Plan your visit to the Island Resort & Casino in Escanaba, MI. Find details on gaming options, table games, hotel accommodations, dining, and the entertainment schedule.

Gaming and Entertainment at Escanaba's Island Resort & Casino

For the most favorable odds, head directly to the single-deck blackjack tables where a skilled player can face a house edge under 0.5%. While the floor features over 1,200 slot machines, your bankroll receives a statistical advantage at the tables offering Let It Ride and Three Card Poker. The dedicated poker room also regularly hosts tournaments with guaranteed prize pools, providing a structured competitive environment away from the main gaming floor's constant activity.

This waterfront entertainment complex extends its offerings far beyond wagering. Golfers can book tee times at two distinct championship courses: the prairie-links style of Sweetgrass and the rugged, drumlin-ridged layout of Sage Run. For indoor diversion, the 1,327-seat Showroom attracts national musical and comedy acts, while the Drift Spa provides hydrotherapy and massage services for a complete retreat from the high-energy gaming areas.

When booking accommodations, request a room in the newer hotel tower for unobstructed views over Little Bay de Noc. Dining options cater to all preferences, from the upscale menu at Horizons Steakhouse, perfect for a post-win celebration, to the relaxed atmosphere of the 5 Bridges Pub, which serves local craft beers and pub fare. The Player's Club rewards program is point-based, directly translating gameplay into comps for meals, hotel stays, and merchandise.

A Gambler's Guide to Island Resort & Casino in Escanaba

Target the high-limit slot area located near the main cage on Thursday evenings for reduced crowds and maximum machine selection. The gaming floor contains over 1,200 machines, with a strong concentration of IGT and Aristocrat titles, including Dragon Link and Buffalo Gold. For video poker enthusiasts, the bartop units at T. McC's Sports Bar offer favorable pay tables on Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild with a 9/6 pay structure.

Table game minimums are consistently lower on weekdays. Expect $10 minimums for Blackjack and Three Card Poker from Monday to Thursday afternoon, increasing to $15 or $25 on Friday and Saturday nights. The establishment operates a popular craps table which offers 10x odds. Roulette tables here feature double-zero wheels. For a variation on standard play, seek out the Spanish 21 and Let It Ride tables, often found with a $10 minimum bet.

The poker room is located in a secluded area past the main table game pit. It focuses almost exclusively on No-Limit Texas Hold'em cash games, typically running $1/$3 blinds. Tournaments are scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays with buy-ins normally starting at $65. Call ahead to get your name on the list for cash games, as wait times can exceed an hour on weekends.

Join the Island Club immediately upon arriving. The loyalty program has four tiers: Star, Pearl, Ruby, and Diamond. You earn 1 point for every $2 wagered on reel slots and $4 on video poker. Pearl status, achieved at 2,500 points, unlocks monthly free play offers. Ruby status at 15,000 points provides access to VIP lounge events and better hotel room discounts. Points are redeemable for gameplay, food at any of the property's restaurants, or golf rounds.

Navigating the Slot Machines and Table Games Selection

Locate the video poker machines adjacent to the main beverage service areas for some of the most favorable payback percentages in the establishment. This Harris Township venue features over 1,200 electronic gaming devices, with bets ranging from one cent up to $25 per play in the high-limit section. The floor is organized by denomination, simplifying your search for a preferred stake level. Progressive jackpot machines, such as the linked Lightning Link and Dragon Link series, are typically grouped in high-traffic carousels.

Popular reel and video slot titles frequently occupied include:

• Wheel of Fortune 4D


• Buffalo Grand


• Dancing Drums Explosion


• Ultimate Fire Link


• The Price is Right

The table game area offers varied minimums, starting at $5 during off-peak hours and increasing during weekends. The selection is concentrated on traditional American games. American Roulette wheels, featuring both a zero and a double-zero, are standard here. The craps tables offer standard 3-4-5x odds. For card players, the options are extensive.

Specific card game offerings include:

• Blackjack: Six-deck shoes are standard, with the dealer required to hit on a soft 17.


