Went to one in St. Louis on a business trip. Went to Elgin for a Holiday Party. Not opposed to them, just have better ways to invest my money…the horses!
I have been to Peoria and Rock Island, as well as the Iowa versions a few times. They are what you would expect, dirty and cramped, wtih a lot of folks trying to strike it rich. Save your money and go to Vegas if you are so inclined.
- What Happens on the Boats... - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:31 am:
My friend used to work as a dealer on one of the local boats. He would arrive at work long after the regular gamblers got there. They were there every day, waiting in line and wearing adult diapers so they would not have to leave their slots/tables once they got in…I don’t go to the boats.
Before the smoking ban went into effect, I visited the Par-a-dice and lost $20 in five minutes donating to the one-armed bandit. I also noticed an elderly woman who hadn’t recently bathed (maybe she was wearing a diaper) with an overflowing ashtray by her side and this crazed look in her eye that she might hit the jackpot. It was so sad, I had to leave.
I have been to several of the IL and surrounding state’s casinos. The casinos in surrounding states offer so much more than the ones in IL. They have shops, better and more restaurants, live music, nightclubs, more hotels, etc. I understand why IL put the casinos in low income areas - but this reasoning really does not help the casinos compete with the ones in surrounding states.
No, I have no desire to throw money at casino owners. If I’m just going to “throw” it out of my own possession, I’d rather throw it to a charity.
I also don’t want to contribute to legalized gambling. For many, gambling is an addiction. It causes people to gamble away their families’ mortgage payments and food budgets. And it really sickens me that the GA and past and former guvs have determined that otherwise illegal activity to fund state government.
- Speaking At Will - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:47 am:
Why go to the casino when you can go into any local bar and play the machines that are for “entertainment only.”
=== And it really sickens me that the GA and past and former guvs have determined that otherwise illegal activity to fund state government. ===
Boy, that really came out incomprehensibly. Lemme restate:
And it really sickens me that the GA and past and present guvs have determined that this otherwise illegal activity is a legitimate and reasonable means by which to fund state government.
- Captain America - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:21 am:
I never gamble and have no desire to go to Las Vegas or an Illinois casino. I have no personal objection to gambling/other’s people vice.
I buy a lottery ticket occasionally - my understanding is that I’m a sucker for doing so. But it’s nice to daydream about winning once in a great while.
Frankly. I’d rather see Illinois get some financial benefit from gambling rather than seeing the money go to some other jurisdictions.
When I was a younger man, and was attending college in Peoria, I went a handful of times. At the time, it was quite fun. The boat actually left the dock, and went on a 2.5 hour cruise on the river. My then girlfriend and I would take $20 to gamble. After we lost it, we would sit on the open air balcony, drink $1.00 mixed drinks and enjoy the cruise.
After IL changed the rules and the boat didn’t have to cruise we stopped going. The gambling area is too small, and back then the smoke was sickening. Would have been healthier to breath asbestos dust than stay in the casino.
Have been to casinos in LV, Salzberg, Auckland. Just not my cup of tea.
I do not support the concept of gambling as a economic development tool because it does not work. While providing revenue for the host community, the casino will pull the entertainment dollars away from other community venues at best. At worst is is a negative social factor in the community.
Once, Elgin, about 15 years ago. I was kind of disgusted that the boat didn’t actually go anywhere. The scams aren’t even clever anymore. They’re not even trying. Also gambling’s just about last on the list of entertainments I am willing to leave town for, though I do head to Vegas every once in awhile to get married & such.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:42 am:
Last time I went was to Empress/Joliet for a charity event several years ago. No desire to become a regular. My dad lost nearly $20k and caused severe strains in his marriage before kicking his riverboat habit.
Used to go to Peoria on a regular basis but since the guv increased their taxes so high it has really gone downhill. Now I prefer the St Louis area casinos since they have competition and therefore offer much more in the way of comps to get you to come to their establishment.
I agree with the small and cramped observation. They seem to be depressing places. Now, I don’t mind the Vegas casinos, they’re big and roomy and generally, much cleaner than the Illinois boats I’ve been on (Peoria, Rock Island, Alton).
But, I haven’t been to a boat in years and years, and other than the occasional social gambling, I don’t go to casinos in general except for poker.
