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Argosy Casino Alton
The Argosy Casino is situated on a riverboat that floats along the Mississippi River, offering a unique gaming experience.
Argosy features over 800 state-of-the-art video slots and video poker machines, as well as 12 gaming tables offering popular games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. Additionally, the casino now offers a retail sportsbook where guests can place bets on a wide range of professional and college games in the US.
With only 23,000 square feet of gaming space, Argosy Casino may not be the largest gaming establishment in the state, but it is definitely worth a visit thanks to its picturesque location, diverse selection of games, and numerous dining options available.
Only individuals who are 21 years old and older are allowed to enter the establishment.
Argosy Casino Alton
- 1 Piasa St., Alton, IL 62002
- Penn National Gaming owns and operates the establishment.
- Our operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
- There are more than 800 video slots available in the casino games, as well as video poker, blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and poker.
- Sportsbook: Yes, retail
- Poker Room: No
Illinois Casinos in the News
Casino at Argosy Alton
Penn National Gaming owns and operates the casino, which first opened its doors in 1991.
Although Illinois no longer requires riverboat casinos to cruise, Argosy Casino continues to operate on a boat on the Mississippi River. This distinctive feature distinguishes Argosy from its rivals, as most other riverboat casinos in the state are permanently docked.
Nevertheless, the casino’s gaming space is limited to about 23,000 square feet. It boasts a wide variety of games, including more than 800 slot and video poker machines, as well as 12 tables for various table games.
The casino offers a variety of games with different betting limits, but does not have a designated high-limit or poker room. However, sports fans can enjoy the sportsbook which offers a wide range of betting options for sports such as NFL, NBA, and MLB, among others.
Since the casino is situated on a boat, it does not offer accommodations. However, there are several hotels on the shore for your convenience.
Argosy participates in the mychoice Rewards program, where members can earn tier points for free play and other benefits. The casino also hosts several promotions, including the Choose the Champs sportsbook promotion and the Ghostly Bucks free slot play draw every Friday.
Slot machines
Even after nearly three decades in operation, Argosy Casino’s collection of video slots remains modern and up-to-date. The casino offers over 800 cutting-edge slot machines with betting options ranging from just a few cents to several dollars.
This wide variety of video slot machines includes both classic three-reel, single-payline games as well as modern five-reel slots with multiple HD screens and impressive graphics.
There are numerous progressive games available with the chance to win huge jackpots. The latest additions include 25 progressives that are guaranteed to pay out at least $500. Furthermore, there are many other progressive slot games with jackpots that could surpass $60,000.
Argosy provides a selection of themed slot games including Lightning Loot, Red White & Blue, Geisha, and Wheel of Fortune. Among these, Lightning Link and Buffalo Grand are favored by many players and are commonly found at Illinois casinos.
While Argosy may not offer a traditional poker room, it compensates with a wide selection of electronic poker games. These rapid video poker machines provide players with a low house advantage and the chance to win significant rewards.
Table games
Even though Alton’s Argosy Casino riverboat has a limited gaming space with only 12 tables available, the variety of games offered is still impressive. Players can enjoy a range of options from traditional blackjack to more modern variations like 21+3.
While the casino does not offer high-limit tables, there is still potential to win thousands of dollars with the right strategy. If you are unsure of the rules for a specific table game, the friendly and professional dealers at the casino are ready to assist you. Additionally, you can find information about the rules of the games on the casino’s official website.
Argosy Casino offers a variety of six table games for guests to enjoy.
- 21+3
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Roulette
- Three-Card Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
Mychoice rewards program
Argosy Casino is a member of the mychoice rewards program offered by Penn National Gaming. This program is available at more than 30 locations across the country in addition to Argosy Casino.
When guests sign up for the mychoice card at the casino, they will immediately receive $25 in free video slot play. By also registering for an online account at mychoice.com, guests can keep track of their reward points and receive exclusive offers via email.
Members can progress through the five levels – Choice, Advantage, Preferred, Elite, and Owners Club – by earning tier points. These points can be earned by playing casino games, placing sportsbook bets, or dining at select restaurants.