• Let It Ride: A poker-based game against the house payout table.


• Three Card Poker: Offers the Pair Plus side bet.


• Spanish 21: Played with the 10s removed from the deck, offering unique bonus payouts.

A separate, dedicated poker room spreads live games, primarily focusing on Texas Hold'em and Omaha. The room maintains a list for players waiting for a seat and hosts regular tournaments with specified buy-ins and prize structures. You will also find a bingo hall with a distinct schedule and prize offerings separate from the main gaming floor.

Planning Your Dining and Live Show Itinerary

Secure dinner reservations at the Horizons Steakhouse for 6:00 PM to allow for a relaxed meal before an 8:00 PM headliner performance in the main showroom. This timing provides a comfortable two-hour window for a multi-course dinner without rushing. Request a table away from the main walkway for a more private dining experience before the concert.

For a quicker option that still offers quality, the Northern Lights Buffet is your target. Arrive around 6:30 PM for a 8:00 PM show. The buffet format allows you to control the pace of your meal. Focus on the carving station and fresh salad selections for a satisfying pre-show plate. This is the optimal choice for evenings with back-to-back entertainment plans.

After a performance, the Center Stage Bar typically remains open for an additional 90 minutes. It serves a limited late-night menu, concentrating on appetizers like wings and sliders. https://jokerstarcasino777.de is your go-to spot for a post-show drink and a quick bite. Check the closing times directly, as they can fluctuate based on the performing act.

Acquire your show tickets online at least three weeks ahead of the date, especially for nationally recognized comedians or musical groups. The box office releases seat blocks intermittently, so check back if your preferred seating is not available initially. For recurring weekly events, like Wednesday comedy nights, tickets can usually be purchased on the day of the show directly at the entertainment establishment.

Understanding Player Rewards and Hotel Package Deals

Maximize your visit by booking a package deal directly through the resort’s reservations line; online booking systems often fail to display the most lucrative bundled offers. The player rewards program operates on a simple principle: points accrue based on the total amount of money cycled through a machine, not on your wins or losses.

Player Points Breakdown

The rate at which you earn points typically varies by the type of game you play. Here is a common structure you might find:

• Slot Machines: 1 point for every $2 wagered.


• Video Poker: 1 point for every $4 wagered due to the lower house advantage.


• Table Games: Points are awarded by pit bosses based on your average bet and duration of play. Hand your card to the dealer before you begin.

Redeeming these points offers flexibility. For instance, a common conversion rate is 100 points equaling $1 in value. This value can be applied toward:

• Free Play: Directly load credits onto a machine.


• Dining: Pay for meals at the on-site restaurants and bars.


• Hotel Stays: Offset the cost of your room.


• Gift Shop Purchases: Use points for merchandise or sundries.

Tier Levels and Associated Perks

Your play for a 6-month or 12-month period determines your tier status. Higher tiers provide enhanced benefits. A typical progression includes:

1. Select Tier (0 - 4,999 points): Base point accumulation and access to general mail offers.


2. Premier Tier (5,000 - 14,999 points): Point multipliers on specific days (e.g., 2x points on Wednesdays) and discounts on hotel rooms.


3. Elite Tier (15,000+ points): Complimentary rooms, invitations to exclusive tournaments, and priority service at restaurants and guest services.

Analyzing Accommodation Packages

The establishment frequently promotes bundled deals that combine a night's stay with other amenities. Before purchasing, verify the value.

Example "Stay & Play" Package Analysis:

• Package Price: $189 (Sunday-Thursday)


• Included Components:




• Standard King Room (Typical Rate: $149/night)


• $20 Dining Credit per person (Value: $40)


• $25 Free Play per person (Value: $50)




• Total Standalone Value: $149 + $40 + $50 = $239


• Net Savings: $50

To secure these deals, call the reservation desk and inquire about unadvertised or seasonal packages. Weekday bookings (Sunday through Thursday) consistently offer lower prices and better availability than weekend stays. Be aware of blackout dates around major holidays and large-scale entertainment events.