The casino has two parts, thanks to the space-themed portion adjacent to Star Trek: The Experience. In an area designed to look like a spaceport, you find space-themed slot machines, many of which have no handles -- just pass your hand through a light beam to activate. You'll find other gimmicks throughout the casino (though already some have been dropped since the opening), including urinals that give you an instant "urinalysis" -- usually suggesting this is your lucky day to gamble. We do like a well-designed space in which to lose our money.

Over in the original casino section, Austrian-crystal chandeliers add a strong touch of class. The casino is actually medium-size, but it does have an enormous sports book -- at 30,500 square feet, it's the world's largest race and sports book facility. It, too, is a luxurious precinct equipped with the most advanced audio, video, and computer technology available, including 46 TV monitors, some as large as 15 feet across. In fact, its video wall is second in size only to NASA's. The casino is adjacent to the lobby but is neither especially loud nor frantic. Especially plush are the vast 6,900-square-foot baccarat room -- with gorgeous crystal chandeliers, silk-covered walls, and velvet-upholstered furnishings -- and the VIP slot area where personnel are attired in tuxedos. Both areas offer gracious service to players.

Because so many conventioneers stay here, the crowd is more changeable than at most casinos. By joining the Park Place Connection, a players club, you can amass bonus points toward cash prizes, gifts, and complimentary rooms, meals, and show tickets at any of the company's hotels including Paris and Bally's.