Chicago Burb Casino FAQ

[J-Lo]

Hi, I have never played in a casino before, however, I have played alot online... I have a few questions about the cardrooms around my area... I have done some research and would like to know what my best options are...

First, the casinos i have around the area...
1.)Trump in Gary, Indiana (highly reguarded in this forum)
2.)Harrah's in East Chicago, Indiana (limits maybe too high for me)
3. Harrah's in Joliet, Illinois (not sure if they have poker room)
4.)Hollywood Casino Aurora, Illinois (closest room to me)

I would like to know the lowest NL games these casino's spread, the rake, level of competition, and level of service provided by casino (ie. cleanliness, comps, customer service, etc...)

I would also like to know the lowest Limit game they spread and the rake for those games... thank you

[steamboatin]

You have Internet access, get their toll free number and call them. Get the limits and buyins first hand instead of second or third hand from this forum.

Somebody that has played there can give you a heads up about the action or which to avoid but most of your questions could be answered with a phone call.

I haven't played in Northern IN/chicago area.

[ChicagoTroy]

I've played both those places (the first 2) at all the limits under $30-60. For low limit, Trump has $3-6 & $5-10, but both games have a full kill (the stakes double for one hand if somebody wins 2 hands in a row). Harrah's has a $5-10 game with no kill. Both casinos spread occasional no-limit games (Trump more frequently), you'll want to call ahead to see if they have it. The competition is miserable if you are a semi-competent NL player. I had little NL experience and mopped up the Trump $200 game, but I wouldn't wade in with zero experience. Have you played NL online?

I haven't played Harrah's $200-500 buy-in NL game, but I hear that's the even softer than the Trump one. If I were to play no-limit live again, that's the game I'd pick.

If you share a little about your experience level it would be easier to make a recommendation.

[casinogosain]

[ QUOTE ]

1.)Trump in Gary, Indiana (highly reguarded in this forum)
2.)Harrah's in East Chicago, Indiana (limits maybe too high for me)
3. Harrah's in Joliet, Illinois (not sure if they have poker room)
4.)Hollywood Casino Aurora, Illinois (closest room to me)


[/ QUOTE ]

First of all, steamboatin is right - the limits/etc information can be gathered by calling the rooms. But, in your defense, the floorpeople are not always that helpful.

With that in mind:
1) Trump, IN - Either fifteen or sixteen tables, all very well spaced apart (large room). Non-smoking. Windows - with a view of the harbor (and Harrah's across the harbor). Cell phone reception works here. Direct access to outdoor deck of boat for the smokers. Limits $3/6-$10/20 regularaly, occasionally $20/40. Two NL games: $2/5 blinds running at all times now, $5/10 blinds running on the weekends. Time charges for each $6/half hour for the small game, $7/half hour for the large game. $3/6-5/10 limit are typical low limit games with 5-6 people per flop. $10/20 is soft at times, filled with rocks at others. Small NL game is easily beatable. Big NL game is beatable as well - but big bankrolls are present - so not for the faint of heart or inexperienced.

2) Harrah's, East Chicago - Recently renovated room, nicer than in the past, but still not as nice as Trump. More tables, higher limits. $5/10 minimum for limit - up to $30/60 (not sure if this runs all the time, but $15/30 definitely appears to). PL Omaha game with lots of action. NL $5/5 blinds, $200/500 buy-in - pretty soft (tends to be filled with the loose players from the $20/40-$30/60 games). ChicagoTroy/NateThaGreat/Kleinstadt know more about this room than me - I'm usually at Trump.

3) Harrah's, Joliet - no poker room. If you play blackjack, the high limit room starts at $25-minimum and is quiet and smoke free. The also treat you pretty nice. But why would you go to Joilet (pronounced like Toilet)?

4) Hollywood, Aurora - Haven't been to this room. Paying for parking/admission/etc. doesn't sit well with me.

-Ash

[Aces McGee]

It's too bad you weren't there last weekend; some fish who was in town for business was spewing chips all over the place.

-McGee

[thomastem]

Anyone going to Trump tonight?

[CMP]

We got enough for our home game, so we decided to call the travel to the boat off.

Maybe next weekend!

MP

[SheridanCat]

I may be at Trump tonight. I'll likely be in the 10/20 or NL games. Graying hair, goatee, grey shirt. Not very distinctive, unfortunately.

Later,

T

[pistol78]

I am going to Trump tonight, I played in the 200 max NL last week, Lost two buy-ins, and played 1-5 stud. It was pretty funny becasue as soon as I sat down, a couple of the players started to needle me becasue i was a holdem player. When I asked why it mattered, they claimed that holdem players sit in that game and think that they can run it over by playing agressivly. Well after playing that game for a while and watching that none of the rocks raise with anyhting but the nuts, I realized why I would not be welcome. AS far as the NL200 beign soft, I musst admit that there are a couple of soft spots, (last week I was one of them, It really is a very juicy, and beatable game, but, experince is key. I often see players buy in one or two times and walk out with 1K or 2k. That is what really got me to want to try it. Big mistake.