Poll

No votes (0%)
No votes (0%)
No votes (0%)
5 votes (50%)
2 votes (20%)
No votes (0%)
No votes (0%)
3 votes (30%)

10 members have voted

FinsRule
FinsRule
  • Threads: 128
  • Posts: 3914
Joined: Dec 23, 2009
May 8th, 2012 at 10:38:42 AM permalink
Thinking about Par-a-dice made me want to poll what everyone's least favorite Midwest casinos are. I have been to some, not all of these.
teddys
teddys
  • Threads: 150
  • Posts: 5527
Joined: Nov 14, 2009
May 8th, 2012 at 10:40:03 AM permalink
Hard choice -- those all really suck! I kind of liked Boonville. Metropolis has a nice hotel and lounge. The new Jumer's is nice.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 10:46:27 AM permalink
I think we need to start with a definition of Midwest. Is Michigan in the Midwest? Soaring Eagle is probably the worst casino in the country from an ethical standpoint. Is Minnesota in the Midwest? Fon-du-luth is maybe the dirtiest building I've ever dared to enter (it's the Western of the North?). Given the named choices, Par-a-dice might be the worst depending on how dirtiness, smokiness, comp frugality, and game quality are compared to each other.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
FinsRule
FinsRule
  • Threads: 128
  • Posts: 3914
Joined: Dec 23, 2009
May 8th, 2012 at 11:14:48 AM permalink
I don't want to count tiny Indian casinos / slot parlors. Not sure if Soaring Eagle is small or big.

This is how wiki defines midwest - Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

I would take out the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, and add Kentucky, but that's just me.
Ibeatyouraces
Ibeatyouraces
  • Threads: 68
  • Posts: 11933
Joined: Jan 12, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 11:22:14 AM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
fremont4ever
fremont4ever
  • Threads: 5
  • Posts: 138
Joined: Nov 24, 2009
May 8th, 2012 at 12:29:48 PM permalink
Quote: rdw4potus

Soaring Eagle is probably the worst casino in the country from an ethical standpoint.



There's a story behind this - or, more likely, several. Links please? Thanks.
EvenBob
EvenBob
  • Threads: 441
  • Posts: 28576
Joined: Jul 18, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 12:33:59 PM permalink
Quote: rdw4potus

Soaring Eagle is probably the worst casino in the country from an ethical standpoint.



They're not any more unethical than any other casino.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
Pokeraddict
Pokeraddict
  • Threads: 36
  • Posts: 786
Joined: Feb 21, 2012
May 8th, 2012 at 12:35:28 PM permalink
Is Iowa midwest? If so, Winnevegas is easily the worst I have ever been in. I had to wait a long time to cash in less than $1000 while they gave me a massive hassle. There are some really bad casinos in North and South Dakota that would rank far lower for multiple reasons. It depends on what you are trying to establish as to what makes something the worst.
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 12:40:52 PM permalink
Quote: Pokeraddict

It depends on what you are trying to establish as to what makes something the worst.



I agree. For me, the lack of smoke has propped up some of the IL casinos for sure.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
WongBo
WongBo
  • Threads: 62
  • Posts: 2126
Joined: Feb 3, 2012
May 8th, 2012 at 12:43:20 PM permalink


MIDWEST AS DEFINED BY US CENSUS BUREAU:
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief. - Proverb.
Ibeatyouraces
Ibeatyouraces
  • Threads: 68
  • Posts: 11933
Joined: Jan 12, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 12:45:34 PM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
WongBo
WongBo
  • Threads: 62
  • Posts: 2126
Joined: Feb 3, 2012
May 8th, 2012 at 1:13:28 PM permalink
delete
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief. - Proverb.
EvenBob
EvenBob
  • Threads: 441
  • Posts: 28576
Joined: Jul 18, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 2:10:56 PM permalink
At one time in this country, Ohio was the western
frontier, believe it or not. When you said 'the frontier',
you meant Ohio. As more of the real west opened up,
the middle states became the Mid-West, for obvious
reasons.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
Pokeraddict
Pokeraddict
  • Threads: 36
  • Posts: 786
Joined: Feb 21, 2012
May 8th, 2012 at 2:18:04 PM permalink
Quote: rdw4potus

I agree. For me, the lack of smoke has propped up some of the IL casinos for sure.



