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Empress Joliet Casino Boats
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2300 Empress Drive
Brush up on your blackjack tables and prepare to visit the town that is now famous for more than a big prison. You may wish you were in one of the cells as you start to lose your money in this Egyptian-themed boat. The staff is known for being friendly and helpful, unusual for a local casino boat. Expect a smile as the Caribbean Stud dealer leans over to scoop up your last $5 chip, leaving you with just enough in your pocket to try and recoup over at the money wheel. If you have anything left after you lose that, you can get a decent meal at the steak house, or an almost decent meal at the buffet.
 
Grand Victoria Casino
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250 South Grove Avenue
Don't even try this place on the weekend. Instead, take the Metra from Union Station during the week. You will be thankful when you see how crowded the boat is even on a Tuesday morning. On the weekends, crowds line up to get their free ticket to get on the actual gaming boat. You will find the usual array of slots and table games. If you don't want to gamble, you can catch live acts at the horseshoe-shaped bar on the main floor, grab food at one of the restaurants or take in a flick in the three-screen multiplex.
 
Hollywood Casino Aurora
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1 New York Street Bridge
As the name implies, this is a Hollywood themed operation, with movie memorabilia, posters and other decorations strewn around the casino and entrance pavilion. But who comes to look at that? As far as games go, the casino offers a decent two-deck blackjack game, but the dealers will shuffle up if they suspect you of counting, and they suspect everyone. You are probably better off fighting your way against the six-deck shoe. Slot payback rates are comparable with other casinos in the region, and tend to change depending on how the competition is doing. You can also play slots, Caribbean stud poker and press your luck in the "double down" video poker machines. The steak house is pretty good, but do not expect a complimentary meal from these guys, not even for the buffet. For entertainment, there is the casino-owned Paramount Arts Center across the Fox River.
 
 

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