The place was hopping so I didn't see everything, but what I saw of the quarter single and multiplay inventory sucked --Paytables like 6/5 DDB and other awful versions of jacks and bonus games. Quarter progressive slant-tops on lowest level were 8/5 DDB, 7/5 JB, 9/6 DB, 6/5 BP, 7/5 BP Deluxe and a 25-16-13-4-3-2-2-1 Deuces. Bad news. The progressive was just over reset and most of the seats were taken. There is some good news for $ and better players. Upstairs in the high-limit room there are slant-tops with some decent paytables. 1 $ 10 play with FP JB, SA, BP and 9/7 DB and 25-15-9-4-4-3-2-1 Deuces. 2 $ 50 plays with FP JB, SA, BP, 9/7 DB and 25-15-9-4-4-3-2-1 Deuces. 1 or 2 $5 3 plays with FP JB and NSUD -- Maybe SA, BP and 9/7 DB as well; My notes are a little sketchy here. At least 2 3 play 1$, 2$, $5 machines with FP JB, SA and NSUD. $5 per point for slots and $10 per point for vp. 100 points for $1: .1 CB. Card readers advertise 3X points on Mondays. The boat feels small and cramped, but the dockside facilities are sharp. Inner Circle Lounge and Steakhouse have lakeside views of the Chicago skyline. Dining options look good. Players lounge fare and buffet seem a higher quality than the NW Indiana competition.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. has agreed to acquire Horseshoe Hammond, with closing expected to take place in the first quarter of 2004.