New Horseshoe in Hammond Indiana

Wow! This place exceeded my expectations -- which were really high because of what I had read on the internet. Its beautiful and large. Very nice casino restaurants, etc. They had their grand opening on 8-8-08 and had a soft opening the week before.

An incredible world class poker room too. Very plush with Wynn/Venetian type decor. 34 tables; two in private salon, a high limit area with 7 more and a main floor with 25 tables. The room was packed on a Thursday evening and was about to fill up again by Friday at 2pm. Games spread were Limit Holdem of 3-6, 6-12, 10-20, 20-40 and up. NL of 1-2, 2-5, 5-10 and a few higher. PLO, and Omaha/8 were also going. On weekends there are some other games spread - high limit and mid limit MIX games (woo-hoo) and Michael Jordans 100-200 NL game. Wait lists for 3-6 and baby NL is much longet though.

Physical facilities are great. Big tables, comfortable chairs and all new chips, equipment and supplies. Lots of room between tables - no crowding at all. Cashier IN the poker room and several chip runners working. Room is enclosed on 3 sides and there is no smoke problem or noise form the casino. Electronics and technology were all working; automated lists, swipe in at table, etc.

Rake was $5 which is standard for the Chicago and NW Indiana area, plus a $1 promotional drop. Add in a dealer tip and you have $7 coming off the table almost every hand. All the tables were 9 handed - even the Limit Holdem tables.

When you first come to the table, or if you need to rebuy or add chips, the dealer will usually not sell them to you. You need to go to the cashier or get a chip runner. Even a chip runner will only take your cash and give you a "lammer". These are NOT in play - and neither is cash. You must have CHIPS on the table before a hand starts. Some players were cranky about this. But you just need to add another "player skill". Never get into this situation. Always have an extra 100-200 in green chips in your pocket for this situation.

Some of the dealers were new and were not sure of some of the rules. Floor staff was very knowledgable and helpful though.

This is the 110th casino poker room I have played. It fits nicely into my top four favorites along with the Mirage, Wynn, and Tunica Horseshoe. It has the beauty, space, and opulance of Venetian without some of the problems. Games were great and reminded me of the old Players Island in St Louis.

This is a great facility. It just blows away the (very weak) competition in the Chicago and NW Indiana area.