empress river casino

JMJ It gives the allusion that all is happy and winning but that's smoke and mirrors. As you talk to others around you, no one is winning! Go downtown to Harrahs where the action is.

The Empress Casino no longer exists. Back before Hollywood bought it and re modeled, the Empress was Jolly Good. I won on several occasions. Starting with Craps, Black Jack and Video Poker. I seldom left without a few winnings.

It is now Hollywood Casino and has been for at least two years. It has been updated after an extensive fire in the Casino over two years ago.

went with some friends. music was loud, won some money, seen a few people from our area. we did not eat any food, just drank. haha

Best seafood buffet! Pavilion looks great since I was there last. No luck on slots or tables, but everything almost made my loss worth it.

I know these experiences can range in accordance with how much one might win or lose at these types of places but you'll need some extra cash in your pocket to get started if you're playing some of the table games. Standard Blackjack doesn't allow anything less than a $15 minumum. Its been that way for years. You can play for less, but they stick it to you by only paying 6-5 when you are dealt 21 as opposed to the standard 3 -2 payoff. They also strategically place those tables near the poker room, knowing that the typical male waiting for a seat the poker table, just might be tempted to pull up a chair at the blackjack table. In fact, that may be the ONLY reason they even have these tables, because they're aren't very many of them. The slots seem stingy too. I didn't try the buffet, but a previous review quotes a price of $36? Not in a million years would I ever do that. Now named the Hollywood Casino. Not sure if this place was ever a good idea from the start. Your results may vary. Good luck if going.

Stayed at Harrahs but made 2 trips here. We actually had a lit if fun & were able to play much longer per dollar spent than at Harrahs! Liked the atmosphere too.

Since being rebuilt from being burnt down, empress casino now hollywood casino buffet quality has gone way down. Buffet price on friday night now 36.00 with tax. Crab legs on menu, but they ration them out to you. The rest of the buffet food you would get a better quality just going to a golden corral. On two different occassions now i have seen two different salad station workers pick up food that had people had spilled picked up and put back into the bowls. I reported it the first time it happened a couple months ago, but then saw it happen again last night. Time to hire some new staff!

Apparently this is now known as Hollywood Casino, was moved a few miles down river to its new location. The games were all top of the line, brand new games, plus a few oldies thrown in. Had an excellent feel to it. Wish we could go back again soon, but we live 800 miles away!

again i am a smoker so that bothered me that i could not smoke and if i am smoking i also will buy drinks so i did neither of course. the slots were a lil tight but they did have one celeb performer in the pit doing daughtry impressions and he was a dealer ( i say he is a keeper ;) lol ) other than that the slots need to loosen up : \

food, great presentation and taste. entertainment, small local bands are great especially the Vintage Wood band!!!

If you are a blackjack player the ten dollar tables pay 6-5. Go ten minutes to Harrah's Joliet which has better comps and an attached hotel. If you give them decent play they will send you food and hotel comps and the hotel is decent.

I have been going to Empress for years. Not so much anymore. You walk in, and it feels like depression. The staff is unhappy, and will willing let you know how much their job sucks. The food quality has gone way down...like old country buffet, which went out of business, which I believe empress (now hollywood) will soon follow. And the gaming? You don't stand a chance to even have your money entertain you anymore. I used to be able to play with $200 for a 3 or more hours back in the day. Now, it takes a hundred just to get a bonus round which might give you back 10% of your loss....This casino has lost its luster, and many of its patrons, including me.

Nice, updated casino and now part of Hollywood casinos. They just integrated Hollywood Aurora and Hollywood Joliet club cards which is nice. Good selection of slot machines of all types and decent pay out.

This place must have just endergone a remodle because it was very nice and updated. We had a great time and everyone was very plesent. The food at the bar and grill was delisous.