Medinah casino

July 14, 2025

Review of Bally's Casino at Chicago's historic Medinah Temple. Get practical info on slot machines, table games, dining offerings, and opening hours for this location.

Medinah Casino Chicago's Architectural Marvel Turned Gaming Destination =======================================================================

To maximize your returns on American Roulette, schedule your visit for weekday afternoons between 14:00 and 17:00. During this window, table minimums often drop to 10 Tunisian Dinar (TND), a stark contrast to the 50 TND minimums frequently observed after 21:00 on weekends. This strategy allows for a significantly extended period of play for the same initial bankroll. Player traffic is also at its lowest, ensuring unobstructed views and faster game rounds.

Poker enthusiasts will find the dedicated room opens nightly at 20:00, featuring No-Limit Texas Hold'em with blinds starting at 2/5 TND. For the monthly tournament with its 1,000 TND buy-in, pre-registration is a requirement, as the 100-seat capacity typically fills up at least 48 hours prior. Slot players should prioritize the bank of Novomatic machines near the main lounge; house data indicates these units maintain an average payout percentage of 94.2%, which is consistently higher than the older IGT models in the establishment's rear section.

Complimentary soft drinks and coffee are available exclusively for active players at gaming tables or occupied electronic machines. The on-site restaurant, known for its Mediterranean cuisine, operates on a reservation-only basis for dinner, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. A strict smart casual dress code is enforced after 19:00; gentlemen without long trousers and closed-toe shoes will be denied entry. Foreign currency exchange to TND is available at the cashier, but the rate includes a 3% service fee.

A Practical Guide to Medinah Casino

Park on the third level of the Grandview Garage for direct access to the main gaming floor via the skywalk. Valet service, costing $25, is quickest but often has a retrieval wait of over 15 minutes after 10 PM on weekends.

Obtain a player's card from the loyalty desk immediately upon entry. You will need a valid government ID. New members typically receive $10 in free play, which expires in 48 hours. This card is necessary to earn points on all wagers.

Floor Layout and Game Locations

The poker room is situated on the second level, accessible by the escalators near the north entrance.
High-limit table games are in a secluded area past the main cashier cage. Expect $100 minimums.
Most $15 blackjack tables are located in the center of the main floor, surrounding the circular bar.
A concentration of video poker machines with favorable pay tables (9/6 Jacks or Better) lines the west wall, near the restrooms.
The sportsbook features seating for approximately 100 people and has self-service betting kiosks available 24/7.

Dining Options and Hours

The Cypress Grill: Open 5 PM – 11 PM. Reservations are recommended two weeks in advance for Friday or Saturday. Main courses average $75.
The Terrace Buffet: Lunch is served from 11 AM to 3 PM. Dinner service begins at 4 PM and features a prime rib station. The price increases by around 30% for dinner.
Marketplace Eatery: A 24-hour food court with five vendors. The pizza and sandwich counters are the most popular options after midnight.

Earning and Using Points

Insert your card into any slot machine or present it to the dealer at a table game. Point accumulation is calculated as follows:

Slot Machines: 1 point for every $1.50 wagered.
Video Poker: 1 point for every $3.00 wagered.
Table Games: The pit boss calculates points based on your average bet and time played. Ensure they log your entry and exit times.

Points can be redeemed directly at restaurants or converted to free play at any machine. https://imperialwins-casino.com is 200 points to $1 for food and 400 points to $1 for free play.

Optimal Visiting Times

For the lowest table minimums, visit Monday through Wednesday before 4 PM. The betting hall is least congested on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. It is most crowded on Saturday from 8 PM until 3 AM, and table minimums often double during this period.

Navigating the Gaming Floor: A Guide to Table Minimums and Slot Selections

Locate $15 Blackjack tables primarily on weekdays before 5 PM. Following that time and on weekends, anticipate these minimums to rise to $25 or $50, particularly on tables offering 3:2 payouts. Roulette and Craps tables consistently maintain a $25 minimum entry point throughout the week. Baccarat pits frequently begin at $50, with dedicated high-action tables available.

