Emerald Queen Hotel and 1-5 are both great places to lose money, especially in slots. Some casinos advertise their jackpot winners, the few times I've seen people win big at the Emerald, they acted somewhat embarrassed that such a thing could happen.

I find the machines to play erratic, usually offering no more than a 20% upswing before a long slide to zero. I have played at all different times of the week, with little change. On top of that, the machines are crowded into dark labyrinths, especially at the Hotel.

The rooms are about at par with any Best Western. I do give high marks to the comp system at the Hotel--if you are willing to be 'watched' by the huge security staff to make sure you are always playing (i.e. being properly sheared).

If you are willing to play slots for two hours, they will give you a 20.00 certificate good for their excellent deli, or the buffet--which is pretty good as well. Just plan on losing about 40.00 an hour at quarter bets for that 'generous' comp. The only way I would play the slots now would be to take a friend, play penny bets, smoke indoors while drinking free pop, and heading up to the Tatoosh Grill on the third floor after two hours. As far as slots, I enjoy the play much more at the Clearwater an hour away.

I've been to EQC several times and have NEVER come out a winner. I play slots - don't even think they HAVE table games at this location.

There's a small non-smoking section but the majority is smoking. The machines are only OK. Many are showing signs of getting quite tired, and almost all are unbelievably tight.

Service is middling. The cocktail waitresses are mostly older, unattractive and many are surly.

Save yourself the money and the grief; STAY AWAY!

I did not have a very long stay at this casino. We stopped in, played for about 1/2 an hour and got out. The smoke was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Both my wife and I would not come back ever for that reason alone.

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