OTOH, Illinois casino revenue was devastated by the smoking ban, while neighboring states saw increases at casinos that border Illinois. Revenue was down over 20% and never recovered. The state has even tossed around the idea of repealing the ban. To a good number of people, being smoke free would actually make it "the worst". That is why with no criteria "worst" is hard to define.

In South Dakota there are hundreds truck stop and bar casinos where the best game is 92% payback. They are covered by the state smoking ban so are smoke free, but does that make it a better casino compared to a casino in a smoking casino that has 100% payback VP?
FinsRule
FinsRule
  • Threads: 128
  • Posts: 3914
Joined: Dec 23, 2009
May 8th, 2012 at 2:39:03 PM permalink
Worst = Your least favorite

Not trying to be scientific here

And in regards to Illinois - if they had good casinos, they would have better revenue.
EvenBob
EvenBob
  • Threads: 441
  • Posts: 28576
Joined: Jul 18, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 2:49:19 PM permalink
The worst Midwest casinos are any of them still on
boats in IL and IN. These places are worn out and
run down and get the worst players imaginable. 300
pound chain smoking middle aged women and men
who have two of their lower teeth missing. They're like
neighborhood bars in really bad neighborhoods. You
see lots of bib overhalls and lots of fights.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 2:56:05 PM permalink
Quote: EvenBob

The worst Midwest casinos are any of them still on
boats in IL and IN. These places are worn out and
run down and get the worst players imaginable. 300
pound chain smoking middle aged women and men
who have two of their lower teeth missing. They're like
neighborhood bars in really bad neighborhoods. You
see lots of bib overhalls and lots of fights.




Wellllll...IL has a smoking ban, so unless the chain smokers just reek of smoke even when they're not smoking that shouldn't be much of an issue there.

And two of the BEST casinos in the midwest are on boats in IN - Horseshoe Southern Indiana and Belterra.

You're definitely right about the bib overalls. It's a whole different world down there on the Ohio River.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
ewjones080
ewjones080
  • Threads: 33
  • Posts: 456
Joined: Feb 22, 2012
May 8th, 2012 at 3:22:13 PM permalink
Catfish Bend kinda sucks because of their craps game. No box person, usually half a game, and not a lot of good dealers make the game run slowly. Plus it's really small. Aesthetically I don't mind it, but I've heard a lot of people refer to it as a barn or dungeon.

Although they make up for gaming shortcomings by being part of a larger entertainment complex. There's bowling, arcade, go-karts, and in the summer a pretty cool waterpark I like going to.
EvenBob
EvenBob
  • Threads: 441
  • Posts: 28576
Joined: Jul 18, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 3:23:07 PM permalink
Quote: rdw4potus



And two of the BEST casinos in the midwest are on boats in IN - Horseshoe Southern Indiana and Belterra.
.



I never go south of Indy.. And the smoking ban in IL
is 4 years old, I haven't been there in 5.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
FinsRule
FinsRule
  • Threads: 128
  • Posts: 3914
Joined: Dec 23, 2009
May 8th, 2012 at 3:26:27 PM permalink
Quote: rdw4potus

Wellllll...IL has a smoking ban, so unless the chain smokers just reek of smoke even when they're not smoking that shouldn't be much of an issue there.

And two of the BEST casinos in the midwest are on boats in IN - Horseshoe Southern Indiana and Belterra.

You're definitely right about the bib overalls. It's a whole different world down there on the Ohio River.



What did you like so much about Horseshoe Southern Indiana?
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 5:34:03 PM permalink
Quote: FinsRule

What did you like so much about Horseshoe Southern Indiana?


