I really tried not to end up here since moving to Indiana, but the lure of the only nearby crab leg buffet was too strong tonight. Â Hell, I even stopped near the entrance to chart a course to the Blue Chip in Mich City instead. Â 50 more minutes in the car just wasn't gonna happen, so in I went. Â
As it turns out, the reported smell of smoke is gone and there was only a 5 minute wait to get in the buffet. Â So I grabbed myself a window seat and went to work on 5 or 6 plates of mostly snow crab. Â
The majority of that was great, and getting to it wasn't a problem for me. Â In addition, there was an interesting spicy shrimp boil and some of the best breaded catfish I've had in a very, VERY long time. Â
Since this risk paid off, tonight I decided to go home and try something else I've been avoiding forever...watching Jason Statham play second fiddle to Natasha Henstridge in "Ghosts of Mars"...and that's where my luck ran out. Â Maybe I should have stuck around and gambled instead?
Oh Majestic Star, where do I begin. You are like that hole in the wall bar I never wanted to step foot into but for some reason I did. The casino has a very old school appearance. There is nothing about the decor that really pops out to me other than I guess the one big crystal chandelier. The place reeks of a febreeze like aroma but I suppose that is a hell of alot better than the smoke from HORSESHOE. The clientale is pretty depressing. You will see alot of fashion police offenders. This casino is nothing like the glam that is advertised for Horseshoe on TV (although Horseshoe is nothing like Vegas which it so claims). The one thing that I do like about Majestic and may bring me back are the low table minimums. $5 craps, roulette, blackjack, poker all on a weekend is something that I can roll with. I suppose the low minimums can be partly to blame for the clientale it attracts.
Review Source:If you would like to come to the scummiest, grimiest, smokiest, and thuggiest casino come to good old Gary, IN. This place is a snake pit for gang bangers and ignorant drunk idiots yelling at dealers becase they lost their child support money there. I have seen classier people sleeping in the streets of downtown Chicago than the filth that comes here.
With that said, if you are ever really really depressed about something in life, just come here and people watch and I guarantee you will instantly feel better about yourself within minutes.
Initially I wanted to give them 2 stars, but after going again I'll bump it up to 3 stars. If you like slots, they got them! They are further for me than Horsesh*t and Ameristar, but it's less crowded and lower limits. I like that they have $5 table games here.
Some of the dealers are nice and talkative. While others have that solemn I want to kill myself or kill you look.
It is smaller than the other casinos. Bathrooms are hard to find since they are tucked away in the corners.
Next time I go, I'll have to get another card since I think it may be easier to get comped here. Have yet to try the food here too.
BEWARE!!! this place is the dirtiest, nastiest, grossest gaming facility I have ever been in. There are so many cleaner places to go, my skin was crawling when i walked out of this place. There was gum stuck to the hand railings, the bathrooms were disgusting. The cocktail servers were the laziest and rudest I have ever encountered.... Last time i checked they worked for tips. The Capts. or what I believe are ABs hovered over patrons. The entire spectacle in Gary, IN is a joke.... Don't go to this place when you can drive 3 miles down the street to Horseshoe or even Ameristar is 100xs better than the filthy mop bucket they call Majestic Star Casino.
Review Source:This review is for their poker room, although unfortunately can't help but include some commentary on the rest of the casino.
A couple of months ago, they moved the poker room from the top floor to the second floor - this gave them a lot more room (I would estimate at least 8 more tables) but comes with some cons as well. First, I called ahead and waited for 5 minutes for an operator to even connect me to the poker room, and then waited another 5 minutes of the phone ringing, only to have nobody answer it. I'll mark that down to technical difficulties this time, but if it happens again it's definitely a problem.
Three pros from the old room that have turned into cons in the new one:
1) Dedicated chip cage made it easy and fast in the old room to get chips and cash out. Now you have to step out of the poker room and wait in line in the SUPER-smoky haze. And both times, when I got chips and when I cashed out, despite there being 4-5 people in the cage, there was only one window open.
2) Food - the old room had a decent deli right next to it, good for quick bites to eat. That's closed now too, so poker players now have to take the LONG walk back to the entrance to get any food.
3) Exit to the deck of the boat, to catch a breath or a smoke. Less relaxing to take a stroll through the aforementioned second-hand smoke.
This is essentially a 2-star review, but bumped up because they're the only casino around that consistently spreads my game: Omaha Hi/Lo. Nice group of regulars who are there EVERY Friday and Saturday, so I'll keep going back.
