Chicago Sun-Times: [ CASINO NEWS & NOTES ]

The final drawing is coming up June 25 in Empress Joliet's Backyard Explorations promotion. Earn an entry for every 100 points you earn on your Argosy Preferred card while playing the slots, or for every winning natural blackjack at the tables. Players who use their club cards should watch their mailbox for bonus entries. Then on drawing day, Empress will award $21,000 worth of backyard fun, with packages including a pool accented with top quality patio furniture and a Weber grill; a spa surrounded by gazebo and outdoor bar, or a party deck complete with outdoor kitchen and waterfall. Call (888) 4-EMPRESS.

* Harrah's Joliet presents live entertainment every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Sevens Lounge. Tonight and Saturday, Double Trouble takes the stage. Next week, it's karaoke with Chad Hartman on Thursday, Five Guys named Moe on June 18 and the Sensational Salami Brothers on June 19. Call (800) HARRAHS.

* Today's the day for the Summertime Cash Giveaway with $25,000 in prizes at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Ind. Swipe your Prime Rewards Card through the reader at the club booth starting at 6 a.m. for one free entry. Every half hour, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Blue Chip will draw a $1,000 winner. Winners must be present -- if the winner is not there, the prize will roll over to the next drawing. At 10 p.m., Blue Chip will draw entries until a winner is present.

Also at Blue Chip, the Big Kahuna giveaway with $20,000 in cash prizes will be Wednesday. Earn an entry for every 200 points you compile on your Prime Rewards card through midnight Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, starting at 7 a.m., you can get a free entry by swiping your rewards card through the reader. Each hour from11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on drawing day, Blue Chip will select one winner to receive two coconuts with a mystery cash prize. If the winner is not present, the prize rolls over to the next hour. Call (888) 879-7711.