Casino East St Louis Illinois
The Casino Queen is a riverboat casino located near the Mississippi River in East St. Louis, Illinois, just across the river from downtown St. It is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by an employee-owned management company. From Business: Property Location Located in St. Louis, River City Casino & Hotel is on the riverwalk and close to Missouri Civil War Museum and Sylvan Springs County Park. East St Louis Queen Casino & Hotel The Queen Casino is located in East St. Louis, Illinois. It opens from 8am to 4am Sunday to Thursday and from 8am to 6am Fridays and Saturdays. This establishment offers.
Dec. 11, 2020
As Illinois casinos remain ordered closed, Gov. JB Pritzkerextended the executive order to allow the online registration of sports betting accounts until Jan. 9.
The state experienced its “deadliest” week since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with 1,079 deaths reported, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Dec. 1, 2020
All Illinois casinos have been closed since Nov. 20, and that won’t change any time soon, according to Gov. JB Pritzker.
On Dec. 1, Pritzker said that Tier 3 mitigations will last for at least “the next few weeks.” The state is bracing for a COVID-19 surge following the Thanksgiving holiday.
Illinois is still experiencing record hospitalizations, even though its positivity rate is starting to tick downward.
Nov. 20, 2020
All Illinois casinos closed on Friday, Nov. 20, per Pritzker’s orders.
The closure also affects Hawthorne Race Course and its PointsBet retail sportsbook locations.
The PointsBet Sportsbook @ClubHawthorne is temporarily closed due to local restrictions.
Please reach out with any questions you may have. Stay safe! pic.twitter.com/Ku3JsljSQb
— PointsBet Illinois (@PointsBetIL) November 21, 2020
The move comes as Illinois imposes new Tier 3 resurgence mitigations. Indoor venues such as retail stores and fitness centers must reduce capacity to 25%, while casinos and indoor dining must shut down entirely.
Per the state of Illinois’ website, “This new tier aims to limit gatherings and encourages people to stay home to the greatest extent possible, while permitting some industries to remain open at significantly reduced capacities with proper safety measures in place.”
There is no firm reopening date for casinos at this time. That will depend on Illinois’ COVID-19 numbers in the coming weeks and months.
See below for the latest updates on each casino.
Nov. 17, 2020
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker will shut down casinos and video gaming terminals (VGTs) effective midnight on Friday, Nov. 20, according to the Chicago Tribune.
The move comes as Illinois is in the midst of arguably its worst COVID-19 stretch to date. Along with gaming facilities, the governor is closing movie theaters, indoor recreational facilities and reducing capacity at retail centers during the busiest shopping season of the year.
During Pritzker’s press conference on Tuesday, he didn’t indicate when reopening would be possible.
Casinos had previously reopened in July after being closed since March. Most have operated at 50% capacity and limited hours since, though certain hot zone regions have only been operating at 25% capacity.
Currently, all Illinois casinos are only allowed 25% capacity. But they will close completely at the end of this week. Pritzker also green-lit video gaming resumption in July, but the state’s tens of thousands of terminals will close once again on Friday.
While the move isn’t shocking, it’s another blow to an already reeling retail gaming industry.
So, what’s the deal with casinos right now? Return here for the latest updates on Illinois casinos and sportsbooks. Here’s what we know.
Cliff notes on casino restrictions
If and when casinos reopen, here’s a quick guide on the health and safety language you’ll see at Illinois casinos and what it means:
- What does “capacity limit” mean? For a business to have space to ensure six feet of social distance between every customer, the business must limit the number of people who can be inside at one time.
- What is PPE? It stands for personal protective equipment, which includes face masks, shields and gloves.
- What is COVID-19 training? It’s an educational program that teaches proper hand washing, cleaning and sanitizing techniques and properly utilizing PPE.
Is Jumer’s Casino & Hotel open?
No, Jumer’s Casino & Hotel closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: Rock Island, Region 2
- Temporary CasinoHours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Required PPE: Guests must bring and wear a face covering. Employees will wear a face covering.
