Majestic Star Casino is a riverboat casino on Lake Michigan in Gary, Indiana. It consists of two riverboats which each have three floors of casino games. The separate riverboats that house the casinos are called The Majestic Star and the Majestic Star II. Neither of the riverboats have sailed anywhere for years however and remain dockside at all times, in fact not since Northwest Indiana casinos became legal and the boats were turned into floating casinos.
The story behind how the casino came to be comprised of not one but two riverboats is actually an historical accident. The town of Gary was awarded the licence to open up two riverboat casinos on Lake Michigan. The first was for the Majestic Star, the second was for the neighbouring Trump Casino. The two casinos built a shared pavilion in Buffington harbour, which made both financial and real estate sense. The two boats opened at the same time, with their entrances right across the hall from each other. This of course led to a number of interesting issues. Casino goers that went to one casino would inevitably spend money in the other, being so close together. This was solved in 2005 when Majestic Star owners bought the Trump Casino and amalgamated the two.
Twin Casinos at Majestic Star Casino
Today the Majestic Star houses the majority of the table games, with 59 of them to only 33 on the Majestic star II. It has the largest selection of table games in the Chicago area. Games on offer include blackjack, Craps, Roulette and a number of other less popular dice and card based games. A dedicated baccarat room is housed on the Majestic Star, which has its own noodle bar open twenty four hours a day.
The majestic Star II has fewer tables, but does have a 21 table Poker room that hosts many tournaments; some of the best in the Chicago area in fact. Different variations on the famous card game can be played here including no limit Hold ‘em and pot limit Omaha. The Majestic Star Casino has the lowest table minimums of any casino in the Chicago area, always offering at least a few games with a $5 minimum. Slots are spread out over both boats, with a huge variety of penny slots ranging from three reel classics all the up to up to date video slots.
Dining and Staying at Majestic Star Casino
The Majestic Star Hotel has 300 rooms that overlook Lake Michigan. This is the original Trump Hotel that went along with the boat and was bought in 2006. The hotel has not been renovated since its Trump days, and thus is luxurious but a little out of date. A variety of suites or rooms can be booked, all offering fine linen, coffee machines and Wi-Fi. The suites have different amenities depending on the package and can include a wet bar, a Jacuzzi bath and a seating or dining area. Dining at Majestic Star Casino is a multi cuisine experience. The Casino made a concerted effort to upgrade its dining options a few years ago, and now offers a quality steakhouse that has great steaks and seafood and a good wines. The buffet restaurant is on the cheaper side and offers a prime rib and seafood dinner on the weekend. A quick meals snack spot offers burgers and wings to casino players up until 6am. A nightclub called the Lakeside Lounge hosts live bands and other acts, serving snacks and drinks well into the night.