Other than the Pai Gow tiles table? oh, wait...:-)

I like the PGP game, both because of the ease of the $20 chips and because of the push on 3 pair on the fortune bet's paytable. The VP is generally very good. The diamond lounge is nice, and the "high limit" tables are both out of the way and relatively smoke free. The high limit area also has pretty low limits ($25, maaaaybe $50), and S17 BJ rules. As you mentioned, the hotel is nice and usually free (thanks, Caesars!). The buffet is decent and usually free (thanks again, Caesars!), and JB's and the hotel coffee shop are great for a quick bite - with meal sized desserts as well. The steakhouse is very very good, but not even close to free. Also, from an environmental standpoint, it's very well lit and relatively smoke free. And, for what it's worth, the comps are great. Really, really great.

Let's call Ameristar and/or Blue Chip the median midwest casino. Hammond Horseshoe is clearly above the line. So is Rivers, so is Caesar's Windsor. I would say that Four Winds and Horseshoe Council Bluffs are a step below those three but above the median, along with Mystic Lake (my home casino) in Prior Lake, MN. Par-a-dice is pretty bad. So are the Diamond Jo properties and Jumers. The Ho Chunk properties in WI are also not up to par; neither are the St. Croix casinos (though the one in Danbury is much nicer post-remodel), and neither are the IL Chicagoland properties. Given how almost depressingly low the average is for midwest casinos, it's not saying much to call HSI and Belterra above average. And, I guess, to qualify my position on Belterra: everything on land is fantastic, but the boat is kind of dark/sad/worn out.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
EvenBob
EvenBob
  • Threads: 441
  • Posts: 28576
Joined: Jul 18, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 5:45:30 PM permalink
Quote: rdw4potus

I would say that Four Winds and Horseshoe Council Bluffs are a step below those three but above the median



I think 4 Winds is one of the best casinos in the Midwest.
And has the best hotel room I ever stayed in. Period. Two
huge flat screens. A walk in tiled shower that had shower
heads on 3 of the walls and had room for at least 6 people
it was so huge. A tub/jacuzzi. A sitting area with a couch so
comfortable I didn't want to get up. And huge comfortable
twin queen beds with super thick comforters. Fridge, microwave,
coffee maker.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 6:05:02 PM permalink
Quote: EvenBob

I think 4 Winds is one of the best casinos in the Midwest.
And has the best hotel room I ever stayed in. Period. Two
huge flat screens. A walk in tiled shower that had shower
heads on 3 of the walls and had room for at least 6 people
it was so huge. A tub/jacuzzi. A sitting area with a couch so
comfortable I didn't want to get up. And huge comfortable
twin queen beds with super thick comforters. Fridge, microwave,
coffee maker.



I've never stayed at Four Winds, but it's one of my favorite places to play. Have you been to the new sister Four Winds property? (is it even open yet?)

I'd say Four Winds is probably fourth for me (after Rivers, Caesars, and Horseshoe Hammond), not counting hotel quality. Caesars Windsor also has a great hotel. Rivers and the Horseshoes in Council Bluffs and Hammond don't have hotels, though Rivers has deals with some of the neighboring hotels.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
CrapsForever
CrapsForever
  • Threads: 27
  • Posts: 517
Joined: Mar 6, 2012
May 8th, 2012 at 6:36:14 PM permalink
I was in the Chicago area over the past week. Rivers is cool (Non-Smoking, good food, friendly dealers) did not like Horseshoe Hammond in Indiana (Heavy Smoking, Completely different clientele than Rivers) Fight almost broke out on the Craps table at Horseshoe Hammonds; never experienced that before and will never return there to play again.
Craps is the most "Jekyll and Hyde" casino game ever invented!
EvenBob
EvenBob
  • Threads: 441
  • Posts: 28576
Joined: Jul 18, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 6:58:17 PM permalink
Quote: CrapsForever

Fight almost broke out on the Craps table at Horseshoe Hammonds; never experienced that before and will never return there to play again.



