The room rates just went up again this year on average about $50 a room. if you want to sit at the bar there is never enough room and if you want to take in the show next to the bar better hope you have a group of less than four people or you will not get a table you can all sit at. The hostess the last time i was there ran it like a dictator. if you wanted to talk to someone (we had a large group so we were seated several tables away from each other) she would come and make you either take your seat or leave. sure makes a person feel welcome. as for the gambling and atmosphere it's not to bad.
I used to go to this casino a couple times a week and have noticed a distinct difference in the average payouts on the 1, 2 and 5 cent machines. Most times the payouts are very low. Even after playing a long time between bonuses and through several bonus rounds, the payouts are lower than previous years. I can't play very long on $100.00 with a $1 to $1.50 bet, just to get a $3 to $10.00 bonus. It sure takes the fun out of it!
I don't go to this casino much, anymore. I do better elsewhere.
This casino has a nice sized gaming floor, and big selection of slot machines. They do have a lot of older machines, and it is a bit frustrating moving between machines when you have a cash-out ticket from a newer machine that will not play on an older machine. I have found the older machines that still have the coin hoppers tend to pay out MUCH better than the gimmicky newer machines towards the front of the casino. For example, I played a one line Wild Cherries quarter machine located by the bingo hall, and gradually made back about $260 in a couple hours. I went to the front of the casino, and played the Life of Luxury progressive machine, and it ate $500 in a matter of 20 minutes. I got zero decent size winning spins on that machine. Anyway, I decided to eat at the buffet. It was about $16, and on a Saturday night had prime rib. Overall, the buffet is very mediocre, both in variety, layout, and most importantly, food quality. I tried a little of everything, and the only item that stood out was the broasted chicken. It was VERY good. The prime rib was flavorless and very tough (I had a piece from two different roasts, with the same results). The ribs were downright bad. Zero flavor, and they tasted boiled. The sauce was terrible, and watered down. Desserts were just ok. Nothing special. I think Old Country Buffet has better quality food than this place, and at half the price. Overall, if you are going to gamble, this is a nice casino. Don't go for the food (Treasure Island Casino in Red Wing has by far the best quality buffet).
Good pay tables on the video poker at the quarter level. I only play at the quarter level so can't comment at other levels. They recently added another bar. Talking at their original bar when the band was playing was impossible! Rooms are always neat and clean. We always enjoy their buffet and Cherries Grill. Was disappointed in the breakfast menu at The Grand Grill American on the last trip.
Used to go to Hinckley @ least once a week. my guy & I would love to spend a couple of days there, but the slots are extremely tight & no room specials. what gives? I'd love to come up again, but it's just too expensive.
