The best casinos in Illinois may add a little extra fun to every trip you make to the state. In fact it doesn’t really matter why you are in Illinois the exhilaration of gaming is probably within an easy drive from where you are staying. Visiting Chicago, Springfield or Joliet? Stopping in to see grandchildren, tour the great lakes, or see some of historic Illinois? Whatever your destination, why not plan to tack on a fun day or half day that will get you motor humming at one of these best casinos in Illinois.
Par-a-Dice Hotel Casino, Peoria, Illinois Perhaps you remember the old theater quote about how a newly opening play is likely to do : “will it play in Peoria?” The question is applicable to both new plays and gaming and the answer in the case of Par-a -Dice is a resounding yes. Gaming is successfully playing in Peoria, of on the Illinois River to be precise. There is something very exotic about going to a casino that is actually a dockside facility. The casino is on a craft that is never moving but always giving you the sense of a riverboat venue. It’s just a something a little special to add to the fun of your day. The Par-a-Dice is open from 9 a.m. – 6 a.m. daily and players are welcomed to come aboard any time free of charge.
One aboard it won’t take you long to discover that this dockside delight is loaded with all the fun machines and active table games that you have been waiting for. Casino games are what you came for but it may not be the only thing you rave about after a trip to Par-a Dice Hotel Casino. When meal time rolls around or when you can finally drag yourself away from your favorite slots machine or table, you will be pleased to find a full and sumptuous buffet awaits. Want something lighter, you can visit the Deli , there is even a quality steak house on location.
You can even extend your fun by putting up at the Par-a -Dice Hotel Casino. There are approximately 200 rooms and they are just steps from the dockside action you have been enjoying all day. There is also shuttle service between the hotel and casino for those who wish. There are lots of claims made by casinos but the simple pledge made by the owners of Par -a -Dice Hotel Casino is that their venue is “the friendliest casino on the water”. Now that’s a place worth visiting.
Hollywood Casino, Aurora, Illinois – This gaming location boldly advertises itself as “simply the best . While that can be difficult to prove, nationwide, in Chicagoland it may be something you can bet on. There is a good balance here of table games and slots, attractions for high rollers and casual gaming tourists and lots of show biz style frenetics for everyone.
There are more than 1000 slots that are all state of the arts machines guaranteed to maximize your playing time, if not your winnings. For the high rollers who enjoy slots there is even “Hollywood HIlls” where you can find nearly 100 high stakes slot machines and the peace and quiet to enjoy the big betting you may like to try occasionally. For those less inclined to part with their wealth, there are of course many machines, with old favorites and many new games, that are offered at a variety of denominations.
Table players aren’t ignored. You can get plenty of excitement at the traditional games like Craps and Blackjack, but Hollywood Casino is a modern facility willing to give some of the newer games a try. For the growing number of folks who watch poker on television and want to get off the slots and into a “freindly little game of cards”, the Poker Room at the Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Illinois has tables where you can join the fun. Even though its Illinois, the answer is yes they play “Texas Hold ‘Em” here.
The Hollywood Casino is not a hotel resort, but you can make a day or evening of it here, dining at your choice of several on site restaurants or chowing down at the Epic Buffet.
Harrah’s Joliet Casino, Joliet, Illinois. Perhaps you would like to add the convenience of an overnight stay to a day of gaming. It’s a “can do” at Harrah’s Joliet Casino. There are 200 well designed and appointed rooms ready for you after you have had enough fun on the gambling floor. No need to leave the facility early to find lodgings and when you wake up, if you saved a few chips from the night before you can take one more crack at your favorite game before heading out.
At Harrah’s Joliet Casino you are located on the Des Plaines River in downtown Joliet but you’ll feel like you are in “Adventureland” . On the floor at Harrah’s slot players will find 1100 slot machines featuring classics, new games and lots of progressive action in a variety of denominations. No need to be a high roller to be a big winner here. For those who like their poker on a machine, there are plenty of video poker machines as well. Table games are also hot at Harrah’s Joliet Casino Of course there is Craps and Black Jack but if you want to branch out there are more exotic table games as well. Mini-Baccarat, Caribbean Stud
Poker even Three Card Poker are available at Harrah’s
But there is delightfully more to Harrah’s Joliet Casino then just gaming and sleeping. There are several restaurants from which to choose and of course a local favorite the Union Station Buffet. Harrah’s also provides live entertainment if you need a break from the floor fun or want to socialize for a spell. All in all Harrah’s is a full pleasure facility.