Went to the Elgin casino a few years ago. Once while there I saw a guy thrown to the floor and arrested and another time some lady threw a fit and was escorted off the floor…presumably because she was too drunk to gamble. Totally turned me off, so I don’t go anymore. It didn’t seem like a very friendly atmosphere for the money I spent.
yes, I have been to the boats in Alton, Gary IN, and Elgin…
The Elgin and Gary boats were tolerable…folks were friendly, the place was clean…
The boat in Alton was filled with patrons that obviously had drunk too much, and there were a number of people that looked outright down and out…sorta creepy..
I should say I do not frequent thse boats on a regular basis…
I do not think this is a real creative way to generate revenue for the State…or sure fire way to build up slumping towns…
Several years ago a county bar association (which will not be named) held its annual “Bench and Bar” event at a riverboat which I attended. In addition to the questionable judgment of having lawyers and judges cavorting on a gambling boat, I was appalled to see people with oxygen tanks in tow being wheeled in wheel chairs to their favorite tables to throw away their SS and SSI money. Never been back.
I have not. I much prefer the quiet of a weekend at Starved Rock to the bells and lights of a casino (assuming they have bells and lights since I haven’t been).
I go about twice a week, throw nuthin’ but boxcars & snakeyes, rent a U-Haul van to bring the cash back down to the Patch & live the good life all the way around. I just work here & live in that dumpy old house because it provides me & my wife with good cover. The kids eat nuthin’ but box macaroni ‘n cheese because they like it better than steak.
- Jake from Elwood - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 2:26 pm:
Not often. I have been to the Aurora boat once and the Elgin boat twice. Two of the three trips involved comps. The Elgin boat has a wonderful 4-star restaurant. Mrs. JFE won a few bucks on one occasion, enough to cover the non-comped expenses and the babysitter. I like it better without the smoking.
No - I would rather bet my small change on a live thoroughbred horse race at Hawthorne or Arlington than sit on a stool for hours on end.
- Bill S. Preston, Esq. - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 2:58 pm:
Once in the QC when I was in college. Once in Joliet for a wedding after-party. Not a big fan. They’re pretty gross - although you could still smoke when I went so maybe it’s better now. I figure if I’m going to get drunk and lose money, I might as well do it in Vegas. Losing money on a boat in Joliet is just depressing.
Although I do not gamble much myself, I’ve got nothing against it. I’ve had a good time gambling in Bahamas and in LV (Palazzo) but those experiences point out the problems with all the Illinois gambling plans.
To get me into a casino, the place has to be nice. I am not going to sit in some dump just so I can gamble.
If Mayor Daley would suggest a top quality casino on Navy Pier — modeled on the upscale LV places — I think it would be a pretty good idea and would help bring in conventions. But the current Illinois casinos are just about the complete opposite.
I’ve been to the Elgin Riverboat Casino as well as “Para-dice” in Peoria. I won some money the first time I played blackjack, and that may not have been good in the grand scheme of things.
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. I don’t mind playing the tables or maybe the video poker machines but, even if I am in Vegas, the noise from the slots tries me nuts. Actually, I am not even sure its from the individual machines. I think they pipe in the noise. Been to most of the Chicago area boats but mostly for a short trip to just check them out.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 4:31 pm:
Rich,
Is the con con debate with Quinn on Thursday a Chicago address?
Once a year around Thanksgiving my husband and I take our adult children to the Casino Queen. This annual event started as a way to teach the kids now easy it is to lose money gambling. Everyone started with $20. On the first trip our girls lost their cash in about 10 minutes however, our 21 year old son won $2,500 playing quarter slot machine. So much for hands on teaching approaches. Makes a strange family outing though…
Yes. I go at least once every two weeks. Metropolis IL. I like black jack or the penny machines. I take advantage of the free hotel stays, free food and cash and not to mention the games they offer. Its better than going to the bar, because I don’t drink and love it that they don’t allow smoking. I don’t hunt that often so I don’t spend alot of dough on that sport. I do like to play the penny machines and spend about $100 a month. To each there own. Don’t judge me till you try it.
I never went to the Par-a-Dice casino although I have set foot in the hotel a couple of times. I have no use for gambling. I also think there’s something fundamentally wrong about building great big boats and then never letting them sail. What a waste.
Go to the Casino Queen in East St. Louis about every 2 years. Biggest shock was going into the bathroom and seeing the overflowing container with used syringes - from the diabetics on board (lots of overweight people)
As a side note - my father had an old nickel slot machine in our house when I was growing up. The thing had been set very tight and rarely paid out. As a result, I never have played a slot machine on the boats. I told my Dad, before he passed away, if he had just put a blackjack dealer in the house, I would have no reason to ever enter a casino.
