Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation continues to make waves in the Illinois gaming scene with its exciting developments and innovative offerings. As one of the state’s premier entertainment destinations, this floating casino has been turning heads and creating unforgettable experiences for gaming enthusiasts since 1991.
Located in East Peoria, Par-A-Dice Casino hasn’t just been rolling the dice on success – it’s been strategically expanding its footprint in the competitive gaming market. From introducing cutting-edge slot machines to enhancing its dining experiences, the corporation’s recent moves have caught the attention of both casual gamers and industry experts alike. With the latest updates in gaming technology and customer service initiatives, Par-A-Dice is proving that when it comes to entertainment, they’re not just playing around.
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation News
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation operates a premier riverboat casino in East Peoria, Illinois, offering gaming entertainment, dining venues, and hospitality services. The corporation maintains a strong presence in the Midwest gaming market through its innovative approach to casino operations.
Company History and Background
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation launched its operations in 1991 as one of Illinois’ first riverboat casino licensees. The company emerged from a partnership between local investors and experienced gaming industry professionals, establishing the foundation for modern casino gaming in Central Illinois. Boyd Gaming Corporation acquired Par-A-Dice in 1996, integrating the property into its national portfolio of gaming destinations. The acquisition brought enhanced resources, operational expertise and expanded gaming options to the East Peoria location. Throughout its history, Par-A-Dice has contributed over $50 million in tax revenue to local communities while creating 800+ permanent jobs in the region.
Current Operations in East Peoria
The East Peoria facility features 26,000 square feet of gaming space containing 800 slot machines and 25 table games. Par-A-Dice employs 600 team members who serve 850,000 annual visitors at the property. The casino vessel includes three distinct dining venues: Tin Lizard Bar & Grill, Club 34, and the Captain’s Table Buffet. Gaming operations run 24/7 with slots, poker tournaments and table games including blackjack, craps and roulette. The corporation maintains partnerships with local hotels offering stay-and-play packages while providing complementary shuttle service for guests. Recent facility upgrades introduced cashless gaming technology and enhanced player rewards programs to improve the guest experience.
Recent Business Developments
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation implemented strategic initiatives to enhance its gaming operations in 2023. These developments focus on expanding gaming spaces and modernizing technology infrastructure.
Gaming Floor Expansions
Par-A-Dice added 5,000 square feet of gaming space in September 2023, increasing the total floor area to 31,000 square feet. The expansion accommodates 120 new slot machines plus an exclusive high-limit gaming section featuring premium table games. A dedicated poker room opened on the second deck, offering eight tables for Texas Hold’em tournaments and cash games. The corporation also revamped its dining layout, relocating the buffet restaurant to create space for a contemporary sports betting lounge.
Technology Upgrades
Par-A-Dice launched a digital wallet system in October 2023, enabling cashless transactions across all gaming platforms. The installation of RFID-enabled chips at table games streamlined gameplay tracking and enhanced security measures. Interactive kiosks now provide real-time rewards program updates plus mobile game activation capabilities. The property upgraded its surveillance system with AI-powered facial recognition technology plus high-definition cameras. An advanced player management system integrates gaming preferences with targeted promotional offerings through a mobile application.
Impact on Local Economy
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation generates significant economic benefits for East Peoria through tax revenue contributions, job creation, and community development initiatives.
Employment Opportunities
Par-A-Dice Casino maintains a workforce of 800+ employees across gaming operations, hospitality services, and administrative roles. The organization offers competitive salaries averaging $45,000 annually plus comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. Employment opportunities span multiple departments:
- Gaming Operations: Dealers, slot technicians, cage cashiers
- Food Service: Chefs, servers, kitchen staff
- Security: Officers, surveillance specialists
- Administration: Marketing, finance, human resources
- Facilities: Maintenance technicians, housekeeping staff
Community Partnerships
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation invests $2.5 million annually in local community initiatives. The casino partners with:
- East Peoria Chamber of Commerce for business development programs
- Illinois Central College for workforce training initiatives
- Local food banks through monthly donation programs
- Area schools with educational support funding
- Veterans organizations via targeted employment programs
- Local sports teams through sponsorships
- Emergency services through equipment grants
The corporation maintains active participation in regional economic development boards, contributing expertise to infrastructure planning committees. These partnerships resulted in 15 collaborative community projects in 2023, including a downtown revitalization initiative and youth sports facility improvements.
Entertainment and Dining Updates
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation elevates its guest experience through enhanced dining options and an expanded entertainment lineup. Recent renovations showcase the casino’s commitment to providing premium hospitality services.
