The smoke at the shoe just hits you so hard right when you walk in the door. It's overwhelming, and not in a good way. That and the toll is a deal breaker for me, save maybe 1-2 times a year.

Rivers is fantastic and games can be good, depending on one's definition of good. For sure my go to because of location, game selection, ambience, food, parking, dealers, management, etc. Whoever said it was cold is correct. The room temperature resembles a meat locker at times, most certainly late at night. I definitely know how to dress for a casino and it's still unbearably cold. I've left early before because it's too cold, even with a jacket. Should be a simple fix but hasn't been so far.

I still enjoy the vibe at the hollywood room personally, but I grew up playing there so it's definitely a sentimental favorite. Haven't been to Elgin since the new room opened but def need to check it out. Good luck all! MD

Why are there only 22 tables in the Chicago area's top poker room? This really sucks! I'm here at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon willing to try any game and there are 150 or so on the waiting list. I'm guessing probably over 150 more not bothering to come after checking Bravo. I'm really frustrated. Sorry, just needed to vent.

They have the maximum amount of gaming positions allowed by Illinois law currently, in order to add tables they need to remove other gaming positions.

There also isn't actually really room for more tables in there, maybe a couple if they rearrange it slightly?

The list is beyond ridiculous without call-ins/online check ins and I've started going to other rooms at peak times because of it. If I go with a friend then we will often go and check in, drive off somewhere for dinner/watch part of some of a game, then come back.

It's like a 25 min drive to GVC. If you call now you will probably be able to just check in and get a seat when you arrive. I avoid Rivers for this reason alone.

If memory serves, I believe the poker room manager told me he originally requested 35 tables but was told 22 was the max.

Grahmuel is right in regard to Illinois gambling laws, which used to be called "minimum mix". I know there have been changes over the 30 years or so ago since they were written. I'm not sure if Casino's can now add more gaming positions or not these days. I was under the impression they could but had to pay extra for them. Don't hold me to that though as I haven't looked into it as of late. MD

Is there a rule against putting other players' names on the list? Could be an interesting side hustle.

They won't let you put someone's name on the list verbally. They prefer you swipe in at the kiosk and I have another player's card for that purpose.

A buddy of mine who works German hours and was done by 1pm used to have my card and swipe me in, bastard has moved to Oregon.

You get reprimanded, then kicked out if caught swiping people in, fyi, so don't get caught

Not a problem any longer

I've got a friend that was banned by Rivers for using other people's players cards. I'm not going to detail his 'crimes' but he had a good gig going until he got caught. He didn't go to Rivers for many years because they used facial recognition software & he got stopped trying to enter, but IL made that illegal and he can finally go back in (although he can't get a player card and can't risk getting a hand pay).

What is up with all these Promos?

This weekend is River's Poker Room Desplaines 1 year anniversary. April 7/8 and 14/15 they are running a 1k high hands promo noon to midnight. They also have a hat giveaway and splash pot card protector giveaway on 4/8. Details available in the poker room and on Bravo. MD

Promos also coincide with the fact thar WSOPc is down the hwy at the moment

Ah that explains the absolutely unhinged lists this weekend, took one look at Bravo last night and this morning and just noped the **** out.

Yep, that's exactly what I did. I knew it would be 5-6 hours at least and saw 150 names on the 1-3 list on Friday. Called in and then went to Hollywood and played in an ok game for a couple of hours which later turned into an amazing free for all game until close.

One fun hand for me - I don't get a lot of these so going to share.

Played 8-9 on the button for a $15 raise with 4 callers (player raises every single hand so the raise was meaningless from that perspective.). Flop came 5-6-7 rainbow. Original raiser bet $35, second player raises to $85, third player goes all in for $244 total. I tank for a minute or so and then call the $244, next guy folds, original bettor (preflop raiser) folds, the original flop raiser calls the $244. I call for an Ace on the turn, and whatdoyaknow - Ace of Clubs. I lead out the turn all in. Next player calls. River is a 4 clubs and I thought I might be done for with a flush now on the board but the flopped nuts held. The original all in showed 6-7 for top two on the flop. A bit out of character for him as he had been playing tight and conservative with his betting all night. The third guy mucked so not sure what he had. Scary game but a fun hand for me! MD

Does the 1/2 plo go everyday definitely? thanks

And how about the 5/5? Thank you

Check bravo but there's been both stakes of PLO running every time I've been no matter the day or time (I've not been like graveyard hours midweek though).

thanks I will!

I rarely play plo but it seems to be running every time I'm there.

1-2 plo almost always.

5-5 starts around noon on weekdays, goes until like 3am

Thanks really appreciate it. Does 5/10nl go usually? I seen it on bravo running today and that it's $2500 max. Wondering if it's a good game?

The game can vary the few times I've looked it. I do believe it's a stack match game though if that helps. MD

Thanks ��