Never - won’t waste time or money. Think of it, the GA wants to use our money to fund something that will take our money. No thanks. If I don’t go, they can’t get any more of my money.
- VanillaMan - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:27 am:
No. Once. But I discovered it wasn’t a “boat” but a place old people went to kill time and money.
- Wumpus - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:30 am:
Went to one in St. Louis on a business trip. Went to Elgin for a Holiday Party. Not opposed to them, just have better ways to invest my money…the horses!
- Downstate weed chewing hick - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:30 am:
I have been to Peoria and Rock Island, as well as the Iowa versions a few times. They are what you would expect, dirty and cramped, wtih a lot of folks trying to strike it rich. Save your money and go to Vegas if you are so inclined.
- What Happens on the Boats... - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:31 am:
My friend used to work as a dealer on one of the local boats. He would arrive at work long after the regular gamblers got there. They were there every day, waiting in line and wearing adult diapers so they would not have to leave their slots/tables once they got in…I don’t go to the boats.
- SIU PROF - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:31 am:
I actually like to go once in a while, but I go to Missouri-Where you can smoke.
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:32 am:
No. I’d probably enjoy it. They’ve just never cracked my already full dance card on what I like to do with free time and spare change.
- Want My Money Back - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:39 am:
I go over to the Hammond, Indiana boat to count the Illinois license plates.
- Only once... - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:40 am:
Before the smoking ban went into effect, I visited the Par-a-dice and lost $20 in five minutes donating to the one-armed bandit. I also noticed an elderly woman who hadn’t recently bathed (maybe she was wearing a diaper) with an overflowing ashtray by her side and this crazed look in her eye that she might hit the jackpot. It was so sad, I had to leave.
- country girl - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:41 am:
I have been to several of the IL and surrounding state’s casinos. The casinos in surrounding states offer so much more than the ones in IL. They have shops, better and more restaurants, live music, nightclubs, more hotels, etc. I understand why IL put the casinos in low income areas - but this reasoning really does not help the casinos compete with the ones in surrounding states.
- 2ConfusedCrew - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:47 am:
Yes
Peoria
Not much lately because I have been able to lose all my $$$ via Wall Street and the State Board of Investment.
- Snidely Whiplash - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:47 am:
No, I have no desire to throw money at casino owners. If I’m just going to “throw” it out of my own possession, I’d rather throw it to a charity.
I also don’t want to contribute to legalized gambling. For many, gambling is an addiction. It causes people to gamble away their families’ mortgage payments and food budgets. And it really sickens me that the GA and past and former guvs have determined that otherwise illegal activity to fund state government.
- Speaking At Will - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:47 am:
Why go to the casino when you can go into any local bar and play the machines that are for “entertainment only.”
- Snidely Whiplash - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:50 am:
=== And it really sickens me that the GA and past and former guvs have determined that otherwise illegal activity to fund state government. ===
Boy, that really came out incomprehensibly. Lemme restate:
And it really sickens me that the GA and past and present guvs have determined that this otherwise illegal activity is a legitimate and reasonable means by which to fund state government.
- Captain America - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:21 am:
I never gamble and have no desire to go to Las Vegas or an Illinois casino. I have no personal objection to gambling/other’s people vice.
I buy a lottery ticket occasionally - my understanding is that I’m a sucker for doing so. But it’s nice to daydream about winning once in a great while.
Frankly. I’d rather see Illinois get some financial benefit from gambling rather than seeing the money go to some other jurisdictions.
- How Ironic - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:21 am:
When I was a younger man, and was attending college in Peoria, I went a handful of times. At the time, it was quite fun. The boat actually left the dock, and went on a 2.5 hour cruise on the river. My then girlfriend and I would take $20 to gamble. After we lost it, we would sit on the open air balcony, drink $1.00 mixed drinks and enjoy the cruise.
After IL changed the rules and the boat didn’t have to cruise we stopped going. The gambling area is too small, and back then the smoke was sickening. Would have been healthier to breath asbestos dust than stay in the casino.
- Plutocrat03 - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:29 am:
Never had the desire to go to a riverboat.
Have been to casinos in LV, Salzberg, Auckland. Just not my cup of tea.
I do not support the concept of gambling as a economic development tool because it does not work. While providing revenue for the host community, the casino will pull the entertainment dollars away from other community venues at best. At worst is is a negative social factor in the community.
