Chicago Sun-Times: Casino news & notes

Argosy's Empress Casino & Hotel in Joliet is having a Durangos and Dollars promotion this month. Every Friday, a lucky guest will win a choice of $25,000 in cash or a 2005 Dodge Durango SUV. There also will be five $1,000 cash prizes awarded along with lots of instant-win gift cards for the Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon. Visit or call the Preferred Club for complete details.

*Resorts East Chicago's Savory $7.77 dinner at the buffet served from 3-10 p.m. every Wednesday is this month's food special "best bet".

*Celebrate Half Way to St. Patrick's Day in Zanzibar Live at Argosy's Empress Joliet on Saturday night from 9 p.m. until midnight ... Al Harris will perform in the Double Diamond Bar at the Majestic Star in Gary tonight and Saturday night from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 3-9 p.m.

*The Majestic Star will manage the new French Lick Resort & Casino that is under construction in French Lick, Ind. Completion of the casino, parking garage, event center, golf courses and the first 200 hotel rooms is scheduled for December 2006.