Only one fight? Gang members from Gary and Chicago go
there, its a great place to get stabbed in the parking lot.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
Tiltpoul
Tiltpoul
  • Threads: 32
  • Posts: 1573
Joined: May 5, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 7:52:13 PM permalink
This is a thread I really like, and I'm getting to it very late, since I went to lunch with a coworker

First off, to the poll, Isle of Capri- Boonville should be off the list. It's a decent casino, albeit themed heavily. Yes, it's small with few offerings, but they do the best with the space provided. It's hardly what I would consider a dump.

Jumer's should also be off the list as the NEW casino, I've been told, is very nice. The OLD boat was awful, and one of the only ones I had to get off because the waves were really making me dizzy. Plus the bathroom climb in the table game area was strange. If you've been there, you know what I mean.

Greektown is bad because of the area, and the layout is confusing to say the least, but I'd hardly put it in the worst category. They have a new hotel that looks quite nice and the food isn't too bad either.

Majestic Star is a dump, but they have a decent selection of games that are relatively player friendly. I think when Trump had the other half, it was more competition, and the hotel was nice(r), but overall, I can't vote for it as the worst.

That leaves Par-a-dice, Metropolis, and Lady Luck. Par-a-dice and Metropolis have TERRIBLE casinos, but both have hotels that can compete with mid-levels. So I guess my vote would be for Lady Luck. I went when it was Aztar, and I think the problem is it tries to compete at a higher level than a truck stop casino. In Nevada, it wouldn't be that bad. But it's out of place in Missouri, and thus would be the worst.

My vote for ALL-TIME worst is, without a doubt, the President St Louis. It was bad all around, from parking, to paying to get on the first time, to bad games and rude dealers, to gaudy design. The ONLY thing nice was the poker room, which wasn't so nice as it did have a nice view.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
teddys
teddys
  • Threads: 150
  • Posts: 5527
Joined: Nov 14, 2009
May 8th, 2012 at 8:01:04 PM permalink
Quote: EvenBob

I think 4 Winds is one of the best casinos in the Midwest.
And has the best hotel room I ever stayed in. Period. Two
huge flat screens. A walk in tiled shower that had shower
heads on 3 of the walls and had room for at least 6 people
it was so huge. A tub/jacuzzi...

If I'm not mistaken, EVERY room at Four Winds is a mega-suite. I had the same type of room when they gave me the comp after the $400 loss rebate promotion. I agree with Bob, it is an insane room. (I played $2 VP so they thought I was a high-roller. Nice amount of freeplay too in addition to the rebate). There are only about 40 rooms. The new hotel addition is open now, or at least is opening real soon. Certainly one of the better Native American props in terms of atmosphere. I haven't been to the "satellite casino" in Hartford. Chip hounds: Do you think they have separate chips?

I would rank the Indiana properties thusly: HSI, Belterra, Blue Chips, and French Lick are the top tier. Then Hollywood and Rising Star (not great, but not disagreeable). Ameristar is below those, and Aztar and Majestic Star tie for the bottom spot. Horseshoe Hammond is its own beast since it is SO close to Chicago Metro and doesn't have a hotel. The casino is gaudy, huge, and almost always packed to the gills. How good of a time I have there varies depending on the time of visit and clientele. That said, great Diamond Lounge and generally good gaming and comps.

Illinois: Hard to speak to since I haven't been to Rivers (even though I was in Rosemont recently; crowd I was with didn't want to go). The no-smoking and size limitations sets them apart. Harrah's Joliet is a decent mid-tier property, perhaps the best of the Chicagoland IL props. Nothing to write home about at either of the Hollywoods or Grand Victoria. The NEW Jumer's (not on the boat), is actually very impressive, and worth a visit if you only remember the old one. Harrah's Metropolis is a rinky-dink boat with a good hotel in the middle of nowhere; similar to Boonville if I had to make a comparison. Haven't been to Peoria, Alton, or CQ.

Missouri: Nothing stands out as really bad except Lady Luck Carruthersville which is dismal. Had a fun time playing craps there though. Did not go to Terrible's La Grange which I heard lives up to its name.