- Jessica - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:32 am:
Been to Grand Victoria in Elgin, but only to eat or go to the bar. Not a big fan of gambling & cannot afford it anyway.
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:33 am:
Been to three (Casino Queen, Alton, and Peoria). Lost my shirt. It is amazing, I go to Vegas and do well, but cant win at our boats.
- yinn - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:37 am:
Once, Elgin, about 15 years ago. I was kind of disgusted that the boat didn’t actually go anywhere. The scams aren’t even clever anymore. They’re not even trying. Also gambling’s just about last on the list of entertainments I am willing to leave town for, though I do head to Vegas every once in awhile to get married & such.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:42 am:
Last time I went was to Empress/Joliet for a charity event several years ago. No desire to become a regular. My dad lost nearly $20k and caused severe strains in his marriage before kicking his riverboat habit.
- Sick of it - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:45 am:
Used to go to Peoria on a regular basis but since the guv increased their taxes so high it has really gone downhill. Now I prefer the St Louis area casinos since they have competition and therefore offer much more in the way of comps to get you to come to their establishment.
- IMBack - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:48 am:
Used to go to the Paradice, blow my nominal sum of money in 10 minutes, and then go out on the deck and enjoy the ride and breath fresh air.
Now that it just sits there, haven’t been back but one or two times.
- GOP gal - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:53 am:
Alton Belle Casino-but only for the shows! They get some great acts, like the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
- Gadfly - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 11:58 am:
I agree with the small and cramped observation. They seem to be depressing places. Now, I don’t mind the Vegas casinos, they’re big and roomy and generally, much cleaner than the Illinois boats I’ve been on (Peoria, Rock Island, Alton).
But, I haven’t been to a boat in years and years, and other than the occasional social gambling, I don’t go to casinos in general except for poker.
- bored now - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 12:12 pm:
never been, never wanted to…
- Anon - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 12:34 pm:
Went to the Elgin casino a few years ago. Once while there I saw a guy thrown to the floor and arrested and another time some lady threw a fit and was escorted off the floor…presumably because she was too drunk to gamble. Totally turned me off, so I don’t go anymore. It didn’t seem like a very friendly atmosphere for the money I spent.
- Smithers - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 12:35 pm:
The new one in Rock Island looks like a Vegas style hotel/casino. I can hardly wait!
- Bill - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 12:52 pm:
No. It is not any fun and the odds are so in favor of the house that you have to be really stupid to play.
- wordslinger - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 12:59 pm:
It’s just like life. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes your down, and the house always wins in the end. Doesn’t mean you didn’t have fun.
- Loop Lady - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 1:30 pm:
yes, I have been to the boats in Alton, Gary IN, and Elgin…
The Elgin and Gary boats were tolerable…folks were friendly, the place was clean…
The boat in Alton was filled with patrons that obviously had drunk too much, and there were a number of people that looked outright down and out…sorta creepy..
I should say I do not frequent thse boats on a regular basis…
I do not think this is a real creative way to generate revenue for the State…or sure fire way to build up slumping towns…
- Rocketman - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 1:37 pm:
Several years ago a county bar association (which will not be named) held its annual “Bench and Bar” event at a riverboat which I attended. In addition to the questionable judgment of having lawyers and judges cavorting on a gambling boat, I was appalled to see people with oxygen tanks in tow being wheeled in wheel chairs to their favorite tables to throw away their SS and SSI money. Never been back.
- kimsch - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 1:38 pm:
Yes, Bettendorf a few years ago on an overnight trip to Davenport. Went to the riverboat casino because it was there and I hadn’t been to one.
- doubtful - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 1:46 pm:
I have not. I much prefer the quiet of a weekend at Starved Rock to the bells and lights of a casino (assuming they have bells and lights since I haven’t been).
- anon24 - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 1:47 pm:
I go about twice a week, throw nuthin’ but boxcars & snakeyes, rent a U-Haul van to bring the cash back down to the Patch & live the good life all the way around. I just work here & live in that dumpy old house because it provides me & my wife with good cover. The kids eat nuthin’ but box macaroni ‘n cheese because they like it better than steak.