The same rule applies to earning comp points, which can be traded in for special rewards such as hotel stays, dining vouchers, retail discounts, and complimentary play on slot machines and table games.
Mychoice provides a complimentary online social casino featuring popular video slot games for your enjoyment.
Argosy Sportsbook
Illinois allows land-based casinos to operate sportsbooks, with Argosy Casino being one example. The casino features a state-of-the-art sports betting area where guests can place bets and watch sporting events.
Illinois allows legal sports betting on a wide range of sports including football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, boxing, MMA, tennis, cricket, rugby, cycling, and auto racing. Bettors can wager on both professional and collegiate games using various betting options such as singles, parlays, point spreads, over/under, and more.
The sportsbook is conveniently located next to the Hops House, allowing you to enjoy a cold beer while watching the game. It features multiple viewing stations, 14 betting kiosks, a monitor displaying all the odds, and 30 large HDTVs. The sportsbook is open from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Argosy Casino Poker Games
Argosy stands out among Illinois casinos by not having a dedicated poker room for cash games and tournaments. Instead, poker enthusiasts can still enjoy playing against the dealers in games like Ultimate Texas Hold’em and three-card poker.
You can also try your hand at 21+3, a game that combines elements of poker and blackjack. The casino features a wide variety of video poker games tailored for solo players as well.
Argosy Casino Amenities
Hotels near Argosy Casino Alton, IL
While Argosy Casino does not offer accommodations on its riverboat, it is conveniently located in the bustling area of Alton, surrounded by a variety of hotels for guests to choose from.
If you’re looking to book a room nearby, Tiffany Inn Bed & Breakfast is just a short stroll away. For a touch of elegance, you may want to consider staying at the three-star Beall Mansion, which provides complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, there are several other notable hotels in the area to choose from.
- Hampton Suites and Inn
- Best Western Plus Parkway Hotel
- Best Western Premier Alton
- Super 8 by Wyndham
Dining
Argosy Casino Alton offers a variety of dining options, including a buffet, a bar for enjoying drinks with friends, and a VIP lounge for a more exclusive dining experience.
- Captain’s Table Buffet offers budget-friendly lunch and dinner options, as well as a distinctive Sunday brunch. The menu features a range of choices such as pizza, seafood, and fried chicken with mashed potatoes. By using your mychoice card at this establishment, you can receive additional savings.
- Hops House is conveniently situated near the casino’s sportsbook, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a variety of beers, burgers, and finger foods while catching the game.
- Only mychoice cardholders at the Preferred, Elite, and Owners Club tiers have access to the VIP Lounge. Enjoy the privacy and indulge in a delightful selection of food and beverages in this exclusive space.
All Illinois Casinos and Sportsbooks
- Experience the ultimate entertainment destination at Bally’s Quad Cities, featuring a casino, hotel, and poker room all in one convenient location.
- DraftKings Sportsbook and Casino Queen are now available at DraftKings.
- The sportsbook at Caesars and Grand Victoria Casino
- Harrah’s Joliet Casino
- Harrah’s Metropolis Casino
- Hollywood Casino and Hotel in Joliet
- The entertainment options at Hollywood Casino Aurora include the Poker Room and Barstool Sportsbook.
- Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino and FanDuel Retail Sportsbook
Argosy Casino Alton History
The Argosy Gaming Company founded the Argosy Casino in Alton in 1991. Originally known as the Alton Belle, the casino operated as a riverboat to adhere to Illinois regulations requiring casinos to navigate the river. The Alton Belle featured around 300 slot machines and 22 tables. In 1993, it was replaced by the larger Alton Belle II.
Even though state law allowed casinos to move onto land in 1999, Argosy Casino chose to stay on a boat. Penn National Gaming, a gaming corporation, bought Argosy Gaming Company in 2004 and still runs the casino.
Argosy has faced temporary closures on multiple occasions, including due to Mississippi River floods, with the most recent occurrence being in spring 2019. Additionally, the casino had to shut down in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but was able to resume operations by late summer.