I go down to the Big Easy a couple times a year for business. Heres a quick run down of those casinos.

Harrahs is the nicest of them in that area, and the only one thats land based. Its right next to the French Quarter. If you're there...look for a pit boss thats really really tall and wide. His name is Richard Almon but goes by the name of "Big Daddy". Very nice guy and collects chips too. Tell him I sent you. Even if you have a Harrahs card...go up to the slot card booth and get a replacement. Make sure you ask for the "Mardi Gras beads. They have a cool "Harrahs" medalion hanging from it. They also do nice little giveaways there at the counter. Be nice and ask sweetly. If you get the right person...they'll load you up with Harrahs goodies.

Boomtown is the nicest of the Riverboats, its across the river in Harvey. Treasure Chest is by the airport in Kenner. Ballys is the other riverboat there and wasnt loking too nice when I was there last a few months ago. Getting very run down and all the chips were really trashed.

Boomtown has a great coupon book when you sign up for the slot card. Free $5.00 cash, and a bunch of match plays. If you cash the $5.00 coupon at the cage and then use the match plays and win them all, you can walk away with over $100.00 with no cash of your own ever at risk. Not a bad deal if you ask me.

You can always take a drive up to Biloxi if you have some extra time. Its a nice drive along the Gulf.