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Casino Review: Rivers Casino, Des Plaines, Chicago

One of the newest casinos to open its doors to the general public in the United States is the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Chicago.  The casino attracted thousands of interested and excited visitors on its first day, particularly since it was the first new gambling establishment to open its doors to the public in Illinois since 1994.  So popular was the casino when it opened up in July 2011, that the 3,600 floor capacity was filled up, as was the parking lot, which is designed to hold 2,300 vehicles.

The 147,000 square foot casino is certainly impressive, and it is no wonder that players are keen to visit the Rivers. There are over 1,000 slot machines and almost 50 table games, offering a well rounded gaming experience for players to try out. The casino also features a plush VIP section with an exclusive gaming area and exclusive lounge.  An attractive feature of this casino, and one of which it is proud, is its generous loyalty program, the Rush Rewards Players Club.  Members of this club will receive invitations to promotions and special events, they’ll receive unique bonuses and they’ll be invited to members-only events throughout the year.

Gaming isn’t the only thing that visitors can enjoy.  Management has ensured that there are a number of top eateries to calm those taste buds. The Canopy Buffet, for example, prefers fresh food at nine different stations scattered around the casino, while Hugo’s Frog Bar and Chop House serves the tastiest steaks and seafood around.  Also featured are FLIPT, the Asian centered Mian Bar and the Coffee Spot.

Construction on the casino began soon after the Illinois Gaming Board awarded the state’s tenth and final casino license to Midwest Gaming and Entertainment to build a 140,000 square foot casino on 21 acres in 2008.  Zoning was approved in 2010, and building began in earnest.  From the reaction of the thousands of people who swarmed on the new casino to check it out for themselves, it can safely be said that the new Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Chicago is living up to its name as one of the most exciting gambling projects in Illinois’ history.

Posted in Casino, Gambling.

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2 Responses

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  1. Wild One says

    Too crowded now. Slots are mostly the electronic variety instead of the actual spinning wheels, which I much prefer. Blackjack table minimums are $25 and up – way over the head of most of the players I saw there. Can’t get to a table spot or a slot machine without waiting. I will wait a month or two before trying again. In the meantime, Elgin awaits and will treat you well.

  2. Patrick J Moran says

    I would be interested in receiving River Casino’s promotions.



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