This is a review of the hotel. Â The casino is fine, but I would prefer to rate it separately. Â So, the hotel room was clean. Â I would feel safe sleeping here again, both physically (from scary Gary types) and safe from diseases lurking underneath the sheets. Â The price point was also reasonable, considering the lake view and proximity to Chicago. Â However, Hammond/Gary should be cheap. Â This low rating is being given due to the poor quality of customer service I received from the hotel staff on 8/17/2011. Â I was severely disappointed in the way I was treated as a first time guest. Â I spent two nights in this hotel, while also patronizing the casino. Â I checked in late the first night and asked to check out late the last day. Â I asked how late I'd be able to stay in the room without being charged (11:30 am) or how late I could stay in the room and be charged for just a half day (4 pm). Â I had stayed up very late the night before at the casino and hoped that the hotel staff would be more accommodating. Â However, I was told one thing by the operations manager and another thing by a front desk staff member a couple hours after initially asking the question. Â The front desk staff member called me at 2 pm to tell me I had 10 minutes to vacate the premises, even after I had spoken to her boss. Â They refused to remove the half day charge from my bill, even though I left before the 4pm deadline I was told I could stay in the room until with a charge for a half day. Â Since I had just woken up and showered, I asked for half an hour to pack and get ready to leave. Â I was threatened to be charged a full day if I wasn't out in under 10 minutes. Â I felt like I was being bullied at the poker table and not as if I was staying at a place that respected their guests. Â I won't go back and stay here again.
Review Source:Originally came to play poker, but their one open  table was full with a list 9 deep.
So, off to play blackjack.
Almost all the tables are 8 deck, or have those dreaded continuous shufflers.
There is one double deck blackjack table, but the rules are horrible!!
Only double on 10-11, no splitting aces, hit S17, no double after split, split once, and horrible players that are scared to hit 16 against high cards.. Â Not to mention the horrible limits; $10 min. $200 max.
Despite all this, I almost always a good time (win or lose) and enjoy just walking around and observing the various specimens of interesting people.
Especially in the baccarat parlor.
Oh my Lord. This place...where to even start...let me just say it is a complete sensory experience.
#1) Theme Smell: An old cheeseburger a homeless person ate out of the garbage then threw up in to an ashtray made from a urinal cake
The various unpleasant stenches occurring simultaneously had me gagging a couple times, and holding my breath a couple times.
First off, it is a CIG DEN. I understand, smoking and gambling go hand in hand, and I certainly haven't paid any mind at other casinos, but here...Oh my Lord. You can actually see the smoke floating around in the air. No need to bring your cigarettes, just breathing there is like smoking a carton per minute. It started to actually burn my nostrils. We were only there for an hour or so, yet my coat needs to be dry cleaned turbo style, because it reeks like cigs within a 5 foot radius. Why I didn't I check my coat, you may ask? Coat check was closed- in the dead of winter.
#2) A majority of the fellow gamblers are a-holes, and look like they are at death's door.
Now, I understand at a baseline that the casino is in Gary, IN. Not exactly a thriving economy there, so I kind of feel bad ragging on this. However, I do have a story to tell.
I went right for Hold'em. Now, being fully aware of my novice skill set- I asked to be seated at the Limit Hold'em $1-$1 table ($1 Big Blind and $1 Little Blind...for my fellow novice players). This is the "kids" table, as far as I'm concerned, for novice and/or fellow broke-a$$ players like myself. I play Hold'em online to practice with funny money so that I at least know how to play my hand- however, playing online has left me at a detriment when it comes to table etiquette. That being said, I'll get to the point. The dealers I experienced were mutes, solely using hand signals (which I am still not all that familiar with). So, the little confusion I exhibited was apparently a source of amusement for 2, dare I say, gentlemen at the table.
Now, I am not a jerk off, I sit pretty and play my hands- one would say I am polite. However, instead of ignoring my confusion or attempting to help me, these dudes were literally making fun of me. Literally, just ripping on me. These guys were probably in their early thirties and looked like they just rolled out of bed and came to the casino in their pajamas. I gave them the "really??" stare and ignored their ignorance. Since when is it socially acceptable to treat a polite lady in such a way, especially at the LIMIT, $1-$1 TABLE?? The beginners table- what the F?? I am assuming that either these guys were broke as hell- or that they really truly suck at poker and dare not go balls out and sit at the true players' tables.
I'm done with venting.
#3) FALSE ADVERTISING. Ever see those billboards for Majestic that say "loosest slots in the city" or "$3 Blackjack"? Lies.
Those slot machines are crap. I 'm glad I didn't dump a ton of cash into them, but the payout was either jokingly small, or nonexistent. To be fair, I played several different types of machines. I could get more coin spending 2 hours on a street corner with a cup.
