The Chinook Winds Casino at Lincoln City in Oregon claims it is “better at the beach”. Indeed, the resort may be trying to compete with Las Vegas-style resorts, with the added attraction of the sandy beach.
Complete experience
The casino resort is undoubtedly popular with locals and vacationers as a drop-in spot for an evening out, or to escape the elements. However, it is also a destination in itself, offering a selection of lodging, restaurants and live entertainment as well as the more traditional casino attractions. There is also a golf course for those who wish to take a break from the excitement. For those who want to enjoy the fun without the hassle of driving, there are coaches that run from towns up and down the coast, as well as various locations in the Portland, Vancouver and Salem areas.
Casino
All the traditional casino games are offered:
- Slots – accepting denominations from 1 cent to $100. The slots are open twenty-four hours per day.
- Table games – 22 tables of blackjack, poker, roulette and craps. The minimum stake is usually $5 but on weeknights the blackjack minimum stakes are $3. The tables are open twenty-four hours per day.
- Keno – play from 21 to 99 games.
- Bingo – play in a large, comfortable theater, with complimentary soft drinks. There is a low buy-in for a minimum $200 purse. The Bingo schedule depends partly on the entertainment calendar.
Entertainment
Chinook Winds has a long list of well-known and popular entertainers on their resume. You may not get the same selection as in more glitzy venues, but in the upcoming months some big names will be stopping by:
- Willie Nelson (January 2015)
- Masters of Illusion magic show (February 2015)
- Foreigner (March 2015)
- Travis Tritt (April 2015)
- Comedy at the Coast
Family Friendly
You may be in the market for some adult entertainment – you need to be over 21 to play in the casinos or attend some of the shows; but what if you have the family in tow? Kids aged 3-11 are welcome across the parking lot in a separate building. The Play Palace is supervised by friendly staff and offers jungle gym activities and child-appropriate arcade games. The café offers meals and snacks aimed to please fussy juvenile palates as well as nutrition-conscious parents or grandparents! It is open long hours, but just be sure to collect your kids before midnight or they might turn into pumpkins. Don’t worry: the Play Palace opens again at 7 a.m.
Dining
Let’s face it: after all that fun and bracing air, you’re going to get hungry! There is a wide range of options for your culinary delight without leaving the resort. Both the steak and fish restaurants have great ocean views. Or maybe you would prefer the buffet for breakfast or brunch until 3.30 p.m. The deli has light meals and snacks, more in the fast food genre, but has the advantage of never closing.
The selection of bars offer appetizers and light snacks and allow you to dance the night away, often to live music.
Over 55? Remember to ask for your senior discount!
Is it Really Better at the Beach?
An aggressive marketing campaign has drawn thousands of visitors to the small seaside town every year. The entertainment, tournaments and golf are geared to attracting more than just the heavy gamblers. Whether you are a high roller or looking to play the penny slots, there is sure to be something for you. Just bear in mind, traffic congestion in the town can be horrendous in the summer months and you’ll need a sweatshirt whatever time of year you come.