- Air Quality: Air exchange systems “have been bolstered.”
- Hotel: Open
- Poker Room: Closed
- Restaurants and Bars: Carryout is available at Blue Square To Go and Oculus Sports Bar. No food or beverage is allowed on the gaming floor.
- Protocols: As part of the “Play It Safe” program, an on-site clean team can clean all surfaces and dispense hand sanitizer to guests. Guest must socially distance. Employees will undergo a daily health check. The casino tracks incoming visitors via a registry.
Is Par-A-Dice Casino open?
No, Par-A-Dice Casino & Hotel closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: East Peoria, Region 2
- Temporary CasinoHours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Required PPE: Employees and guests must wear face coverings. One will be given to guests “free of charge upon request.”
- Air Quality: Air filter replacement and HVAC system cleaning are increased. This is a nonsmoking facility.
- Hotel: Open
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Open
- Restaurants and Bars: Boyd’s Steakhouse, OptionsBuffet and Bourbon’s are temporarily closed. The Tin Lizard Bar & Grill has patio seating and takeout. Nelson’s Deli is offering carryout, too.
- Protocols: As part of the “BoydClean,” program, all employees receive COVID-19 training. Employees will undergo daily health screening. Guest must socially distance. An on-site clean team is available to clean all surfaces and dispense hand sanitizer to guests.
Is Argosy Casino open?
No, Argosy Casino closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: Alton, Region 4
- Temporary CasinoHours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Air Quality: Nonsmoking facility
- Required PPE: Employees must wear a mask and undergo daily health screenings. Guests must wear face masks when not eating or drinking.
- Sportsbook at Argosy: Open
- Restaurants and Bars: Hops House is open from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. for to-go orders only. Captain’s Table Buffet and the VIP Lounge are temporarily closed.
- Protocols: “Safe Bet Initiative” includes sanitizer stations, social distancing guidelines and regularly sanitized game machines. There is no valet service at this time.
Is DraftKings at Casino Queen open?
No, DraftKings at Casino Queen closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: East St. Louis, Region 4
- Temporary CasinoHours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Air Quality: Nonsmoking facility that hosts a “rigorously maintained” HVAC system.
- Required PPE: Employees and guests must wear face masks. Employees also must wear gloves when necessary.
- Hotel: Open with limited amenities.
- DraftKings Sportsbook: Open
- Restaurants and Bars: Deli & Chips is carryout-only from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. The following restaurants are temporarily closed: SEVENS, Market Street Buffet, PrimeSteakhouse. Also, the VIP Lounge is closed.
- Protocols: The “Queen Clean” protocols include sanitizer stations, floor signage, social distancing, fogging equipment and regular sanitation of “high-touch” surfaces. Employees must undergo COVID-19 safety training. Valet isn’t available at this time.
Is Harrah’s Metropolis open?
No, Harrah’s Metropolis Casino closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: Metropolis, Region 5
- Temporary Casino Hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- LimitedCapacity: 25%
- Required PPE: All employees and guests must wear a face mask.
- Air Quality: Unknown
- Hotel: Open with limited amenities.
- Restaurants and Bars: Bridges Dining Company is open daily for carryout only. Fresh Country Kitchen is temporarily closed. Harrah’s Signature Bar, CenterBar and Laurel Lounge are temporarily closed. There isn’t any beverage service on the casino floor.
- Poker Room: Temporarily closed.
- Protocols: Using Caesars‘ safety procedures, social distancing is required. Hand sanitizer stations are throughout the casino-resort. Employees have undergone proper COVID-19 training.
Is Harrah’s Joliet open?
No, Harrah’s Joliet Casino closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: Joliet, Region 7
- Temporary Casino Hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Required PPE: All employees and guests must wear a mask.
- Air Quality: Unknown
- Hotel: Open with limited amenities.
- Poker Room: Permanently closed.
- Restaurants and Bars: Reserve Steakhouse is available for takeout on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. Cross Street Grill is providing takeout daily. Food consumption isn’t allowed anywhere besides your hotel room.