For stakes starting at $100 per hand, enter the designated high-limit salon. Here, Blackjack games feature favorable rules such as surrender and re-splitting aces. Private Baccarat rooms within this section accept wagers from $200 up to the house maximum, which is posted at the entrance.

The gaming floor offers a wide spectrum of slot denominations. Hundreds of penny machines, such as Buffalo Gold and Lightning Link, are concentrated near the main walkways; note that maximum-line bets on these can exceed $2.50 per spin. Quarter and dollar reel games are situated in quieter rows. A specific high-limit slot area contains machines accepting wagers from $5 to $100 per play.

This entertainment complex features extensive banks of linked progressive machines, including the popular Wheel of Fortune and Dragon Link series, where jackpots are pooled across multiple devices. You will also find classic three-reel mechanical games from IGT and a selection of video poker machines with strong pay tables, such as 9/6 Jacks or Better, positioned near the sports book.

Beyond the Tables: A Review of Dining, Entertainment, and Hotel Accommodations

Secure a reservation at The Sultan's Feast at least three weeks prior to your visit, specifically requesting a table near the west-facing windows. The 45-day dry-aged Tomahawk, priced at $110, is its premier selection. The establishment's wine list focuses on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons, with bottle prices beginning at $75.

For a more casual option without a reservation, the 24/7 Grand Bazaar Café offers seating with an average wait of 10 minutes. The Prime Rib Dip sandwich costs $28 and is served on a toasted sourdough roll. After 1:00 AM, a limited late-night menu is available, centered around breakfast skillets and sandwiches.

The Minaret Theater is a 2,500-seat performance hall with acoustics designed for musical acts. For optimal sound quality, select seats in the lower orchestra, sections 102 or 103, rows J through M. Ticket prices for national touring acts fluctuate between $80 and $300, based on performer and seat location.

Inside the main entertainment complex, the smaller Cypress Lounge presents live acoustic sets from Wednesday to Saturday, 9 PM to midnight. There is no cover charge, although a two-drink minimum is applied. Signature cocktails are priced at $19, with a limited selection of craft beers available for $11.

When booking lodging, request a room in the newer Oasis Tower for larger bathrooms and improved sound insulation. Standard king rooms offer 420 square feet of space and feature floor-to-ceiling windows. The in-room refreshment center is weight-sensored; items removed for over 45 seconds are added to the bill.

The VIP Suites grant access to a private concierge and provide 900 square feet of space with a separate parlor. All overnight guests receive complimentary access to the rooftop pool complex. Spa appointments, particularly for the popular $190 hot stone massage, should be confirmed 72 hours in advance to guarantee availability.

Unlocking Player Perks: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Medinah Loyalty Program

To acquire a player's card, present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the Player Services desk, located next to the high-limit slots area. The registration process requires approximately five minutes to complete. Your new card is issued immediately and is ready for use on the gaming floor.

Accrue Tier Points by inserting the card into any slot or video poker machine before play. One Tier Point is generated for every $2 wagered on reel slots and for every $5 wagered on video poker. For table games, present your card to the dealer; points are awarded based on your average bet, the type of game, and the duration of your session, with typical hourly earnings between 15 and 60 points.

Advancement through the program's tiers is based on Tier Points accumulated in a 12-month period from January 1st to December 31st. The levels are Quartz (0-3,999 points), Garnet (4,000 points), Opal (20,000 points), and Diamond (75,000 points). Tier status achieved during the year is maintained for the remainder of that year and the entirety of the following calendar year.

Tier Points determine your status, while Comp Dollars are earned separately for spending. One Comp Dollar is earned for every 100 Tier Points acquired. These can be redeemed at a 1:1 dollar ratio for dining, hotel stays, and retail purchases on the property. Points may also be converted directly into Free Play at slot machines, where 200 points equal $1 of credit.

Monitor your progress and current balances by inserting your player's card into any promotional kiosk. The kiosks display your current Tier Point total, Comp Dollar balance, and available Free Play offers. The establishment's official mobile application also provides real-time account information after a one-time setup.