Here is the $3 Blackjack deal...if you want to play $3 Blackjack, you put up part of that $3 as your bet, but the rest you are FORCED to put up as an insurance bet, and the payout on the insurance bet is either 1:1 or 2:1...either way, its crap. If you don't want to be forced into frivolous insurance bets, you have to play $10 Blackjack. Now, $10 Blackjack is actually cheap, but my gripes don't lie with that, they are with the FALSE ADVERTISING. The billboards should really read "$10 Blackjack with the option of $3 Blackjack + Insurance."
I think I am done here. I will never ever ever ever ever go back to this casino for as long as I live. You will do the same if you know what is good for you.
Mmph. Â The slots hardly pay out, the air is way too smoke-filled (even for me, a smoker), and the buffet is a disaster. Â The first few times I went, I had fun with the constant funk music, but it gets old a lot sooner than you would estimate.
There are other closer (and bigger, and cleaner) casinos that I would rather visit.
New discoveries:
if you go to the Majestic Star like, the one on the left when you walk in...the 2nd floor has more table games. Â However, if you're claustrophobic, beware! Â These tables are super close to each other and you're likely to have your personal space invaded.
Also, in the adjoining video poker room, the machines on the back wall also have my beloved Caveman Keno on 'em. Â It's cool 'cuz you can play the game with either quarters, dimes OR nickles. Â Ahhh, heaven. Â (This came is freakin' addictive, yo!)
Oh, and be sure to sign up for the Players Card. Â They were runnin' a promo this past weekend, so we got free $10 to play! Â Awesome!
MSC is working really hard on its imagine and I am giving the proper respect for this. From the coat check to the gamine floors & then back out MSC staff was constant vigil professionals. The missing star is for the recycled air and full up ashtrays everywhere. I don't smoke but I also don't care about smokers. I prefer a certain level of clean that is boot camp installed.
the slots are lots of sounds & lights. I hit well. I noticed that after a fair winning the machine wouldn't be nice for awhile. i suggest you take your large pay outs & move machines. I turned my $5 to $50 in about 30 mins working my way thru 3 machines. Important note: i started with pennies on a min 40 credit play and want on to quarters in 2 machines. my progress was $5 to $20 on 12 pulls, $20 to $40 on 5 pulls then to quarters and that went $40 to $50 in 14 pulls. NOT TO BAD eh?!
the general tables are a good pace & all dealers are VERY respectful & extremely polite as well knowledgeable. They know they make more money helping you beat them. They get it! amazing. All bit bosses SMILE! oh my what a nice change. and they also greet & excuse themselves along the way down the aisles.
i have one complaint. the Chinese that walk around entitled. if you don't have patients for rude under 5' chinese don't go here. but if you can stand your ground & also be POLITE! go. when the chinese start getting fussy and cutting you off, which THEY WILL DO! just assert yourself and hold firm. the employees get but don't react because they don't want to lose thier jobs. its up to you. and if one of the chinese starts giving you lip, well...i can't tell you what do. I can say I didn't take it. there is still a little old chinese lady walking around that boat saying how rude this american boy is. I say don't cut because you think you deserve water ahead of my beer cause its free. I tip you didn't you cheap little slant eye round half wit unlucky leprechaun.
go & have fun. about $100 well thought out & played smart will last 4 hrs. well I did at least. roulette chrissy is GOOD! 3rd row & 3rd tweleve was HOT! all night.
peace
If you don't like to gamble, do NOT come here. Dingy, smokey, reeks of desperation and general unhappiness...and that's just the Croupiers! Â Unlike other casinos such as Blue Chip and Four Winds, Majestic is in dire need of a makeover. Â Slot machines look like throwbacks from the 90's and rather stingy too. Â You do get free soft drinks which is a small plus. Â Now I WILL say that their tables are where it's at! Â 5 dollar minimums EVEN on the weekends. Â This alone is Majestic's saving grace...though I'm knocking a point off for not having free alcohol while playing the tables. Â How cheap is that?
Will I be back? Â Hmmm, depends. Â I did win 400 on Roulette so if I'm feeling lucky, maybe.
This is a gambler's casino. Â There are absolutely no other reasons for a person to visit this place, other than to gamble. Â One might go for the 'fancy' restaurant on the boat, but I wouldn't know because I've never tried it. Â The noodle bar is just not good at all. Â I've been on some lengthy benders here, I mean lengthy, and because the food is so horrible I was forced to survive on beer, cigarettes and coffee.