Iowa: Rhythm City Davenport is pretty dang awful. It makes Isle of Capri Bettendorf look like the Mirage by comparison. (Anywhere else IoC Bettendorf would suck). Didn't go everywhere in Iowa but did not come across any other place that bad.

Michigan: Greektown in Detroit still sucks donkey balls although they have made SLIGHT improvements as somebody wrote. They have to keep up with MGM and Motor City which are 100x and 10x times better, respectively. Soaring Eagle is not bad at all. Not sure why it was disparaged. Some of the N.A. props in Michigan could use an overhaul (Little River, Kewadin Sault, Leelenau Sands). The new Turtle Creek is very striking -- looks more like a modern art museum than a casino. Worth a trip to see it. Firekeepers is well done and a good option in Mid-Michigan. Their hotel should be open soon.

Sorry, can't speak to Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Quote: Tiltpoul

Horseshoe CB also has a hotel on site, but it's not run by Caesars, and it can be tough to get a comp room there (though I've managed it before). The Country Inn and Suites across the way is very cozy with a nice free breakfast.

If you read my blog, you'll see I managed to get a comp there on my cross-country trip. They have four hotels that they have relationships with, and Country Inn is one of them (as is the Hilton, I think, which is the one actually on property). They set me up with one of the "suites" in Country Inn which was about the size of a Embassy Suites room. I agree, nice breakfast and free wi-fi, with an indoor pool.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
Tiltpoul
Tiltpoul
  • Threads: 32
  • Posts: 1573
Joined: May 5, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:01:07 PM permalink
Now to respond to good posts..

Quote: Pokeraddict

Is Iowa midwest? If so, Winnevegas is easily the worst I have ever been in. I had to wait a long time to cash in less than $1000 while they gave me a massive hassle.



WinnaVegas isn't great, but CasinOmaha was FAR worse. The dealers at WinnaVegas were usually pretty nice and would remember you even if you didn't play a lot. The buffet wasn't great, but I've had worse. And for a small casino, they tried to be pretty innovative in table games.

Quote: rdw4potus

And two of the BEST casinos in the midwest are on boats in IN - Horseshoe Southern Indiana and Belterra.



Agreed with HSI (if you ever read any of my posts, this would come as no surprise). However, I call malarky on Belterra. The hotel is beautiful and the land portion, as someone pointed out, is spectacular. But the boat is WAY TOO CROWDED, and the game selection is weak overall. The poker room is a joke, and the little cafe downstairs is terrible.

Quote: ewjones080

Catfish Bend kinda sucks because of their craps game. No box person, usually half a game, and not a lot of good dealers make the game run slowly. Plus it's really small. Aesthetically I don't mind it, but I've heard a lot of people refer to it as a barn or dungeon.



The OLD Catfish Bend is in my top 5 worst all time, especially when you had to travel all the way to Fort Madison. However, the new land based Catfish Bend didn't seem all that terrible. It is kind of spacious in a very odd way, and I've only been there once, but it was a much better facility than the dumpy boat.

Quote: rdw4potus

I'd say Four Winds is probably fourth for me (after Rivers, Caesars, and Horseshoe Hammond), not counting hotel quality. Caesars Windsor also has a great hotel. Rivers and the Horseshoes in Council Bluffs and Hammond don't have hotels, though Rivers has deals with some of the neighboring hotels.



Four Winds is beautiful, and they have had some very enticing offers that they sent me. It's ALMOST too big, as a tour takes too long and can be a little bit confusing back in the far corner where the high limit area is.

Horseshoe CB also has a hotel on site, but it's not run by Caesars, and it can be tough to get a comp room there (though I've managed it before). The Country Inn and Suites across the way is very cozy with a nice free breakfast.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
EvenBob
EvenBob
  • Threads: 441
  • Posts: 28576
Joined: Jul 18, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:08:12 PM permalink
Quote: teddys

I haven't been to the "satellite casino" in Hartford. .



Its a little bigger than a postage stamp. Don't bother.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
Tiltpoul
Tiltpoul
  • Threads: 32
  • Posts: 1573
Joined: May 5, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:10:55 PM permalink
We must have been typing at the same time, and you bring up some great things I'd like to react to...