- Levois - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 2:02 pm:
The only time I’ve gone to a riverboat casino was to eat at the buffet. I’ve never gambled, don’t have any money to gamble away.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 2:21 pm:
Speaking of which, interesting story from the Daily Herald on how Illinois casinos are tightening up the odds in the House’s favor:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=221651
- Jake from Elwood - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 2:26 pm:
Not often. I have been to the Aurora boat once and the Elgin boat twice. Two of the three trips involved comps. The Elgin boat has a wonderful 4-star restaurant. Mrs. JFE won a few bucks on one occasion, enough to cover the non-comped expenses and the babysitter. I like it better without the smoking.
- Black Ivy - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 2:29 pm:
Ummm…no. Why gamble away the few dollars that I have earned?
- HoBoSkillet - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 2:54 pm:
No - I would rather bet my small change on a live thoroughbred horse race at Hawthorne or Arlington than sit on a stool for hours on end.
- Bill S. Preston, Esq. - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 2:58 pm:
Once in the QC when I was in college. Once in Joliet for a wedding after-party. Not a big fan. They’re pretty gross - although you could still smoke when I went so maybe it’s better now. I figure if I’m going to get drunk and lose money, I might as well do it in Vegas. Losing money on a boat in Joliet is just depressing.
- Skeeter - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 3:14 pm:
No. They seem depressing.
Although I do not gamble much myself, I’ve got nothing against it. I’ve had a good time gambling in Bahamas and in LV (Palazzo) but those experiences point out the problems with all the Illinois gambling plans.
To get me into a casino, the place has to be nice. I am not going to sit in some dump just so I can gamble.
If Mayor Daley would suggest a top quality casino on Navy Pier — modeled on the upscale LV places — I think it would be a pretty good idea and would help bring in conventions. But the current Illinois casinos are just about the complete opposite.
- Kevin Fanning - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 3:30 pm:
I’ve been to the Elgin Riverboat Casino as well as “Para-dice” in Peoria. I won some money the first time I played blackjack, and that may not have been good in the grand scheme of things.
- pjs - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 4:12 pm:
Nope
- Been There - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 4:19 pm:
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. I don’t mind playing the tables or maybe the video poker machines but, even if I am in Vegas, the noise from the slots tries me nuts. Actually, I am not even sure its from the individual machines. I think they pipe in the noise. Been to most of the Chicago area boats but mostly for a short trip to just check them out.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 4:31 pm:
Rich,
Is the con con debate with Quinn on Thursday a Chicago address?
- sneaker - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 4:40 pm:
Once a year around Thanksgiving my husband and I take our adult children to the Casino Queen. This annual event started as a way to teach the kids now easy it is to lose money gambling. Everyone started with $20. On the first trip our girls lost their cash in about 10 minutes however, our 21 year old son won $2,500 playing quarter slot machine. So much for hands on teaching approaches. Makes a strange family outing though…
- Rich Miller - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 4:55 pm:
PJW, yes.
- Disgusted - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 5:37 pm:
Once. The Empress in Joliet. It’s not Vegas!
- Thunder - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 6:46 pm:
Yes. I go at least once every two weeks. Metropolis IL. I like black jack or the penny machines. I take advantage of the free hotel stays, free food and cash and not to mention the games they offer. Its better than going to the bar, because I don’t drink and love it that they don’t allow smoking. I don’t hunt that often so I don’t spend alot of dough on that sport. I do like to play the penny machines and spend about $100 a month. To each there own. Don’t judge me till you try it.
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 7:44 pm:
No, none, and never, excepting a couple youthful indiscrections.
AA’s late father told me many years ago, “the only way to make money in a casino is to own it.”
As with most of his fatherly (and political) advice, he was spot on.
- Bookworm - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 9:37 pm:
I never went to the Par-a-Dice casino although I have set foot in the hotel a couple of times. I have no use for gambling. I also think there’s something fundamentally wrong about building great big boats and then never letting them sail. What a waste.
- Downstater - Monday, Oct 20, 08 @ 10:02 pm:
Go to the Casino Queen in East St. Louis about every 2 years. Biggest shock was going into the bathroom and seeing the overflowing container with used syringes - from the diabetics on board (lots of overweight people)
As a side note - my father had an old nickel slot machine in our house when I was growing up. The thing had been set very tight and rarely paid out. As a result, I never have played a slot machine on the boats. I told my Dad, before he passed away, if he had just put a blackjack dealer in the house, I would have no reason to ever enter a casino.
- Say WHAT? - Tuesday, Oct 21, 08 @ 5:06 pm:
Never - won’t waste time or money. Think of it, the GA wants to use our money to fund something that will take our money. No thanks. If I don’t go, they can’t get any more of my money.