closest Casino to downtown Chicago besides Horseshoe which is in Indiana. It does not have a hotel attached but it is in a hotel district and they lined up all around the Casino that will offers free shuttles to Rivers should you decide to spend the night.
You will definitely get some kind of perk. Every month it can change so hard to tell what will be up for grabs in June either a free buffet or free cash most likely.
I hope you enjoy our city and the Chicagoans treat you right! You absolutely have to try Chicago style pizza while you are here! My recommendation is Paisanos Pizza! There are two locations in the city and it was rated number 3 for best pizza in the US!
If i can be of anymore help or offer any suggestions don't hesitate to give me a holler!
Lips -
- Replied by
- tinker
- at May 13, 14, 07:57:17 PM
- Sr. Member 432
- last active 6 years ago
-
- Replied by
- Feelin froggy
- at May 14, 14, 11:00:15 AM
- Admin 6049
- last active 6 months ago
-
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jun 15, 14, 10:00:23 PM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
So I just got back from my little trip to Chicago.
Nice City, lots of traffic, and lots of accidents. The only day I wasn't stuck in a traffic jam was on the way home today.
My review of a few of the local casinos as follows.
Rivers
Honestly I can't see what all of the hype is about. I mean the buffet was really good, but honestly that was about the only plus I really could get from this casino.
The penny slot selection was practically non existent, you had to play 2 centers or higher. I maybe saw like 10 to 15 penny slots on the whole floor. Otherwise they really were greedy for your money. The machines were configured to not let you bet off your remaining cents, you had to play certain minimums to play the machines. Otherwise you had to take your pennies home. Plus the slots paid barely next to nothing for me. The fastest 5 minutes on a slot floor of my life.
Tables were practically for the you had to be a high roller to play blackjack. Minimum of $25.00 to play a hand of blackjack. Way out of my regular betting routine there.
Beverage service was non existent, plus apparently in order to get a soda you have to ask for one from the cocktail waitress. Otherwise if you went up to the bar, you had to pay for one. I'll pass.
I also didn't get a new member perk of any sort. Other than here you get 15% off of your buffet. So instead of paying $20.00, I paid $17 instead.
Maybe if you can earn some points or have some money besides $30 to lay down. This casino might be ok, otherwise really I really have no desire to return here.
Grand Victoria Casino
This was my first casino to visit in the area. I was initially excited to see my reward points build up rather quickly. To realize that it takes 1,000 points to get $1 of anything from here.
Once again penny slots were barely existent here. I'm starting to see a pattern here in Chicago of the slot bargain hunter. Yet I did find a nice bank of colossal reels that actually let me play on my $30 budget for this casino. For at least 2 hours before having me bust out.
Also the table games were set for the high roller again at $25.00 minimum a hand of blackjack. So once again I passed on the tables here.
I did get a new member perk of my choice of a coffee mug, USB charger, or a water glass. I took the water glass.
Didn't get a chance to try the buffet, yet the smells coming from it smelled rather good.
Hollywood Joliet
This was by far my favorite casino of the 4 I visited. Nice variety of penny, 2 cent, nickel and so on and so forth slots. I didn't feel like I had to wanting to waste tons of cash just to get an experience here. I tried a new Alibaba like machine, I can't remember the name of it by WMS. Yet it was a pretty decent paying machine. I stuck in a $20 and walked away from the machine with $250.
Now silly me saw the hot shot progressive machines getting up there for the lower 2 progressives. Mainly because the 3rd highest one had been hit. Yet as I found out they weren't going to be easy to get. $100 later I gave up on trying. Just figuring it wasn't going to happen.
I did try my luck on the new price is right game, just like any novelty game. Lots of small line hits but nothing huge.
Tables again as I figured out in Chicago, required a $25.00 minimum bet to play blackjack. So my 3rd casino I passed on playing tables at.
The players club I found a bit confusing, because I didn't get a pin set or anything. Also I think a gift was advertised for new members, yet I didn't get 1? Yet I figure if I do accrue something worthwhile points wise or comp wise I'll figure out the pin # system later.