Quote: teddys

I would rank the Indiana properties thusly: HSI, Belterra, Blue Chips, and French Lick are the top tier. Then Hollywood and Rising Star (not great, but not disagreeable). Ameristar is below those, and Aztar and Majestic Star tie for the bottom spot.



I agree with HSI, Blue Chip and French Lick. I'd probably put Ameristar next, since it really tries to be a good property. Then I'd put Rising Star, THEN Hollywood. Hollywood is beautiful, but the service is so incredibly terrible with terrible games that it loses those spots because of that. I've only been to Aztar once and I don't remember much, so I can't vote there, but I agree Majestic Star is towards the bottom, and Horseshoe Hammond is in its own category.

Quote: teddys

Illinois: Hard to speak to since I haven't been to Rivers (even though I was in Rosemont recently; crowd I was with didn't want to go). The no-smoking and size limitations sets them apart. Harrah's Joliet is a decent mid-tier property, perhaps the best of the Chicagoland IL props. Nothing to write home about at either of the Hollywoods or Grand Victoria. The NEW Jumer's (not on the boat), is actually very impressive, and worth a visit if you only remember the old one. Harrah's Metropolis is a rinky-dink boat with a good hotel in the middle of nowhere; similar to Boonville if I had to make a comparison. Haven't been to Peoria, Alton, or CQ.



I'm looking forward to my Chicagoland trip over Memorial Day weekend, where I hope to visit Rivers. However, Harrah's Joliet used to be a fantastic property, albeit with ridiculous limits. Grand Vic and Hollywood can suck it, while the old Empress never impressed me much.

Quote: teddys

Iowa: Rhythm City Davenport is pretty dang awful. It makes Isle of Capri Bettendorf look like the Mirage by comparison. (Anywhere else IoC Bettendorf would suck). Didn't go everywhere in Iowa but did not come across any other place that bad.



Hey don't dog on Rhythm City!! It's kind of a fun place and much more laid back than the stuffy IoC. They had a fun PGP game with dealers who would rock it. I also had the best craps roll I ever did on the boat there.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
Ibeatyouraces
Ibeatyouraces
  • Threads: 68
  • Posts: 11933
Joined: Jan 12, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:15:45 PM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
Toes14
Toes14
  • Threads: 18
  • Posts: 455
Joined: May 6, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:24:16 PM permalink
Quote: WongBo



MIDWEST AS DEFINED BY US CENSUS BUREAU:
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota,
Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.



Speaking as near life-long Missourian, I've never considered anything east of the Mississippi as part of the Midwest. How can someplace in the EASTERN half of the country be considered mid-WEST?
"Bite my Glorious Golden Ass!" - Bender Bending Rodriguez
teddys
teddys
  • Threads: 150
  • Posts: 5527
Joined: Nov 14, 2009
May 8th, 2012 at 8:26:59 PM permalink
Quote: Tiltpoul

Hey don't dog on Rhythm City!! It's kind of a fun place and much more laid back than the stuffy IoC. They had a fun PGP game with dealers who would rock it. I also had the best craps roll I ever did on the boat there.

I'm willing to take your word on that. My experience may be tempered by the fact that it was HALFWAY UNDERWATER and backed up with RAW SEWAGE when I was there (MS River floods).
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:30:22 PM permalink
Quote: Tiltpoul



Agreed with HSI (if you ever read any of my posts, this would come as no surprise). However, I call malarky on Belterra. The hotel is beautiful and the land portion, as someone pointed out, is spectacular. But the boat is WAY TOO CROWDED, and the game selection is weak overall. The poker room is a joke, and the little cafe downstairs is terrible.




This is going to get messy...posts crossing like crazy...

