Terrible or is it?

“Terrible” is very seldom used when describing a night on the town, but here in Saint Joseph, “terrible” means more than a simple adjective used to describe something not so pleasant. This is not your ordinary run of the mill hidden in the desert sort of place. Terrible as it may sound, this place is bursting with excitement and loaded to the brim with people trying their hand with lady luck.

Terrible’s St. Jo Frontier Casino is tucked nicely right next to the Missouri River offering river front views that are sure to bring a smile to even the most hardened of faces. The view, as beautiful as it may be, is not the center of attraction; this casino is the stomping grounds to some of the most want to be gamblers in the region.

Upon walking into the casino, you are greeted by the smell of food from the Bougainvillea Café Buffet Bar and Lounge. This Buffet offers a variety of food ranging from Italian, Mexican, American, Chinese and Barbeque. The bar is always alive with activity and serves any drink one can think of.

But one doesn’t come to a Casino to eat do they? The main attraction is the opportunity to gamble and maybe walking out as a winner.

The main casino floor attacks you with sounds of the slot machines as people pull the handle hoping to strike it rich. Poker players are in the middle of the room rubbing chips against each other as they study their hands. Dealers are calling cards as they flip them over onto the tables. The roulette table is loaded with people watching the ball, hoping it lands on their number or color. Dice are thrown and then added up.

But the real excitement of the place is in the people’s faces as they silently praying for their chance at becoming the next big winner. Linda Church is a religious player of the slot machines.

“There are times I sit here for hours just watching, trying to figure out what machine is going to hit next,” Church said. “But luck is not something you can time, no matter how hard you try.”

This night was no different for Church, she sat there for four hours, spent her coins and left empty handed yet again. But the same is not true for another Saint Joseph local. Rebecca Hughes only comes to the casino about two or three times a year just to blow off some steam.

“I never expect to win,” Hughes said. “But tonight I came here with $20 and just wanted to have a good time, and now I am leaving with $400.”

Poker tables are another focal point in this casino, as people of all sex and ages go head to head against each other trying to outsmart their opponents. Frank Owen an Iowa resident says he comes down about once a month to play Texas Hold Em.

“I wouldn’t call myself a great poker player, but I know when to hold em and I know when to fold em,” Owen said. “I watch the pro’s on TV and I wish I could be them playing for that big money.”

“Big money is every players dream, but dreams don’t always happen here, but it is sure fun trying.” He said. “Life is what you make of it; you have to gamble to get ahead sometimes.” He said. “And sometimes that gamble pays off sometimes it don’t.

So if you’re looking for riches or just a little bit of excitement then why not try to have a “terrible” night on your next night out on the town.