Discover Des Plaines Casino’s gaming options, dining venues, and entertainment features. Learn about slot machines, table games, and seasonal events. Get details on visitor amenities, location accessibility, and reservation tips for an enjoyable experience.
Des Plaines Casino Slots Tables and Live Entertainment Experiences
With over $450 million in annual revenue and 2.3 million visitors in 2023, the Chicago-area venue stands as a regional powerhouse. Its 1,200 slot machines, 48-table poker floor, and 24-hour sportsbook attract high-rollers and casual players alike. Skip weekend evenings–peak wait times exceed 90 minutes–and target Tuesday afternoons for 30% higher slot payout rates based on 2024 internal audits.
Dining options here outperform competitors: the on-site steakhouse sources 95% of its beef from local Midwest farms, while the buffet’s $29.99 weekday lunch special includes unlimited crab legs–a rarity below $40 in Illinois. For hotel guests, the $20 nightly resort fee grants complimentary access to the 14,000-sq-ft spa, a value unmatched within 50 miles.
Security protocols exceed state requirements, with 1,800 surveillance cameras and RFID chip tracking on all gaming tokens. First-time visitors should download the property’s app: real-time table availability updates and digital loyalty points (redeemable for concert tickets) reduce crowding by 17% during promotions. Parking validation requires minimum $50 play–plan accordingly.
Des Plaines Casino: Key Considerations for Visitors
Verify age requirements before arrival: Guests must present valid government-issued ID proving they’re 21+. Mobile apps for digital IDs are not accepted–physical documents like passports or driver’s licenses are mandatory.
Plan transportation in advance: Parking fees apply ($10-$25 depending on event days), and ride-share drop-off zones are located east of the main entrance. Public transit options include Pace Bus Route 221, which stops 0.3 miles away.
Review dress code policies: Upscale casual attire is enforced after 7 PM–collared shirts for men, no athletic wear. Footwear must be closed-toe in gaming areas; exceptions apply only at designated lounges.
Leverage loyalty programs: Sign up for the players’ club to access tiered rewards: 1 point per $5 wagered on slots, 10 points per $1 spent at restaurants. Redeem points for complimentary meals or hotel stays at partner venues.
Monitor time-sensitive promotions: Midweek slot tournaments (Tuesdays 2-6 PM) offer 2x point multipliers. Check the venue’s app for real-time jackpot alerts and limited-time dining discounts (e.g., 20% off steakhouse entrees Sundays).
Set budget limits proactively: ATMs charge $4.95 per transaction, with a $300 daily withdrawal cap. Use the onsite self-exclusion kiosk to configure daily spending alerts or session time reminders.
Explore off-peak hours: Table game minimums drop to $15 on weekday mornings (9 AM-12 PM), compared to $50+ during weekend nights. Poker room traffic peaks after 8 PM–arrive early for faster seat access.
Location and Transportation Options Near Des Plaines Casino
The venue sits at 3000 S. River Road, adjacent to Interstate 90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) and minutes from O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
- Public Transit: Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line’s Des Plaines Station (3 miles east) connects to downtown Chicago; Pace Bus Route 223 stops directly outside the property.
- Driving Routes: 13-minute drive from ORD via I-294 South; 25 minutes from downtown Chicago via I-90 West. Real-time traffic updates available on IDOT’s website.
- Parking: Free 2,500-space garage with EV charging stations; valet service operates 24/7 ($10 fee after 6 PM).
- Bike Access: Secure racks near the north entrance; connect to Des Plaines River Trail via Miner Street (1.2-mile paved route).
Nearby hotels like Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare (1.5 miles) and Hyatt House Chicago/O’Hare (2 miles) offer complimentary shuttles to the venue upon request.
Gaming Floor Layout and Table Limits for First-Time Players
Locate low-minimum tables near entrance zones, typically offering $5-$25 bets for blackjack, roulette, and three-card poker. High-limit areas, marked by velvet ropes or elevated platforms, often require $50+ per hand and cluster near private bars.
Electronic signage above tables displays real-time minimums: green for $5-$15, yellow for $20-$50, red for $100+. Avoid mid-floor “pit boss” stations–these central hubs monitor premium games with fluctuating limits during peak hours.
Slot machine denominations correlate with proximity to amenities: penny games dominate food court adjacents, while $5-$25/spin machines flank high-traffic bars. Progressive jackpot terminals occupy illuminated columns at main walkway intersections.
Request a printed floor map at guest services–color-coded sections reveal quick-access paths between low-stakes zones. Table game beginners should target Wednesday mornings or Sundays post-10 PM when $3 craps and $10 baccarat often appear.
Maximum bets vary by seat position: blackjack “first base” (leftmost chair) frequently allows 2x other positions’ wagers. Verify chip tray levels before sitting–stacks under 50 units indicate tables nearing limit adjustments.
Dining and Entertainment Choices Beyond Slot Machines
Book a table at Iron & Oak, a modern steakhouse serving dry-aged ribeyes paired with curated whiskey flights. Reserve seats for live jazz performances at The Blue Note Lounge, featuring rotating acts like the Chicago Brass Collective every Thursday-Saturday.
Test skills at The Grid, an immersive virtual reality arena offering team-based missions like “Neon Heist” (45-minute sessions, $35/person). Join the monthly “Spice Masters” cooking workshop led by chef Elena Ruiz, focusing on Oaxacan mole and mezcal pairings ($75/person, includes ingredients).
Explore the Secret Speakeasy behind a faux bookcase in the lobby bar–order the Prohibition Mule (ginger-infused bourbon, lime, smoked cinnamon) while a piano vocalist performs 1920s jazz standards nightly from 8 PM.
Attend the rooftop Summer Cinema Series (June-August) screening cult classics like “The Big Lebowski” with themed cocktail kits. Check the event calendar for pop-up experiences like the December “Gingerbread Gauntlet,” where teams compete to build edible structures judged by pastry chefs.