Casino at Argosy Alton

The casino, which opened in 1991, is owned and operated by Penn National Gaming.

Despite Illinois no longer mandating riverboat casinos to cruise, Argosy Casino still operates from a boat on the Mississippi River. This unique aspect sets Argosy apart from its competitors, with most other riverboat casinos in the state being permanently docked.

This, however, restricts the casino’s gaming area to approximately 23,000 square feet. The casino offers an extensive range of games, featuring over 800 slot and video poker machines and 12 tables for different table games.

The games offered come in different denominations and table limits, but the casino does not have a high-limit room or a dedicated poker room. Nonetheless, sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the sportsbook, which provides a wide range of markets for sports like NFL, NBA, and MLB among others.

Given that the casino is located on a boat, it does not provide lodging facilities. Fortunately, numerous hotels are available on the shore for your convenience.

Argosy is a member of the mychoice Rewards program, which allows you to accumulate tier points and use them for free play, along with other perks. The casino also offers a variety of promotions, such as the Choose the Champs sportsbook promotion and the Ghostly Bucks free slot play draw, which takes place every Friday.

Slot machines

Despite being around for almost thirty years, Argosy Casino’s assortment of video slots on the casino floor is far from being outdated. The casino boasts over 800 state-of-the-art slots with denominations ranging from a few cents to several dollars.

This diverse range of video slot machines encompasses everything from traditional three-reel, single-payline games to contemporary five-reel slots featuring multiple HD screens and striking graphics.

There are dozens of progressive games with potentially enormous jackpots. The most recent inclusions are 25 progressives that are guaranteed to hit by $500. In addition, there is a plethora of other progressive slot games where the jackpot could exceed $60,000.

Argosy also offers a variety of themed slot games. Lightning Loot, Red White & Blue, Geisha and Wheel of Fortune are among the most popular. However, many players prefer trying their luck with Lightning Link and Buffalo Grand, both of which are frequently found at casinos in Illinois.

Argosy may not have a physical poker room, but it makes up for it somewhat with a considerable variety of electronic poker games. These fast-paced video poker machines offer low house advantage and substantial rewards.

Table games

Despite the limited gaming space on Alton’s Argosy Casino riverboat, which only allows for 12 tables, the versatility of the games on offer is impressive. Here, you can enjoy everything from classic blackjack games to more contemporary variations like 21+3.

The casino does not feature any high-limit tables. However, with the right strategy, you could potentially win thousands of dollars. If you’re unfamiliar with the rules of a specific table game, the casino’s friendly and professional dealers are available to assist. Moreover, you can learn about the rules of the games on the official website of the casino.

The following six table games can be found at Argosy Casino:

• 21+3
• Blackjack
• Craps
• Roulette
• Three-Card Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em

Mychoice rewards program

Argosy Casino forms a part of Penn National Gaming’s mychoice rewards program. Besides Argosy Casino, this rewards scheme is accessible at over 30 locations nationwide.

Guests at the casino can instantly receive $25 worth of free video slot play when they register for the mychoice card. Additionally, by creating an online account at mychoice.com, guests can track their reward points and receive special offers through email.

By accumulating tier points, members ascend through the five levels – Choice, Advantage, Preferred, Elite and Owners Club. These points can be gathered by participating in casino games, placing bets at the sportsbook, or ordering food and beverages from participating restaurants.

This also applies to the collection of comp points. These points can be exchanged for exclusive rewards like hotel, dining and retail credits, as well as free play on slot machines and table games.

Mychoice offers a free online social casino where you can enjoy some of the most sought-after video slot games.

Argosy Sportsbook

In Illinois, land-based casinos are permitted to run sportsbooks. One such venue is the Argosy Casino, which offers a cutting-edge sports betting facility where patrons can place wagers and view their favorite sports events.

In Illinois, it is legal to place sports bets on a variety of sports such as football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, boxing, MMA, tennis, cricket, rugby, cycling, and auto racing. You have the option to bet on both professional and collegiate games with different betting types including singles, parlays, point spreads, over/under, and more.

The sportsbook, located adjacent to the Hops House where you can relish a beer during the game, boasts several viewing stations, 14 betting kiosks, a monitor showcasing all the odds, and 30 large HDTVs. It operates from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Argosy Casino Poker Games

Argosy distinguishes itself from many other Illinois casinos by not having a specific poker room for cash games and poker tournaments. However, it still offers poker enthusiasts a chance to enjoy some poker action by playing against the dealers. The available poker games are Ultimate Texas Hold’em and three-card poker.

Additionally, you can give 21+3 a shot, a game that blends poker and blackjack. The casino also boasts a superior selection of video poker games designed for single players.

Argosy Casino Amenities

Hotels near Argosy Casino Alton, IL

Argosy Casino, located on a riverboat, does not provide accommodation. However, it is situated in the most popular area of Alton, ensuring a plethora of hotels in close proximity.

You can book rooms just a few streets away at Tiffany Inn Bed & Breakfast. For a more elegant experience, consider the Beall Mansion, a three-star hotel that offers free Wi-Fi. There are also several other noteworthy hotels in the vicinity.

• Suites & Inn Hampton The
• Parkway Hotel by Best Western Plus
• Best Western Premier Alton
• Super 8 by Wyndham

Dining

Several dining options are available at Argosy Casino Alton. You have the choice to dine at the buffet, relax with friends over a beer at the bar, or savor the exclusivity of the VIP lounge.

• Captain’s Table Buffet provides affordable meals for both lunch and dinner, in addition to their unique Sunday brunch. Their menu includes a variety of options like pizza, fresh fish, and fried chicken with mashed potatoes, among others. Utilizing your mychoice card at this venue can earn you extra discounts.
• Hops House is a sports bar strategically located close to the casino’s sportsbook. Here, you can relish a wide range of beers, burgers, and finger food while watching the game.
• The VIP Lounge is exclusively available to mychoice cardholders at Preferred, Elite, and Owners Club tier levels. In this space, you can relish in privacy and an exquisite assortment of food and drinks.

Argosy Casino Alton History

In 1991, the Argosy Gaming Company established the Argosy Casino in Alton. Initially, it was a riverboat named Alton Belle, in compliance with Illinois law that mandated casinos to navigate the river rather than remain docked. Alton Belle was equipped with approximately 300 slot machines and 22 tables. However, in 1993, it was superseded by a larger vessel, the Alton Belle II.

Despite the state law permitting casinos to dock in 1999, Argosy Casino opted to remain on a boat. Penn National Gaming, a gaming corporation, acquired the Argosy Gaming Company in 2004 and continues to own and operate the casino.

Argosy had to temporarily shut down a few times because of Mississippi River floods, the most recent being in spring 2019. The casino also had to close in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but managed to reopen by late summer.