Chicago Sun-Times: CASINO NEWS & NOTES

Empress Casino in Joliet has upgraded its Double Double Bonus Poker progressive machines after getting approval from the Illinois Gaming Board. The 25-cent games, which had featured a 7-5 pay table (paying 7-for-1 on full houses and 5-for-1 on flushes) now are 9-5 games, with full house payoffs increasing to 9-for-1. That makes for a 98 percent base game with expert play that rises with a 50,000- coin jackpot on a sequential royal flush, or the progressive jackpot that starts at 4,000 coins for royal flushes in other sequences. The dollar Double Double Bonus progressives have a 9-6 pay table, with the flush payoff rising to 6-for-1, leaving a 99 percent game that also rises with a sequential royal bonus and progressive jackpot on other royals. Call (888) 4-EMPRESS.

The news isn't as good for Empress blackjack players. Players are no longer permitted to resplit Aces when dealt another Ace. That increases the house edge on Empress' six-deck game from 0.33 percent against a basic strategy player to 0.4 percent.

*Harrah's East Chicago has sweetened the pot with new amenities for poker players, including call-ahead seating in the poker room, a new "Free Roll" poker tournament and a series of live poker tournaments that can lead to a seat in the 2005 World Series of Poker. The no-limit Texas Hold'em single-table satellite tournaments will be held each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Cost is $30 plus a $10 entry fee, and players can earn spots in super -satellite tournaments Nov. 7, Dec. 12, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 27 and May 1. On those dates, available super-satellite seats also can be purchased for $330. The grand prize winner of each 60-player super-satellite will win $3,000 plus a World Series of Poker seat. Call (800) HARRAHS or visit www.harrahs.com.

*Tuesdays are Seniors Days for guests age 55 and older at the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Ind. Buy one buffet and get one free when you present your Prime Rewards Card with a valid government- issued ID to the buffet cashier. Also, get a free $2 voucher by stopping in at the Prime Rewards Booth, then redeem for cash, chips or tokens at any cashier's cage in the casino. Call (888) 879-7711.