I both rated the property highly and disparaged the boat. I'm also the person who praised the land-based part. I think it comes down to whether we're rating properties or casinos. To me, Belterra is very significantly elevated by the quality of the non-gaming (non-boat) parts of the property.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:35:12 PM permalink
Quote: teddys


Michigan: Greektown in Detroit still sucks donkey balls although they have made SLIGHT improvements as somebody wrote. They have to keep up with MGM and Motor City which are 100x and 10x times better, respectively. Soaring Eagle is not bad at all. Not sure why it was disparaged. Some of the N.A. props in Michigan could use an overhaul (Little River, Kewadin Sault, Leelenau Sands). The new Turtle Creek is very striking -- looks more like a modern art museum than a casino. Worth a trip to see it. Firekeepers is well done and a good option in Mid-Michigan. Their hotel should be open soon.



I laughed my laptop onto the floor when I read the Greektown line. That is awesome. I like playing at Soaring Eagle. I commented on their ethics based on their treatment of card counters, hole-carders, and would-be jackpot winners. They also sent me a mailer once and then "lost my record" after I traveled to MI from MN to play. Nothing like thinking you have $200 in free play and a room, then getting to the casino 700 miles from home only to find out that you don't!
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:40:35 PM permalink
Quote: teddys

I'm willing to take your word on that. My experience may be tempered by the fact that it was HALFWAY UNDERWATER and backed up with RAW SEWAGE when I was there (MS River floods).



That's just Iowa...:-P

I liked Rhythm City. It's a little "I want to be a big town!" but it was fun to play at. I was in town last summer at the same time as the (too lazy to look this up, is this name still right?) John Deere Classic. That made for a fun time.


On French Lick - The rooms are fantastic. It's in a cute little town, there's lots of golf, I hear the spa is good. But the casino itself is kind of tiny and blah.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
Ibeatyouraces
Ibeatyouraces
  • Threads: 68
  • Posts: 11933
Joined: Jan 12, 2010
May 8th, 2012 at 8:42:34 PM permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
ewjones080
ewjones080
  • Threads: 33
  • Posts: 456
Joined: Feb 22, 2012
May 9th, 2012 at 2:17:58 AM permalink
Tiltpoul, you're right Catfish Bend land property is much nicer than the old one. I had the unfortunate opportunity to work in Ft. Madison boat one summer a few years ago. I mean the job itself was okay, but I wouldn't have wanted to play there.
AcesAndEights
AcesAndEights
  • Threads: 67
  • Posts: 4300
Joined: Jan 5, 2012
May 9th, 2012 at 3:33:10 AM permalink
I'm glad a post of mine inspired this thread. #drunk
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
FinsRule
FinsRule
  • Threads: 128
  • Posts: 3914
Joined: Dec 23, 2009
May 9th, 2012 at 4:03:11 AM permalink
Tilt, I wanted to put President on the list so bad. Because it definitely would have won had it still been open.
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 9th, 2012 at 6:50:55 AM permalink
Quote: ewjones080

Tiltpoul, you're right Catfish Bend land property is much nicer than the old one. I had the unfortunate opportunity to work in Ft. Madison boat one summer a few years ago. I mean the job itself was okay, but I wouldn't have wanted to play there.



Last time I was in Fort Madison, the boat was still there, but closed. Has the casino permanently moved to Burlington? Or will the boat eventually reopen as a second property in Fort Madison?
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
vendman1
vendman1
  • Threads: 9
  • Posts: 1034
Joined: Mar 12, 2012
May 9th, 2012 at 9:02:35 AM permalink
I haven't been to all of these "fine" establishments but can say for sure that the Par-a-dice is a real dump. Plus in my limited time there they had the least friendly dealers I've ever encountered. They seemed to take joy in my losing. Not a good time.
Tiltpoul
Tiltpoul
  • Threads: 32
  • Posts: 1573
Joined: May 5, 2010
May 9th, 2012 at 2:00:57 PM permalink
Quote: vendman1

I haven't been to all of these "fine" establishments but can say for sure that the Par-a-dice is a real dump. Plus in my limited time there they had the least friendly dealers I've ever encountered. They seemed to take joy in my losing. Not a good time.