Otherwise this was my best time frame played in a casino. Lasted 3 hours on $30.00.
Hollywood Aurora
Nice small selection of machines and table games, yet it had a clean atmosphere to it.
The slots weren't doing too well this day, but had a nice variety penny, 2 cent, nickel, and so on and so forth slots.
The first casino in the area that offer $15 minimum blackjack. I still passed feeling the sting of loosing $90 at the other 3 casinos. Plus I didn't want my money gone in 2 hand possibly.
The buffet seemed a bit smaller compared to the other 3 casinos, yet it seemed cozy at least.
I found out the same card I had from Joliet also worked at Aurora. So I ended up not needing a new card, which I found to be rather neat.
This was my last day casino, so I was rather tired and didn't take in much.
Otherwise I had lots of fun at Six Flags, and enjoyed some of the area gaming. Honestly I really liked the feel of Hollywood Joliet, I do plan on going back maybe in October. With a bit more cash and try some table gaming for once. Otherwise that was my experience on this trip.
I might blog a bit more later about my experience. -
- Replied by
- Lipstick
- at Jun 18, 14, 11:59:02 AM
- Admin 13900
- last active 11 months ago
Glad you found Chicago a nice city and i hope the locals treated you right! I agree the traffic here is horrific. What happened to "rush hour"? That simply doesn't exist here anymore because any hour of the day is backed up with non-stop traffic.
Yes the table games at Chicago area Casinos are pricey and most are $25 minimums. That's why i usually don't play unless i am out of state with more reasonable minimums like $5.
Crazy as timing would have it......after posting about how great the promos are at Rivers Casino they decided to completely change their marketing last month and to be honest i am really disappointed. Everyone was offered the free weekly gifts, now its for selected members and the fact they offer no incentive for new players is really bad PR.
It is definitely a more high roller casino especially for tables and Video Poker that has a quarter minimum coin denomination on three lines or more. I had a very lucky run there for about a year but now that my luck has run out it's a bit to rich for my blood and am reconsidering a new spot to spend my money!
I like Hollywood Aurora but have not had a chance to check out their new location in Joliet and hope to visit there soon.
When at Grand Victoria Casino were you able to see there newly revamped buffet located right outside the Casino? By far the most beautifully designed buffet i have ever seen.
Lips -
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jun 18, 14, 01:36:30 PM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
I saw the outside of the buffet, but I didn't get a chance to look inside. I did go to there little cafe. The food as usual for a casino cafe was overpriced, but was pretty decent.
The main thing that surprised me about Aurora, and maybe it's because they don't want people just parking there for downtown things. Was the fact if you didn't have a marquee card, you had to pay for valet. Luckily I had one, but just took me by surprise was all.
Also yes, most of the locals were real friendly and always got excellent service whenever we went.
However the Country Inn in Gurnee, IL. I would so not recommend for a hotel.
The outside looks nice, but you can tell there slowly letting it slide. I'm guessing the only time of the year that hotel makes money is when Six Flags is open. Otherwise the first night my lamp broke, the second day my bathroom light flickered off. You could tell the tiles and grout in the floor were in much needed TLC. The pool area was kept a scorching warm 90 degrees to keep the pool warm they said. Then on my final day the lights tripped off again while I'm showering. Not a hotel, I would jump on right away again.
Plus everything in the city from where I was at, was hell of a drive. So I think for future reference I'll plan on staying a bit closer to the action than in Gurnee. -
- Replied by
- Feelin froggy
- at Jun 18, 14, 03:11:15 PM
- Admin 6049
- last active 6 months ago
The Grand Victoria Buffet does things differently too. Most of the food comes in little dishes so rather than scooping it onto your plate, you take the dish.
Very cool that you got to check out all the local casinos cheetahwind. I agree about Rivers. They are pricey. I went with someone there a couple of months ago and they could not believe that there were almost no pennies. You have to play 2 cents or more more. They definitely cut back recently so you can't even get a free buffet with your new membership. They'll learn when we all stop going there. -
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jun 18, 14, 04:01:37 PM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
The Grand Victoria Buffet does things differently too. Most of the food comes in little dishes so rather than scooping it onto your plate, you take the dish.
Very cool that you got to check out all the local casinos cheetahwind. I agree about Rivers. They are pricey. I went with someone there a couple of months ago and they could not believe that there were almost no pennies. You have to play 2 cents or more more. They definitely cut back recently so you can't even get a free buffet with your new membership. They'll learn when we all stop going there.
Interesting, than for sure I'll have to try there buffet the next time I'm in town. That sounds like almost like the food than should always have that fresh taste to it then. Than some places that serve in large dishes and everything tastes sort of luke warm, and sometimes not very tasty. -
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jun 22, 14, 10:37:16 PM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
So a minor update on some of the after math of my trip.
It would appear that apparently Hollywood must have enjoyed my business. Despite how small it was. I got a coupon for a free buffet for both Aurora and Joliet. I also got $15 free play from both casinos.
So for sure I'll be giving more of my business to both of those casinos then if I get back to the area.
Granted the free play and buffet is only good until the end of July, but hey it at least shows even though I won't be able to use it. That they actually appreciated my business. -
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jun 23, 14, 04:46:46 PM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
Now today Grand Victoria sent me $10 free play as well.
On top of the stuff I already got from Hollywood I'm also invited to a free night in there hotel in Joliet.
For $30 I'm impressed with what I'm getting for offers. Now the only one who hasn't jumped on board yet, which I'm highly doubting they will. Is Rivers. -
- Replied by
- Lipstick
- at Jun 23, 14, 05:28:13 PM
- Admin 13900
- last active 11 months ago
-
- Replied by
- Feelin froggy
- at Jun 23, 14, 05:52:31 PM
- Admin 6049
- last active 6 months ago
-
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jun 23, 14, 07:14:25 PM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
No, no the flyer will be for 1 free soda from the bar, since that's what I bitched about. lol
No I'm serious tho, I figured for $30 at each casino, I wouldn't have gotten a thing. I'm impressed with the way these casinos are already rolling out the red carpet, even for a small time player like I was during that trip. -
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jun 29, 14, 12:57:08 AM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
So Rivers did send me something, oh what a joy it was.
I get the privilege of buying 1 buffet, then getting my second one free. Sort of a let down, but to be honest I wasn't expecting much from this casino.
For that matter, for as much as of a small time player as I was. I wasn't expecting anything from any of the casinos I played at. So it was much of a surprise when everyone sent me an offer. Even if it was a small one. So it goes to show you how much every casino in the Chicagoland area fights for your business. Mainly because there's lots to choose from so you have to be able to decide what offers you like best.
I still think Hollywood has won my vote, with Grand Victoria coming in second. I suppose if I want to feed to 2 people for the price of 1, at a very good buffet. I could go to the rivers, but as for gambling at the Rivers I think I"ll pass. -
- Replied by
- Lipstick
- at Jun 29, 14, 10:53:28 AM
- Admin 13900
- last active 11 months ago
I think profits must of have really went down at Rivers Casino and they are cutting way back. I really can't complain about Rivers because i have won more money there than any other casino ever and i won it all within a 6 month period when i was on a real winning streak. Last time i won super major was in January with a $6,000 win and a couple of $1,000 plus wins after that.
It may not be a Casino for lots of freebies these days or for the low bankroll player but there is lots of money to be won there. It takes risking a bigger bankroll though! -
- Replied by
- Feelin froggy
- at Jun 29, 14, 11:24:08 AM
- Admin 6049
- last active 6 months ago
I'll agree with that lips. I really liked Rivers and it's all we talked about but something has happened causing them to cut back. Maybe it's the fact that they took out all poker machines that everyone liked and replaced them with very expensive ones. The Video Poker section is as empty as can be these days.
