Chicago Sun-Times: Casino News & Notes

Harrah's East Chicago, in partnership with WMAQ-TV Channel 5, will host an open casting call Sept. 18 for NBC's "Showtime at the Apollo." Doors for the casting call will open at 8 a.m., with auditions beginning at 10 a.m. in the Rio Ballroom in the Harrah's Pavilion. Contestants will vie for a chance to become one of 15 semifinalists to compete during a live production of the "Showtime at the Apollo on Tour" show Oct. 16 at Harrah's. The grand prize winner then will get the chance to compete in Amateur Night competition at the Apollo Theatre in New York.

Contestants, who must be 21 or older, may register during the day of the event, or online at www.NBC5.com. Representatives from the Apollo Theatre will audition the first 300 applicants, and each contestant will have up to 90 seconds to perform. For more information, call (800) HARRAH's or log on to www.NBC5chicago.com.

* Through Sept. 30, players at Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin have a chance to win prizes ranging up to $10,000 in the 10th Anniversary $800,000 Cash Extravaganza. Each Thursday, Grand Victoria will hold drawings at 2, 6 and 9 p.m. Ten winners at each drawing will be awarded cash prizes and an entry into the grand prize drawing immediately following the 9 p.m. general drawing. Winners must be present to win. Club Victoria members will receive one entry for every 1,000 points earned at any slot machine or table game through Sept. 30. New customers who sign up for a Club Victoria card will be given four bonus entries. For more information visit www.grandvictoriacasino.com.

* Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 16, will afford players a chance to cash in during the Drive Away a Winner promotion at Hollywood Casino. On those specific days, Hollywood will draw $100 winners at noon, 2 and 4 p.m., a $200 winner at 6 p.m. and a $250 winner at 8 p.m. The stakes increase in monthly drawings Oct. 16, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, with drawings for $27,000 in cash prizes. All winners of the cash drawings will qualify for a grand prize drawing Jan. 29 for a chance to win a car valued up to $35,000 from any North Aurora Auto Mall dealer. For more information, visit www.hollywoodcasinoaurora.com and click on Entertainment & Specials.