Chicago Sun-Times: [ CASINO NEWS & NOTES ]

Big players now have big limits at Majestic Star Casino in Gary. Majestic Star has increased maximum bets as well as upping the maximum free odds accepted at craps. Maximum bets are now $10,000 a hand at blackjack and $50,000 at baccarat and craps. Craps bettors can now take up to 100x odds, while maximum payouts have been raised to $50,000. Bettors on more modest budgets still can find tables with $5 minimums at Majestic Star every day. For information, call (888) 2B-LUCKY.

*The Sensational Salami Brothers play tonight and Saturday at the Harrah's Sock Hop, part of October's Happenin' Nights at Harrah's East Chicago. Each Friday and Saturday in October from 7 to 11 p.m. in the Harrah's pavilion, there are gift giveaways and free live entertainment as well as food and drink specials in the Winning Streaks Stadium Cafe. Oct. 17-18 is Carnaval Weekend with the sounds of Sensation. Oktoberfest, with German food and drink and music by J.P. & the Cats, follows on Oct. 24-25, with the Howlin' Good Times nights Halloween weekend, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, with music by 215 West. Call (800) HARRAHS.

*Free live entertainment has returned to the Sevens Lounge at Harrah's Joliet each Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tonight, Anxiety Society plays hits of the '80s and '90s, while Sensation takes the stage on Saturday. Next weekend brings in High Life on Oct. 17, with Up Front on Oct. 18. For more information on performances in Sevens, call (815) 740-7800.

*Hollywood Casino in Aurora is offering big prizes in its Win Win $325,000 giveaway. There are 11 winners daily, with hourly drawings for $100 cash from noon to 9 p.m., as well as a daily drawing for two airline tickets. There also will be drawings for prizes totaling $27,000 in cash Oct. 25, Nov. 22 and Dec. 20, along with a special $5,000 drawing on each date. Then all daily cash winners and winners from the three drawings will be entered into a $100,000 cash drawing Jan. 17. Earn entries while you play Hollywood's slots or table games while using your Screen Test or Marquee Card. Call (800) 888-7777.