Here is to Having Some Good Luck at Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Ill.

Have you missed Vegas lately? Are you looking for some loose slots and Video Poker action, but don't feel like being stranded at O'Hare airport to spend the weekend in Atlantic City? I know the feeling. While it doesn't quiet come close to the MGM on the Vegas Strip, Hollywood Casino in Aurora, Ill. fits with the suburban charms of its surroundings.

Located in downtown Aurora, across the street from The Paramount Theater, Hollywood Casino offers a great deal of gambling entertainment. The admission to the casino is free (I mention this, because up until a year ago, this casino charged $5 just to get in). As far as parking goes, you have three choices: valet parking, garage parking or street parking. If you opt for valet, drive up to the front door and wait a few seconds for one of the uniformed employees to take your keys. The cost for valet parking is $5 plus tip. Don't forget the tip. Don't feel like valet? Drive around the casino, and park in the garage located on the opposite side of the front door. Parking in the garage is cheaper, only $2 or free if you have the casino's players card. Heads up, spaces are pretty narrow. You can also try to park on the street. Several blocks surrounding the casino are metered, so have some change and patience if you opt for the street parking.

One in the casino, make sure you have a valid ID. You have to be 21 years old to enter the casino (this is also the legal gambling age in Illinois). The casino is actually located on the boat - while we are talking about single-level space, Hollywood offers over 50,000 square feet of gambling extravaganza. The casino holds approximately 1200 slot machines (about 100 of them are section off in the high-limit area). Slot machines feature three- and five-reel traditional slots, video slots, and video poker machines. The center of the floor features Black Jack tables, Roulette and Craps tables. The tables get packed quickly, so if you are looking to spend some time playing 21, get to the casino early and be ready to wait your turn. For your weekend enjoyment, the casino has a Poker room that is open only Saturdays and Sundays. Occasionally, the casino will feature poker tournaments - no upcoming tournaments are listed on their web site, so give them a call for more info.

Hungry from all the gambling? You can have a formal dining experience at Fairbanks Steakhouse and enjoy the 30's atmosphere along with some exceptional wine choices. For an informal, "just grab some good and gamble some more" choice, check out the Epic Buffet, located toward the front of the casino floor.

Hollywood Casino is part of the Penn National Gaming, Inc. and it promotes responsible gaming (for additional information on responsible gaming, please visit Penn national's web site at http://www.pngaming.com/main/respgaming.shtml). Hollywood Casino is located at 49 West Galena Boulevard. To reach the casino, call 800-888-7777.