Bally’s Evansville Casino & Hotel

Jaquanda S. at the front desk always goes above and beyond, treats me with real warmth, and makes me feel welcome. She deserves a promotion. Kudos to her! Today I made a reservation with Janae or Janay, sorry if I spelled it wrong, and she was awesome. In the past, I’ve felt like I was bothering the person taking reservations, but she was professional and gave great service. Please recognize that interaction and coach the others to provide the same kind of experience. My five stars are for her.

The place has a lot going for it, with plenty of helpful things around here, and the front desk staff are really nice. They also do a lot to help out in their hotels. Inside the casino, though, it’s really smoky. I wish they had a much better smoking area, because they could improve that atmosphere. I hope it’s better the next time I stay, maybe in a couple of weeks.

Legends Hotel has no staff at its desk. To check in, get a room key, ask questions, or get towels and trash bags, you have to walk over to the other side to Bally's Hotel. If you leave your key in your room, you can’t take the elevator back up; you need to go all the way over for another key. That seems like a safety concern, especially when they’re so worried about a candy bar and gum. Security at Bally's Evansville was the worst I’ve encountered at a casino. I’ve been to plenty. They need training, and the confrontations make it feel like even Mall Cops would know more. My small purse was no bigger than a cell phone. They made me open it and saw my phone, car key, candy bar, and gum. Then I was told no food was allowed and had to either return the snacks to my car or throw them away before entering. People’s coat and pants pockets are deeper, and security can’t ask what’s in them, but a candy bar and gum are apparently a problem. Meanwhile, luggage and coolers can pass through if people keep moving. They said it was for safety, but don’t check the luggage. It makes no sense. Friday through Sunday, table minimums are $25, and you have to convert to play nickels at roulette. The roulette ball often hovers over numbers without going into a slot, can roll clockwise then shoot backward, and bounces across eight numbers before landing. I’ve played for many years and have never seen that at another casino. It happens way too often here. I’ve also seen poodles and chihuahuas on leashes, apparently being treated as service dogs, without vests. Food options are poor too. There are only two restaurants on the floor, open on certain days, and they close before 2 a.m. I think Tap House closes at midnight. The food doesn’t taste good to me. The atmosphere feels dated, almost like a senior citizen paradise. There seem to be more people over 50 than people aged 21 to 30. No offense to older folks, but if you want a fun, entertaining time, you won’t find it here. I recommend Terre Haute Resort and Caesars in New Albany instead.

They charged a $23 resort fee, but there’s no breakfast or coffee included. You can make coffee in the room with a .75 cent kuerigg, or pay $3.50 a cup at the Casino Deli. We demanded a refund of the resort fee because this isn’t a resort, and the casino and hotel aren’t affiliated.