New Restaurant Offerings
Dockside Restaurant introduces a farm-to-table menu featuring locally sourced ingredients from Illinois farms. The expanded dining space accommodates 180 guests with waterfront views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Five new specialty dishes include pan-seared rainbow trout, grass-fed ribeye steak and artisanal flatbreads. The Chef’s Table experience offers private dining for 12 guests with customized five-course meals. Adjacent to the gaming floor, Lucky’s Express now serves quick-service options 24/7 with grab-and-go items like gourmet sandwiches and fresh salads.
Live Entertainment Schedule
The Sunset Lounge presents live music performances five nights weekly, featuring regional bands and national touring acts. Entertainment highlights include Thursday jazz nights, Friday rock concerts and Saturday variety shows. The venue’s upgraded sound system and expanded stage accommodate larger productions with enhanced lighting effects. Notable upcoming performers include Grammy-nominated artists performing acoustic sets and tribute bands recreating classic hits. Monthly comedy showcases spotlight rising comedians from Chicago’s entertainment circuit. The Event Center hosts quarterly headline concerts with reserved seating for 500 guests.
Gaming Revenue Performance
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation’s financial metrics demonstrate consistent growth across multiple revenue streams in 2023. The casino’s performance indicators reflect strategic expansions and technological implementations that drove increased foot traffic and player engagement.
Quarterly Financial Results
Par-A-Dice reported $78.5 million in gaming revenue for Q3 2023, marking a 12% increase from the previous quarter. Table games generated $22.3 million, while slot operations contributed $56.2 million to the total revenue. The average daily win per slot machine rose to $385, representing a 15% improvement over Q2 figures. Sports betting operations, launched in late 2022, added $4.8 million to the quarterly earnings. The property’s EBITDA reached $19.2 million, showcasing a 9% year-over-year growth.
| Revenue Source | Q3 2023 (millions) | Growth vs Q2 |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Operations | $56.2 | +15% |
| Table Games | $22.3 | +8% |
| Sports Betting | $4.8 | +22% |
Market Share Analysis
Par-A-Dice captured 18% of Illinois’ regional gaming market in 2023, ranking third among the state’s casino operators. The property’s slot machine occupancy rate averaged 72% during peak hours, outperforming the state average of 65%. Electronic gaming revenue increased by 25% following the implementation of cashless payment systems. The high-limit gaming section attracted 15,000 premium players, resulting in a 30% boost in VIP gaming revenue. East Peoria’s location advantages contributed to a 20% market share in Central Illinois’ gaming sector.
| Market Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Market Share | 18% |
| Slot Occupancy | 72% |
| VIP Revenue Growth | 30% |
Future Growth Plans
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation unveiled its $150 million expansion strategy for 2024-2026, focusing on property modernization and digital gaming advancement. The comprehensive plan targets increased market share in Illinois through strategic facility upgrades and technological innovations.
Property Renovations
The renovation blueprint includes a 15,000-square-foot expansion of the main gaming floor, scheduled for completion in Q2 2024. Construction teams started work on a new 200-room hotel tower featuring luxury suites, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic river views. The modernization project incorporates energy-efficient systems, LED lighting throughout the property and a 500-space parking structure. Additional amenities include a 12,000-square-foot event center, an expanded spa facility and a redesigned pool deck. The first phase launches in March 2024 with the renovation of 150 existing hotel rooms, followed by the gaming floor expansion in June 2024.
Digital Gaming Initiatives
Par-A-Dice’s digital transformation centers on a new mobile gaming platform launching in Q3 2024. The platform integrates online sports betting, virtual slots and live dealer table games accessible across Illinois. Technical upgrades include AI-powered player analytics, blockchain-based payment systems and real-time rewards tracking. The mobile app features geolocation services, instant deposits and withdrawals through digital wallets and personalized gaming recommendations. Partnership agreements with five leading game developers expand the digital content library to 500+ titles. Integration with the physical casino rewards program allows players to earn and redeem points across both platforms.
Casino Operations
Par-A-Dice Gaming Corporation stands as a testament to successful casino operations in Illinois through continuous innovation and community engagement. Their commitment to modernization through technological upgrades gaming floor expansions and enhanced entertainment options has solidified their position in the market.
The corporation’s strategic vision backed by substantial investments and community initiatives demonstrates their dedication to long-term growth. As Par-A-Dice moves forward with its ambitious expansion plans it’s poised to remain a vital economic driver and premier entertainment destination in East Peoria for years to come.
