Fitzgeralds is the place to be this St. Patrick’s Day
By Mike Pearson
Fitzgeralds Casino houses 736 slot machines including video poker, video slot and progressives.
Everyday is St. Patrick’s Day at Fitzgeralds Casino in Black Hawk, where the motto is “Luck Lives Here.”
But the Irish pub-themed casino really pulls out the stops on the actual St. Patrick’s Day – this year, Wednesday, March 17 – with a slate of promotions designed to appeal to the leprechaun in all gamblers.
You can compete in the $25,000 Pot O Gold Progressive giveaway with up to $11,000 available via drawing. You must register by 6:30 p.m., March 17. At 7 p.m. the casino will choose 20 players to draw from 160 envelopes with cash prizes inside (minimum $100). The grand prize is $11,000.
Everyone gets one free entry. (To activate entry, visit the cage.) Key Rewards members will receive on additional entry for every 500 points earned March 1-17.
The day will also feature 2X points for Key Rewards cardholders, green beer, Irish derbies, beads, food specials and the rock band RePlay on the casino’s mezzanine Stage from 7 p.m. – midnight.
“Starting with the name itself and in keeping with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a huge holiday for us,” said Rudy Rodriguez, Player Development manager for the casino. “Obviously we have a long history here in Black Hawk.”
Win a Harley in Fitzgeralds Sun Harley Pit Photos courtesy of Fitzgeralds casino
This spring Fitzgeralds has also brought back a popular promotion: Giving players a chance to win a Harley Davidson motorcycle from Sun Harley Davidson in Denver.
Players can earn entries for weekly drawings through a new sign up for a Key Rewards Card. Entries can also be earned with two hours of rated play and a $10 average bet, a $100 buy in, winning a $10 same suited blackjack, three 7′s on blackjack, a $10 three of a kind or better on 3-card poker or Let It Ride, a winning 7 or 11 on the pass line on the come-out roll on craps, and a $5 bet straight up on roulette.
Entries for the bike will be drawn at 6 p.m. on Fridays, and 8 and 10 p.m. on Saturdays for the duration of the contest. Finalists will then congregate at the casino on Saturday, April 24, for the final drawing.
“The secret (to success) is keeping things fresh and new, and at the same time taking care of your guests,” said Rodriguez. “The stronger the relationship you have, the more repeat business you have. In this day and time, people are looking for something fresh and exciting.
Of the competition, Rodriguez notes: “At some point everyone has the same slot machines, table games, whatever. It’s looking at your promotions and what you’re going to offer people. How do you keep that feeling of winning alive? Let’s offer better bands, maybe ones the market hasn’t seen here before. Let’s offer unique food items in our restaurant. Let’s offer fun promotions that are new in this market.”
Fitzgerald’s is one of the original Black Hawk casinos, dating to shortly after the introduction of gaming in the mountain community in 1992. The casino comprises three floors and 156,000 square feet.
Fitzgerald’s is owned by Barden Development Inc. and operated through the subsidiary Majestic Star LLC. Fitzgeralds Black Hawk employs roughly 230 people.
On the gaming floor you’ll find 736 slot machines (including video poker, video slot and progressives), six blackjack tables, one 3-card bonus table, and one each of Let it Ride, roulette and craps.
Fitzgeralds has recently added such popular new slot games as The Wizard of Oz, Star Trek, Time Machine and Sex and the City.
The casino houses two restaurants: the Shamrock Cafe, serving breakfast lunch and dinner, and Don B’s upscale dining, which features steaks and seafood.
Fitzgerald’s operates from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, and 24 hours Friday and Saturday.
In addition to a Key Rewards program, the casino has its 50 Plus program, with advantages that include 2X points, $1.99 breakfast and 100 point cash back bus fare on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The casino also prides itself on helping guests learn the games they play. Fitzgerald’s offers free craps lessons from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays, and blackjack lessons upon request.
“It’s the perfect destination for someone just wanting to get away for the day,” Rodriguez said. “That’s been the biggest thing in this economy: The Staycation. You just want to get up in the morning, get out, have a nice breakfast somewhere and have fun.”
Fitzgeralds’ parent company also operates Fitz casinos in Las Vegas and Tunica, Miss., and a Majestic Star casino in Gary, Ind.
Need a little more luck? There’s a stone from the actual Blarney Castle at the casino entrance in Black Hawk. Rubbing it for luck couldn’t hurt.
