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Y! MyWebIndiana casinos glad to scratch Buckeyes' gambling itch
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ohio may have voted down the constitutional amendment allowing us to have a our own casino, but that doesn't mean we don't like to indulge in a double-down once in a while. Our choices — though limited — run to the borders, most notably Indiana. People have their favorites, but why? We're here to take a look at the "local" casinos — what they offer, where they are, how they're different, and what makes them special.
Riverboat casinos became legal in Indiana in 1993; immediately becoming a Midwestern hot spot. An average month can see over 2 million people losing upwards of $200 million to the house — that's an average of $100 lost by everyone who walks through the door. Still, we go — in droves — for reunions, bachelor parties, girlfriend getaways and romantic weekends.
Here's a not-so-quick guide on how to hedge your bets when heading to the slots, blackjack tables, or roulette wheels.
GAMBLING TIPS
• Set a budget and stick to it. Leave the ATM card at home. Only use money set aside for entertainment. Never dig into everyday expenses, and never borrow money to go gambling.
• Check the casino Web site for parking and overnight accommodations, so you're not stuck with a late-night drive back.
• Practice table games (poker, blackjack) with friends or family members, and once you're there, start with low-limit tables.
• Set a time limit on your visit, and take frequent breaks.
• Don't ever gamble when stressed, depressed or troubled in some other way.
• Ask to be escorted to your car if you win money — and watch to make sure you haven't been followed.
SOURCE: RESPONSIBLE GAMING COMMISSION
PLAYING THE SLOTS
• Big payouts may require picture ID, Social Security number and signature; taxes may be withheld.
• Don't forget to watch the people. Slot players can be characters, with a wide variety of good-luck charms.
• Some machines are what pros call "cherry dribblers," which pay out small jackpots frequently. Others pay out larger jackpots less frequently.
• Double-check the denomination on the slot machine and read the payout schedule on the front of the machine. If it costs $3 per bet to win the progressive or big jackpot, don't be surprised if you don't get anything because you bet only $1.
• If a row of machines is standing empty, it sometimes means the machines are tight and locals stay away.
• Avoid machines that aren't easy to play. If you don't understand how they work, they can eat your money quickly.
• Although players aren't supposed to play more than one machine at a time, they do. Don't expect them to stop.
• On today's slot machines, you generally push a button instead of pulling a handle, although in some cases you can do either.
• If you have a machine that's paying off and you need to use the restroom, or get more money, an attendant will hold your machine.
• If you're sensitive to noise, bring earplugs. It's so loud that sometimes you can't even hear your machine.
SOURCE: INDIANAPOLIS STAR
WHERE TO GAMBLE:
Grand Victoria Casino & Resort
600 Grand Victoria Drive, Rising Sun, IN 47040
(812) 438-1234 or (800) GRAND-11
www.grandvictoria.com
What's up: There are 40,000 square feet and three decks on this 322-foot Victorian-style steamboat, with over 80 games and 1,300 slot machines.
Hours: 24/7 on weekends, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. a.m. weekdays.
Entry fee: None
Pavilion: A 300-acre resort features a 200-room hotel overlooking the river, an 18-hole golf course and a theater with live entertainment.
Another overnight stay option: There are seven bed-and-breakfasts in Rising Sun.
The drive: About 45 minutes from Cincinnati, 75 miles from Dayton.
777 Argosy Parkway, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
(888) ARGOSY-7 or (812) 539-8000
www.argosycasinos.com
What's up: According to online gaming Web site reviews, the Argosy VI riverboat casino has the loosest slots in Indiana. According to the Indiana Gaming Commission, your chances of winning are better here than anywhere else in the state. The boat's three decks hold over 2,000 slots and 97 table games. Argosy bills itself as the most popular riverboat casino in the world — now that's saying something — and holds more than 4,000 people.
Hours: Open 24/7
Entry fee: None.
Entertainment: A 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex near the dock has a pavilion of restaurants and a full-service hotel with 300 rooms.
The drive: Twenty minutes from downtown Cincinnati; 67 miles from Dayton.
The deals: Again, they run the gamut, and if you're bargain hungry, you'll get your fill. The Argosy has rooms starting at $39.
(formerly Caesars Indiana)
11999 Casino Center Drive SE, Elizabeth, IN
(812) 866-676-SHOE
www.horseshoe-indiana.com
What's up: One of the world's largest gaming vessel — 450 feet long, 1,000 feet wide, and four stories high, able to hold more than 5,000 people. There are over 140 tables and 2,800 slot machines.
Hours: Boarding starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 1:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Early arrival is recommended.
Pavilion: More than 170,000 square feet, holding four restaurants, a 3,200-car parking garage, with a 500-room luxury hotel with pools modeled after Roman baths.
The drive: On the southeastern edge of Indiana, just north of Louisville. 164 miles, or nearly 3 hours, from Dayton.
The deals: Stay and play packages can include big-name entertainment such as Bill Cosby or Cheech and Chong, starting at about $300.
777 Belterra Drive
Florence, Indiana 47020
(888) BELTERRA or (812) 427-7777
www.belterraresortcasino.com
What's up: There's over 38,000 square feet of gaming pleasure, where over 3,000 people can fit, on the Belterra Riverboat Casino, with over 57 table games and more than 1,300 slot and video poker machines.
Entertainment: A 1,400-seat showroom has live entertainment, which can vary from music to boxing events.
Hours: 24/7 — what did you expect?
Specialties: At the 600-room resort hotel, there are four restaurants including Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse and a Starbucks; 18-hole golf course; 600-room hotel.
The drive: About 100 miles from Dayton, southwest of Cincy and across the river from the Kentucky Speedway area.
The deals: They don't end — weekend specials can include cheap rooms with breakfast and dinner packages, ranging from $100 on up.
