For lots of gamesters, Vegas just isn’t in the budget this year.
But don’t let your poker face turn into a pout.
Chicagoland’s Grand Victoria Casino, just 40 miles west of the Windy City in
Elgin, Illinois, could be the place to catch a lucky break without breaking the bank.
The massive pavilion and riverboat complex guarantees visitors three of a kind — free parking, free admission and a smoke-free environment. Add to that the pro-football-field-like dimensions and 16-foot ceilings that give this riverboat casino a Sin City style without the Vegas price tag. Cap it off with a full house of tables and slots, and you’ve got a sure bet that everyone in your group will have a good time, no matter how hardcore they are (or aren’t).
Table gamers can pick their poison at 30 tables, including blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, three-card poker, craps and baccarat. Test your luck at double deck pitch blackjack — the only table in the area for this Vegas staple — or try your hand at one of the casino’s constant promotions like “Craps for Cash,” which delivers a $4,000 payout to craps players who shoot each of the six points in a set period. Penny slot princesses and players who are all about the Benjamins will appreciate the collection of 1,100-plus video and reel slots, which let you choose the stakes from 2 cents to $100.
When you’re ready for a break, choose from the casino’s four food groups: bar, buffet, deli and steakhouse. Enjoy tasty appetizers and draught beers in a neighborhood-bar-like setting at Fox & Hounds, or celebrate a big win at Buckinghams, the place for a tender steak and a good cabernet.
And with tables and slots open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., you’ll never miss out on a good time — whatever schedule floats your boat.