- Protocols: Using Caesars‘ safety procedures, social distancing is required. Hand sanitizer stations are throughout the casino-resort. Employees have undergone proper COVID-19 training.
Is Hollywood Joliet open?
No, Hollywood Casino & Hotel Joliet closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: Joliet, Region 7
- Temporary Casino Hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Required PPE: All employees and guests must wear a mask.
- Air Quality: Unknown
- Hotel: Open with limited amenities.
- Sportsbook at Hollywood: Open
- Restaurants and Bars: Take Two Deli, Final Cut Steakhouse, Epic Buffet and VIP Lounge are temporarily closed. The 99 Hops House is available for to-go orders. There isn’t any bar service.
- Protocols: In a statement from the general manager, signage on the floor encourages social distancing. Employees undergo daily health screenings. Sanitizer stations are throughout the facility.
Is Grand Victoria Casino open?
No, Grand Victoria Casino closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: Elgin, Region 8
- Temporary Casino Hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Required PPE: All employees and guests must wear a mask “that covers their nose and mouth.” Complimentary masks are available.
- Air Quality: Unknown
- William HillSportsbook: Open
- Restaurants and Bars: CraveDeli is open for carryout daily. Buckinghams Steakhouse and Indulge Show Kitchen Buffet are temporarily closed. There’s no beverage service on the casino floor and no food consumption inside the facility.
- Protocols: The safety plan includes social distancing, hand sanitizer stations and frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
Is Hollywood Aurora open?
No, Hollywood Casino in Aurora closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: Aurora, Region 9
- Temporary Casino Hours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Required PPE: All employees and guests must wear a mask.
- Air Quality: Unknown
- Hotel: Open with limited amenities.
- Hollywood Sportsbook: Open
- Restaurants and Bars: Take 2 is available for to-go orders. There isn’t any bar service and food can’t be consumed on the gaming floor.
- Protocols: In a statement from the general manager, signage on the floor encourages social distancing. Employees undergo daily health screenings. Sanitizer stations are throughout the facility.
Is Rivers Casino open?
No, Rivers Casino closed on Nov. 20.
- Location: Des Plaines, Region 10
- Temporary CasinoHours: 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
- Limited Capacity: 25%
- Required PPE: All guests must wear face masks unless eating or drinking.
- Air Quality: Rivers operates a state-of-the-art air filtration system. It is a nonsmoking facility.
- BetRivers Sportsbook: Open
- Restaurants and Bars: There isn’t any beverage service on the casino floor. Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House is offering heated patio dining and carryout only. The Marketplace, Flipt and Mian’s are available for takeout. Lotus and CoffeeSpot are temporarily closed.
- Protocols: Following the “Rivers Clean” initiative, the staff keeps high-touch areas sanitized. Social distancing is necessary. Valet service or scooter rentals aren’t available at this time.
| Casino Queen | |
|---|---|
| Location | East St. Louis, Illinois |
| Address | 2000 S Front St |
| Opening date | June 23, 1993 |
| Total gaming space | 38,000 sq ft (3,500 m2) |
| Casino type | Riverboat |
| Owner | Gaming and Leisure Properties |
| Operating license holder | Employee-owned management company |
| Coordinates | 38°37′33″N90°10′34″W / 38.62583°N 90.17611°W |
| Website | CasinoQueen.com |
The Casino Queen is a riverboat casino located near the Mississippi River in East St. Louis, Illinois, just across the river from downtown St. Louis. It is owned by Gaming and Leisure Properties and operated by an employee-owned management company.
Casino East St Louis Illinois
History[edit]
Illinois enacted a riverboat casino law in 1990 authorizing licenses for ten casinos to open around the state.[1] One of the licenses was guaranteed to East St. Louis, in an effort to help the financially troubled city.[2][3] The group that would ultimately open the Casino Queen, led by real estate developer Bill Koman, submitted its proposal to the Illinois Gaming Board in January 1992.[4] With no other proposals before the board, Koman's group was awarded the license in May 1992.[5]
Casino East St Louis Illinois Zip Code
The Casino Queen opened on June 23, 1993.[6] It was viewed positively by most city officials and residents, as the struggling city desperately needed both a revenue source and employment opportunities for its residents.[7] Casino Queen originally operated on a boat called the White Star One.
