Casino Games at DraftKings

Casino Queen’s DraftKings is recognized as one of the most reputable gambling establishments in Illinois.

DraftKings at Casino Queen, which transitioned from a riverboat casino to a land-based establishment in 2006, boasts 980 slot machines and 29 table games with various betting levels. This move not only provided over 10,000 square feet of additional space but also boosted its popularity.

This gaming selection features a range from penny slots to a private high-stakes room, where you can enjoy slot games starting at a minimum bet of $5 and high-stakes blackjack games. Well-trained, polite dealers are on hand to enhance your gaming experience while you play blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker.

You are even allowed to reserve a table game for your special event at no cost. Although there isn’t a specific poker room, high-quality poker games against dealers are still available to participate in.

Nonetheless, the introduction of DraftKings Sportsbook has allowed customers of DraftKings at Casino Queen to have access to top-tier betting options, such as the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB.

For a much-needed break from the action, consider visiting the seven-story hotel located on the property, which boasts over 150 rooms and suites. Regular players can take advantage of numerous promotions offered by the establishment, including the beneficial Royalty Reward four-tier program.

Slot machines

DraftKings at Casino Queen has hundreds of slot machines.

There are 985 slots available, including penny slots, progressive jackpot slots, and the famous one-armed bandits. The most favored slots are Wonder 4, Lightning Link, Wild Panda, Wheel of Fortune, and Buffalo Grand.

Casino Player Magazine has deemed the slot machines at DraftKings at Casino Queen as the “Loosest Slots in the Country” for six years in a row, highlighting their 95.13% Return to Player (RTP) rate.

The denominations of the slots vary between 5 cents and $5, with the $5 mainly set aside for the exclusive high-limit area to cater to high-stake players.

Table games

DraftKings at Casino Queen boasts 30 table games, offering top-notch blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker action.

A special High-Limit Blackjack Room exists, where only those with larger budgets can meet the betting limit requirements. More unusual table games are also available, like the 21+3, a variation of blackjack that includes additional bets in the style of poker.

The complete list of available casino table games includes the following:

• Blackjack
• Craps
• EZ Baccarat
• Roulette
• Three Card Poker
• Six Card Bonus Three Card Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’Em

Royalty Rewards program

All visitors at Casino Queen’s DraftKings can join the Royalty Rewards program.

Being a member of the Royalty Rewards club entitles you to earn loyalty points each time you play slots, video poker, and table games. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards such as free slot play, discounts on dining and hotel stays, complimentary tickets, access to the VIP parking area and VIP lounge, among others.

The accumulation of more points enables you to ascend swiftly through the four tiers – Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, and Crown, thereby earning superior rewards and benefits. For every dollar you bet on slot machines, you receive one comp point or tier credit.

Conversely, to earn a single comp point or tier credit from video poker machines, a minimum bet of $3 is required. In the case of table games, the quantity of comp points or tier credits hinges on the duration of play, average bet size, and type of game.

DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook

One of the most notable moves following the legalization of sports betting in Illinois was made by the online sportsbook DraftKings and Casino Queen.

Specifically, the owners of Casino Queen entered into an agreement that resulted in the rebranding of the casino to DraftKings at Casino Queen. This became one of the initial sportsbooks available to punters in the East St. Louis region.

The financial details of the deal were not revealed, but its positive economic impact will undoubtedly be experienced in the upcoming years.

DraftKings operates a brick-and-mortar sportsbook at the casino, allowing you to place live, prematch, and proposition bets on various markets. These include the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and other professional and collegiate sports events and teams.

Furthermore, in August 2020, DraftKings introduced a sportsbook app. This app, which can be used on desktop, Android, and Apple devices, provides bettors with an optimal online sports wagering experience.

DraftKings Poker Room

The drawback of DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis is the absence of a dedicated poker room. However, the casino compensates for this by offering a few dealer-based poker games, including three-card poker with a six-card bonus, standard three-card poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

DraftKings at Casino Queen Hotel Amenities

Hotel and RV park at DraftKings at Casino Queen

For those longing for an incredible view of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis, DraftKings at Casino Queen invites you to one of its 157 rooms spread over seven floors.

A variety of room types are available, including king- and queen-sized rooms, ADA compliant rooms, rooms with two queen beds, and spa rooms with king-sized beds. All rooms come equipped with complimentary internet access, large desks, laundry valet services, blow dryers, and coffee makers.

Alternatively, there is a specifically created RV park for Class A, B, and C campers, fifth wheels, and travel trailers. This park is fully equipped with hookups, providing internet, bathhouses, and laundry facilities.

Dining

During your stay at DraftKings at Casino Queen, you can explore several dining options that are sure to transform you into a true gourmet.

• At a buffet price, Market Street Buffet offers you the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of dishes from various cultures around the globe.
• Prime Steakhouse is the ideal destination for daily lunch and dinner dining options and late-night drinks.
• SEVENS provides tantalizing appetizers, sandwiches and main courses that are sure to please even the most discerning food enthusiasts.
• If you’re in the mood for a quick snack and cold beverages, Deli & Chips is an excellent option.

DraftKings at Casino Queen History

In 1993, DraftKings at Casino Queen began its gambling operations as a riverboat casino named Casino Queen. In 2020, the sportsbook operator DraftKings partnered with Gaming and Leisure Properties, a real estate investment trust of Pennsylvania National Gaming, to rebrand Casino Queen into DraftKings at Casino Queen. This transformation introduced a comprehensive sportsbook on the casino floor, offering high-grade betting options and a variety of other features.

The casino currently known as DraftKings at Casino Queen holds a significant place in Illinois’ gambling history. It first opened its doors in 1993 as a riverboat casino, developed by real estate tycoon Bill Koman. Initially housed on a boat named White Star One, the casino transitioned to a land-based building in 2006, thereby expanding its gaming area.

The casino was sold to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2012, marking it as the first employee-owned casino in the US. In 2014, however, the casino was purchased by Gaming and Leisure Properties who then immediately leased it back to the ESOP.

In 2020, Casino Queen struck a deal with the prominent online sportsbook, DraftKings, to rename the casino as DraftKings at Casino Queen and launch the sportsbook.