Cashing In At Hollywood Casino

by Emily Rippe
Toledo's Hollywood Casino officially opens to the public at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29th, and they're anticipating a full house.

Members of the press were given a special tour of the facility this past week, where we experienced a taste of the Red Carpet treatment promised at the new gaming and dining establishment. As the name suggests, guests will mingle and gamble in an atmosphere that reflects the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the 1930s.

Entire walls are lined with television screens, while special movie-themed slots might bring guests a little luck. Iconic movie stars are featured prominently throughout the premises, and a golden aurora illuminates the entire space. The Toledo.com crew all agreed: the casino takes you out of the city, and into some alternate universe, where the Golden Age of Hollywood is alive and well, and gambling is legal right here on the river!

With over 2,000 electronic machines; 80 live tables including games of Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Mini Baccarat; and five restaurants/lounges to satisfy any sized appetite, the fine people at Hollywood Casino are expecting 2.8 million visitors each year to the $320 million establishment.

"This is similar to your local Vegas casino," said Neal Perry, Director of Table Games, during the tour. "While it's not your Bellagio or MGM Grand, it will feature special local touches that are not currently being offered in the Detroit or Cleveland markets."

For example, we heard that the casino will house prized celebrity items, including a piece from Toledo's-own Katie Holmes. In regards to the games, Hollywood Casino offers different side wagers at its Blackjack and Craps tables, which is something that sets it apart from casinos in nearby cities. For the first six months, the casino will feature electronic games with Sex And The City, Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Hangover themes--these games cannot be found anywhere else in the region.

Additionally, Hollywood Casino features numerous places to casually dine or eat like an Academy Award Winner. Steak and Seafood are cooked to perfection at Final Cut steakhouse. Here, you'll also find fun pre-Prohibition themed drinks, including Mahattans, distilled on location out of wooden barrels. At Epic Buffet, a magical unicorn adorns the walls, and guests can choose from a variety of American favorites like baked ham, turkey and meatloaf, as well as seafood, salads and international cushiness from Italy and Asia. Don't forget to save room for dessert! Scene is Hollywood Casino's version of a sports bar. It's a place to see and be seen, and includes a built in stage for local and regional acts, as well as DJs to perform on 7 nights a week. And when proximity is your most important matter, look no further than Take Two Grill for fast, delicious burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches.

Hollywood Casino's doors open to the public at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29th. For more information, visit www.hollywoodcasinotoledo.com.
Published: 05/23/2012

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