Construction of a hotel began in 1998.[8] The 157-room hotel, built at a cost of $15 million, opened in January 2000.[9]
Changed regulations led to the casino to be moved inland, but still built above a shallow pit of water, in 2007. The move also allowed the casino to add 10,000 additional square feet of gaming space. In 2014, the White Star One was auctioned off and sold for $600,000.[10] Casino Queen has generated over $160 million for the city of East St. Louis between 1993 and 2009.[11]
In 2012, Koman and his partners sold the Casino Queen for $170 million to a newly formed Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which would steer the casino's profits into the retirement accounts of participating employees.[12] In 2014, to pay down debt taken on to finance the purchase, the ESOP sold the real estate of the Casino Queen to Gaming and Leisure Properties for $140 million, leasing it back for $14 million per year.[13][14]
In 2020, the casino struck a deal with sports betting provider DraftKings to rebrand the property as DraftKings at Casino Queen.[15] As part of the rebranding, Sevens sports bar will be gutted and re-built as a full sportsbook, and the casino will be integrated into DraftKings' mobile betting app.[15]
Property information[edit]
The casino includes both 1,100 slots and 34 table games in its 38,000 square feet of gaming space.[16] Per Illinois law and unlike neighboring Missouri casinos, it is not open 24 hours a day.[17]
Dining options include: the Market Street Buffet, Prime Steakhouse, Sevens, and Deli & Chips.
Both a hotel and an RV Park are located on the Casino Queen property.
Casino Queen Careers In East St Louis Illinois
References[edit]
- ^Robert Kelly (February 8, 1990). 'Dice to be rollin' on the river'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch – via NewsBank.
- ^Kathleen Best (September 11, 1990). 'East side casino assured: E. St. Louis wins right to riverboat'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch – via NewsBank.
- ^Lynn Sweet (July 3, 1990). '10 vie for 5 riverboat gambling licenses'. Chicago Sun-Times – via NewsBank.
- ^'William Koman seeks license for casino boat in E. St. Louis'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. January 3, 1992 – via NewsBank.
- ^Patrick E. Gauen (May 15, 1992). 'Illinois backs casino at E. St. Louis site'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch – via NewsBank.
- ^Margaret Gillerman (June 24, 1993). 'Casino Queen, a city's dreamboat, sails at last'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch – via NewsBank.
- ^Brett Pulley (21 July 1998). 'Casino Changes the Fortune Of a Hard-Luck Illinois City'. The New York Times. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
- ^'Mayor says hotel signals renewal of East St. Louis'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. November 18, 1998 – via NewsBank.
- ^Denise Hollinshed (January 4, 2000). 'New hotel at Casino Queen opens for business with views of St. Louis skyline'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch – via NewsBank.
- ^Robert Patrick (4 April 2014). 'Old Casino Queen yields $600,000 at auction'. St Louis Post Dispatch. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
- ^'Gambling on the future of East St Louis'. Lindenwood University. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
- ^Tim Logan (December 28, 2012). 'Employee-owners hope to reverse Casino Queen's fortunes'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 2020-07-26.
- ^Lisa Brown (December 10, 2013). 'REIT buying Casino Queen real estate for $140 million'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Retrieved 2020-07-26.
- ^'Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. closes acquisition of the real estate assets related to the Casino Queen in East St. Louis for $140 million' (Press release). Gaming and Leisure Properties. January 23, 2014. Retrieved 2020-07-26 – via GlobeNewswire.
- ^ ab'In deal with sports wagering firm, Casino Queen rebrands as DraftKings at Casino Queen'. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. July 24, 2020. Retrieved 2020-07-24.
- ^'Casino Queen'. Clayco. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
- ^'IL Says Casino Queen Can't Stay Open 24 Hours'. St Louis Public Radio. Retrieved 17 November 2019.