Hollywood ‘reopens’ with a big show

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Updated: November 24, 2011 3:34AM

The new Hollywood Casino Joliet (formerly Empress Casino Joliet) will host a New Year’s Eve spectacular days after opening a new dining and entertainment pavilion, an official said.

Guests will have two chances to win big in the Noon Year’s Riches and $35,000 Star Studded New Year promotions.

In the first giveaway, three lucky slot winners will be selected randomly at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to win $2,011.

Later in the evening, guests will have a chance to take home a share of $35,000.

Four lucky winners playing slots with their Club Hollywood card in use will be randomly selected at 9 p.m. and midnight to win cash prizes. A top prize of $15,000 is up for grabs.

Guests also will enjoy live music from the Hat Guys, one of the Chicago area’s most exciting and energetic bands, a spokesman said.

The Hat Guys will perform live from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the casino floor, and there is no cover charge.

Those who are not Club Hollywood members can sign up for no charge and become eligible for the drawings.

Four Winds

Officials at Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., are going to make things a lot more exciting for guests attending the New Year’s Eve party.

A share of $50,000 and two vacation packages to Rio de Janeiro (valued at $4,000 each) along with other cash prizes will be awarded.

Additionally, Four Winds will celebrate the new year with a Carnival Party on Dec. 31 and a seafood extravaganza at the buffet on New Year’s Day.

Also on New Year’s Eve, a cash prize of $2,011 will be awarded to W Club members every hour from noon to 5 p.m.

The drawing for the two vacation packages to Rio de Janeiro, each valid for two people, will take place at 6 p.m.

The New Year’s Carnival will begin at 7 p.m. EST and feature dancers, samba performers and stilt walkers.

Complimentary New Year’s Eve party favors will be given out later in the evening. Also, live entertainment will be provided at the Stage Bar from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m.

Majestic Star

In Gary, Majestic Star Casino officials are going all out with a variety of promotions to set the mood for the holiday season.

“We are doing a different promotion each day the last week before New Year’s Eve,” a spokesman said.

The promotions include the $5,000 Winning Wonderland to take place Dec. 24 and 25. Drawings will take place every half-hour from 4 p.m. to midnight at the Star Stage.

A Blizzard of Cash slot tournament will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 27 on the third level of Majestic Star II.

Each hour between 1 and 7 p.m. four guests will win $50 in promo cash and a second chance to play for a $5,000 grand prize.

And four participates will win $250 in promo cash at 9 p.m. on the Star Stage.

Jumpin’ Jackpots will be featured from 5 p.m. to midnight Dec. 28 in the promotional area. There will be two $250 promo cash winners every half-hour.

Blue Chip

The Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Ind., took the No. 1 spot in several categories in the casino survey conducted by Strictly Slots Magazine recently.

These categories included best overall hotel casino, overall casino and overall hotel as well as best hotel rooms and best steakhouse, for William B’s Steakhouse.

“It’s gratifying to know that the readers of Strictly Slots Magazine have honored Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa with its highest awards, and particularly because they have recognized the quality of the entire Blue Chip experience,” vice president and general manager Ted Bogich said.

Gus Rose can be reached by sending an e-mail to jvirtusio@southtownstar.com with “Gus Rose” in the subject line.