Jackpot Johnnie Mae goes to Grand Victoria Casino – Rising Sun, IN

Continuing my trek for the ultimate casino experience. I left Belterra Casino and continued to drive along the Ohio River.  I saw more ice-covered portions of the river and snow-capped houses along the way.  Once I approached Rising Sun, Indiana, the village had the feel of a ski community.  There were small single houses that you would imagine being big enough for Santa’s elves.  I looked down one of the streets and at the end was the ice capped river and single shops closed because it was the end of the day.  By the time I passed the shops and more houses, I drove into a deadend and it was Grand Victoria Casino.

This setting was much different from any other casino I have visited.  Horseshoe and Belterra Casinos had tall hotel structures.  This hotel appeared to be two levels positioned close to the river.  The casino entrance had a large amount of handicapped spaces so regular parking was much further away.  I started towards the casino and returned to my car to put on heavier boots and leave my coat.  I didn’t want to be in a warm casino dragging my purse and coat around.

Walking inside the main lobby, the floor was covered with dark brick designed in a circular pattern.  The shops fit the village theme including a clock tower which is also located outside the casino entrance.  Shops included the Queen Market, gift shop, Big Vic’s Pub and Grill and the Nuthouse Coffee Company.  All shops were decorated with the holiday theme.  About 16 trees centered this indoor village decorated with white lights, fake snow, snowmen, polar bears and penguins.  If you are into 50’s and 60’s style nostalgia, this is the place to come but with an updated look.

On to the casino to have a look.  On the rampway to the casino, there was a replica Grand Victoria riverboat encased in glass.  This gives you a visual idea of the boat.  It reminds you of the sternwheel riverboat with the paddle wheel in the rear.  The boat is white with red trimmings.  I was truly amazed at the history that has come to life.

On the way in there were several slot machines strategically placed beside each other.  The penny machine and dollar machine were right next to each other.  If you are not careful, you could slip a few dollars away on a couple of spins while thinking you are on a penny machine.  Walking past this, I began to tour the second deck.

I met Robert.  He is the second friendly security guard I met today.  Robert gave me some information about the casino.  The 4th floor is all penny machines and offices.  All other floors have a variety of slots.  The decks are closed in the winter due to the ice conditions.  The deck is metal and there is no way to guarantee the safety of the passengers.  After a few more bits of information, I took a self tour and began to play.

My cheap self went to the 4th floor to play.  You can only access the 4th floor by stairway.  This was a grand stairway with two entrances at the bottom leading to one staircase to take you to the top-level.  I studied each of the games and there were many that appeared to be fun. 

I played Cops and Donuts.  There were cops, donuts, police cars and other figures on the wheel.  In some combination, if you win then you see the cop eat the donuts.  Beetle Bailey was fun and there was a drinking game in the bonus round.  You had to pick a soldier that you didn’t think would lose the round and you got to keep playing if he didn’t pass out.  The Hexbreaker game had 13 lines and all the bad luck pieces were on the wheel.  Each time the broken glass mirror appeared, you would hear it break, black cats, umbrellas and other bad luck pieces were on the wheel as well.  I hit the bonus round and it was cute.  The black cat climbed the ladder up and down and it kept going until you reached the top or hit the same spot twice.  

This is a definite yes for a place to come back to see a show and play the games.  I had a great time and will have to bring Jackpot Johnnie Mae here and to Belterra Casino if we are ever in the area.