EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.

Beat the odds and you could rake in the winnings during a weekend getaway at the Casino Queen.

Whether it's slot machines or table games, gamers have a chance to walk away with money in their pockets since the casino has one of the largest jackpots and payouts in the region. It's known for its slogan "The Loosest Slots. Period."

A visit to the casino's Web site can even offer tips, particularly for beginners, on how the games, from craps to roulette, are played. There are special promotions for casino guests on Lucky Monday, Triple Point Tuesdays and even Senior Wednesdays. Check out www.casinoqueen.com for the details.

There is no ticketing or admission fees to board the casino modeled after a riverboat paddler. The casino has more machine games than table games. The slot and video poker machines range from nickel to $100 denominations. The table limits vary from $2 to $2,000 per wager.

And with a smoke-free deck on the second level, there is a place for everyone who's interested in playing. The Sports Lounge and Grill offers food and drink specials and a spot to watch televised games.

But if gaming isn't your thing, there are plenty of St. Louis-area attractions within minutes of the casino's five-star hotel that can fill your day's schedule. Hotel staff can even help you arrange for tickets to shows, the theater or Cardinal baseball game.

And transportation to downtown St. Louis is simple since a Metrolink station is right next to the casino's parking area. Visitors who are traveling the downtown area can even ride free. Tickets elsewhere are $1.25 per single ride for adults and only 60 cents for children. Passes also are available.

No matter what the reason for your trip to the Casino Queen, the staff at the Crown Hotel can help make your weekend away one of the best, most hassle-free you've ever experienced. Whatever your need, it's only a phone call away.

With a selection of luxurious rooms -- some even with Jacuzzi tubs -- and an exquisite menu at the Royal Table, the Casino Queen feels more like a resort than you might expect. Room rates are reasonable, particularly if you check the Web site for promotions or make online reservations.

Package deals for baseball games are only $99 and include two tickets to the game, a night's stay at the hotel and a complimentary breakfast.

But the hotel has even more to offer its guests than just a comfortable room. A fitness center offers plenty of variety in your workout when you're ready for some exercise. A nearby pool is also a great place to relax. And there is space for meetings in the boardroom, complete with teleconferencing capabilities. Several rooms can be set up for banquets or wedding parties or easily split into smaller spaces for more intimate gatherings.

The views from the hotel's rooms are spectacular, particularly from the upper floors overlooking the Mississippi River. Against the evening sky, a lighted Gateway Arch and downtown skyline make for an impressive display.

For information about promotions or hotel packages at the Casino Queen, call (800) 777-0777.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126