-
- Replied by
- medtrans
- at Jun 29, 14, 12:45:44 PM
- Super Hero 1359
- last active 3 years ago
Next time you are in the Chicago area you should check out Harrah's in Joliet (or any Caesars Entertainment casino in that area.) I went to Joliet in April. I admit I am a player and did play a lot in the 2 days I was there.
About 4 weeks later I started getting mailings from them. Free rooms, free food, free money. I also got offered free trips to Atlantic City and New Orleans.
I was amazed at what I got for only going the one time. You might want to check them out next time you are in the area.
medtrans -
- Replied by
- Lipstick
- at Jul 09, 14, 11:11:57 PM
- Admin 13900
- last active 11 months ago
-
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jul 10, 14, 10:44:51 AM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
Long story short, CET properties and I can't see eye to eye on a few things.
I'm a gambler who goes out for a weekend gambling with friends who have larger bank rolls with me. Which sometimes then leaves me sitting in the casino for a while. Which then sometimes I roam around, looking at the different action.
Apparently a few players got upset that I watched a few of there bonus wins. Security caught a whiff that I was done gambling for the day. So I got asked to leave. I said well I was waiting for a friend to get done gambling. Which they said because I was walking around and not gambling. I would have to wait for my friend outside. Which then caused an argument with security at the Horseshoe in Council Bluffs. Then I got a 24 hour ban, which then I got escorted out the door, and had my car shooed out of the property.
So then I had to pick up my friend from the events center next door, because I didn't want to get arrested.
So I ended up suing them for a pretty little amount for the embarrassment. We ended up settling out of court with the understanding that I would receive a "final" compensation for my embarrassment. If I would agree not to return to any of there properties in the future. Which at the time, because the settlement sounded good I agreed. Not realizing until after I got the ban letter meant quite a few properties.
So after that whole ordeal, for those reasons I cannot step into any further CET property, nor wish to do business with them any further. -
- Replied by
- Lipstick
- at Jul 10, 14, 11:11:28 AM
- Admin 13900
- last active 11 months ago
Wow that is an unbelievable story! I am shocked to be honest that happened because there are sooooooooo many players that go bust end up watching other players play. There has to be some underlying reason here for Horseshoe to take such drastic measures. Could be one of the players you were watching was 7 Star status or a real high roller and if that is the case they pretty much call the shots.
I agree getting knocked out of all properties takes out a big chunk of casinos to play at but after what happened to you i can't really blame you for not caring. -
- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jul 14, 14, 12:12:39 AM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
Well I do know quite a few casinos tend to have a no loitering policy. That's probably where they got there grounds to get rid of me once they realized I was done playing. Imagine that a guy who basically stands around drinking free soda and not doing much else for about 3 to 5 hours a trip. Yeah I suppose that could make some patrons nervous.
If I would have even had the chance to sit up at the dog track, which was one of the points I had argued tho I wouldn't have had such sour grapes. Mainly because then it would then appear I was no longer hovering over people watching there machines.
Oh well it's water under the bridge, what happened, happened. I'm hoping sometime in the future maybe CET and I can come to agreement and allow me back in. Yet I'm guessing by the way the letter was written that's highly unlikely but oh well. -
- Replied by
- Feelin froggy
- at Jul 14, 14, 01:41:36 PM
- Admin 6049
- last active 6 months ago
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- Replied by
- cheetahwind
- at Jul 27, 14, 12:37:07 AM
- Super Hero 1061
- last active 11 months ago
So apparently Hollywood both Aurora and Joliet want me back pretty badly. Really I would have thought that $20 worth of play. Wouldn't get them to send me much, beyond maybe the original thank you for coming to our casino letter. That I got a while back.
Yet apparently I got $20 worth of free play from both casinos once a week through August. $20 in dining credit at both casinos and 1 free room in Joliet. Sounds like the competition in Chicago must be pretty fierce if casinos are that desperate for another $20 or so in business. Plus to give me a room is a pretty sweet deal. If I can find some time in August I might consider there offer, especially since I'm getting a room for free. Yet we'll see.
I really liked Joliet, but Aurora was a bit small for my taste.
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