The environment is just dirty. Â It's like one huge ashtray. Â For some reason when I walk into the place that's what I think of, an ashtray. Â Seems like the carpet is coated with ash and smoke. Â I don't mind it too much because I'm a going to quit smoking smoker, but still. Â It's not just because people smoke in there, I've been to other casinos and they are just cleaner.
Majestic recently did start to renovate, fixing up the cashier cages--why I dunno--I would have started with bringing in new tables and chairs. Â They've also installed new carpeting on the blackjack / craps / roulette tables floor. Â Oh my goodness! Â Whoever was responsible for picking the design should not pick out anything anymore, ever. Â It looks like a way too busy Ted Baker tie. Â Fine on a tie, but to cover a thousand or so square feet, it's not so alluring. Â I think only acid heads could possibly appreciate the new carpeting, or their brains might just implode. Â I stated earlier that the only reason to visit Majestic would be to gamble. Â I was wrong. Â Go check out this carpet, it's on the right hand side casino, on the first floor, you have to see it to believe it. Truly an optical illusion. Â (There are two "areas" to choose from once you get past the ID checkers).
The employees who work there are the bright spot. Â Most of them are very nice, the dealers and the pit bosses (one in particular...mmm...yummy). Â The cage cashiers are all bitchy people, but this seems to be universal at all casinos.
Another positive is the minimum bets. Â They by far have the minimumest minimums around. Â Usually $10, even on weekends. Â Haven't seen $5 blackjack tables in a while, but I've been playing Baccarat.
If I would have written this review four months ago it would have received one or two more stars, but they have recently taken me to the cleaners, so I can honestly say that this is an unbiased review.
Majestic, get better food (especially at the noodle bar), clean up the joint, and maybe offer alcoholic drinks when I've been there for more than 4 hours!!!, and stars will shine.
Restaurants, buffet was absolutly horrible, do not eat from. Â Have not eaten at the steak house, but is way over priced and the pictures of the dishes in their adds do not look good. Â The deli by the poker room emits a bad stench that can be smelled in the stair leading up to that floor
Gaming, terrible blackjack, 8 decks hit soft 17 and a double deck variety that is just as bad. Â Friend was told by a dealer "go F--- yourself" when at a table. Â General clientel is more rough crowd.
Just stay away from the majestic star.
Decent casino. Â Fairly large compared to my usual Grand Victoria Casino. Â I dropped a bill playing Black Jack. Â
The dealers were usually friendly and gave a bit of advice when to hit, fold, or other actions. Â The patrons at 3-4am on a Saturday morning can be a bit rough if they have been loosing. Â I've been there where a few people had to be escorted out for their tempers at the poker table. Â
This is no where close to Las Vegas but is a decent casino being this close to Chicago. Â They do not have a buffet but many small restuarants within the casino.
Free to get in. Â On New Years look forward to .25 cent champagne and $1 beers.
Holy crap the lines at the food buffet are long. Â Its like waiting in line for an awesome ride at Six Flaggs. Â
Majestic is mostly penny slots on two floors. Some card tables on the lower floor. Â Majestic II across the main hallway (or entrance hallway) find nickel to dollar slot machines. Â People are serious about that shit. Â Get a players card and get something for all the money you are spending. Â As explained by a friend, its like a Fresh Values card like at Jewel. Â Everytime you bet, swipe your card. Â That way, you get free shit for the different amounts of money spent. Â I.E, free food, free cigarettes, etc. Â At times some veterans would ask if they could swipe your machine with their players card to get whatever points come your way. Â Sometimes they don't even ask!
Food options are limited to the long ass lines at the buffet, located downstairs near a neon blue cafe.(Maybe the line was long ass cuz' it was NYE 07') Â A restaurant quick stop called Wings and Things, most items around $5. Or a steak house where the lowest priced item is an appetizer costing $12. Â Fuckin' A!
Fountain soda is free. Â
If you are not a gambler like me and casino's are not your thing. Â Don't bother. I'd rather see the action in Vegas. Â Oh.. I spent two dollars on penny slots and won $5 and then $14. Â WoOT! Â Lots of people watching. Â I saw a woman (maybe the grandmother) that was with a 4 year old girl playing in the hallway at 11pm. Â Around midnight a younger woman comes out of the casino and hands off a players card to the Grandma and they switch roles with the child. Â Grandma is already in the casino.. this continues for another couple hours. Â Ugh.. a woman having to be at least 70 or 80 years old wearing "fuck me" stiletto heels, black nylons and a terribly short skirt and a lavender colored boa. Â Too much makeup and looking for trouble. Â Sitting at the slots, she exposed way too much. Â AAAaargh!
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,611 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,972 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,318 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,915 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,987 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