They used to have some decent dealers, most of whom were pretty good and friendly. There were a few sticks, and a couple I would absolutely never play with, but the majority were good. Then they did some firings (around the time the taxes went up), and a bunch of people lost their jobs. Morale went downhill fast and I can imagine those still there don't like any changes Boyd may be applying.

At one time, the employees were very proud to say they worked for a Boyd company; I can imagine that's changed a bit since they aren't the high-growth casino company they once were. And given nearly all the other casinos in Illinois have made radical changes to their properties (sans Metropolis), the lack of interest in doing so at Par-a-dice (outside the hotel, which is actually pretty nice and casino entry area before the boat) would leave a bad taste.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
rdw4potus
rdw4potus
  • Threads: 80
  • Posts: 7237
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
May 9th, 2012 at 2:03:12 PM permalink
Quote: Tiltpoul


At one time, the employees were very proud to say they worked for a Boyd company; I can imagine that's changed a bit since they aren't the high-growth casino company they once were. And given nearly all the other casinos in Illinois have made radical changes to their properties (sans Metropolis), the lack of interest in doing so at Par-a-dice (outside the hotel, which is actually pretty nice and casino entry area before the boat) would leave a bad taste.



I thought the hotel at Metropolis was also somewhat new. It's certainly 2-3x nicer than the boat itself.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
Tiltpoul
Tiltpoul
  • Threads: 32
  • Posts: 1573
Joined: May 5, 2010
May 9th, 2012 at 2:11:52 PM permalink
Earlier at work (while I was a little bored), I thought of my top "Worst Midwest Casinos" of all-time. Status changes may mean they would no longer be on the list, but this is a compilation over almost 10 years of travel.

1. President St Louis (CLOSED)
2. Casino Aztar - Carrothersville (Now Lady Luck)
3. Catfish Bend Boat, Ft. Madison/Burlington IA (MOVED ON LAND)
4. Jumer's Rock Island (MOVED ON LAND)
5. CasinOmaha (CLOSED)
6. Harrah's Metropolis
7. Par-a-dice, East Peoria
8. Majestic Star (NOT TRUMP, which is CLOSED), Gary Indiana
9. Horseshoe Hammond, old boat (MOVED ON LAND)
10. Casino White Cloud, Rulo, NE

Honorable mentions for various reasons (no particular order)
Argosy Alton (Bad location, no hotel, terrible layout)
Hollywood Casino, Lawrenceburg, IN (ABSOLUTELY THE WORST SERVICE)
Casino Queen, old boat St Louis (Long walk, way too smoky)
Hollywood Aurora (Terrible games)
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
ewjones080
ewjones080
  • Threads: 33
  • Posts: 456
Joined: Feb 22, 2012
May 9th, 2012 at 3:29:41 PM permalink
In June 2007 there was a soft open of Catfish Bend in Burlington, while the Ft. Madison boat continued to operate, which is when I worked there. I went back to school, so quit in August. They closed the boat in October, and before that I was hearing rumors that they wanted to build another land casino in Ft. Madison (20 miles away). As far as I know there's no plans for another in the near future and the boat is still there. Can't imagine how much it's costing them to keep that boat there.

I think they're struggling tremendously. There were rumors they wouldn't open the waterpark last year, but they did. They cut back on the hours they were open though. There was a really nice Japenese hibachi restaurant, and that's now closed. They don't have enough dealers to open a full craps game. They don't even open up the second table on weekends anymore.

Last year they had a special promotion for new players. If you bought in with $500, they'd give you an extra $500 in free play, plus a free room. Obviously this was to try to attract new players, but it didn't work. People would just come from miles around to get their room and money and then leave.
INkyatari
INkyatari
  • Threads: 7
  • Posts: 33
Joined: Mar 6, 2011
May 25th, 2012 at 6:07:04 PM permalink
Hollywood AUrora and Joliet.

THey "offer" 6:5 blackjack, and I heard a rumor they're going to be putting in a low limit "crapsless craps" table, just like their Tunica location.

This is the same casino that had "Reservation Blackjack," where you paid a $20 fee for the privilege of playing one hour of $5 blackjack.
  • Jump to: