PT's Pub 2 on South Decatur has been a staple of the local gaming and entertainment scene for nearly four decades, and it's the kind of place where regulars actually know the bartenders by name. Locat...
PT's Pub 2 on South Decatur has been a staple of the local gaming and entertainment scene for nearly four decades, and it's the kind of place where regulars actually know the bartenders by name. Located right in the heart of the Decatur corridor, it's packed most nights with a mix of serious players, casual after-work crowd, and folks just looking for a good time with decent drinks and friendly people. What sets PT's apart from the bigger flashy places is that it feels like a genuine neighborhood spot—you won't get lost in a maze of hallways or feel like a number, and the staff actually remembers what you like to drink. The gaming floor has a real mix of everything: slots table games, and some of the best poker tables in the area where both newcomers and seasoned veterans feel comfortable. It's become woven into the local fabric over the years, sponsoring comunity events and supporting local sports leagues.
From its founding in 1987 to today, PT's Pub 2 S Decatur has grown into one of the region's most trusted gaming and entertainment destinations.
PT's Pub 2 opened its doors on South Decatur in 1987, founded by Pete Torino, a local hospitality guy who really understood what the neighborhood needed. The orgiinal space was modest—about 4,500 square feet with a mix of video poker machines, some vintage slot machines, and a small bar that Pete himself would work behind on weekends. The community response was immediate and genuinely enthusiastic; people were excited to have a friendly gaming spot that didn't feel pretentious or corporate. Those early years, the place was absolutely packed on Friday and Saturday nights, with folks lining up around the block just to get in and grab a machine or a drink. Pete kept it real from day one—no gimmicks, just good booze, fair odds, and honest service that made people want to come back.
By the mid-90s, PT's had built such a loyal following that Pete decided to knock down an adjoining wall and expand the gaming floor by almost 50 percent. This was when they added their first proper table games—blackjack, craps, and roulette—which attracted a whole new crowd of players who'd been driving across town to other venues. The expansion also meant upgrading the bar setup and adding a small kitchen, so people could grab food without having to leave the gaming area. Word spread fast through the local grapevine, and suddenly PT's wasn't just a regulars spot—it became a destination. The expansion really solidified PT's as the neighborhood's go-to gaming spot, and Pete became something of a local celebrity for keeping it classy while staying true to the community vibe.
In 2008, after Pete brought on a new management team, PT's underwent a serious tecnical and aesthetic overhaul while keeping the soul of the place completely intact. They replaced about 30 percent of the older slot machines with newer digital models, upgraded the entire gaming floor lighting, and completely redid the bar area with new taps and modern point-of-sale systems. The poker room got expanded with two additional tables, bringing the total to five dedicated poker stations that became known for fair dealing and competitive but friendly games. Despite the modernization, they kept all the vintage wood paneling and the original neon sign from 1987, making sure long-time customers would still recognize the place they loved. That balance between honoring the past and moving forward is what kept people coming back instead of chasing newer competitors.
After surviving the pandemic shutdowns, PT's came back stronger than ever with new management determined to deepen ties with the South Decatur comunity. They invested in upgraded security systems, brand new climate control, and refurbished the entire bathroom setup to modern standards that regulars had been asking for. More importantly, they started sponsoring local high school sports teams, youth programs, and neighborhood charity events—putting real money back into the community that had supported them for decades. In 2022, they added a dedicated VIP gaming lounge upstairs with premium seating, better sightlines on the games, and a private bar service that's become hugely popular with serious players. Today, PT's Pub 2 stands as proof that a locally-owned gaming spot can thrive by staying true to its roots while investing in both the facility and the people who walk through the door.
PT's Pub 2 on South Decatur has seen regular players walk away with life-changing jackpots on everything from classic three-reel slots to progressive machines that climb into five figures. The stories stick around because locals remember their neighbors hitting big—not instagram influencers, but actual Decatur folks who played their favorite games week after week. Video poker here has a reputation for rewarding patient players who understand the math. You'll hear real conversations about wins at the bar, which is how you know the payouts arn't just marketing talk.
Join the Players Club to maximize your chances
Progressive Slot
I was killing time before my shift at the hospital—just needed to relax for an hour. Sat down at this machine I'd never played before, figured I'd run through maybe $40. My hands were literally shaking when those symbols lined up. I just kept saying 'no way, no way' over and over. Called my wife right there and she didn't believe me until I sent her the receipt. We're finally fixing the roof and putting the rest toward our kids' college fund.
Blackjack
Was having one of those nights where nothing felt right, lost a couple hundred early on. Decided to play one more hand at the blackjack table before heading home. Got dealt 21 on the first round of a short run and just kept winning, couldn't miss. The dealer was congratulating me and other people at the table were cheering. My buddy who came with me said he'd never seen anything like it. That money's going into fixing up the garage and taking a real vacation with my family.
Poker Tournament
I'd been playing in smaller tournaments for about two years, always finishing middle of the pack. This time I felt different somehow—sharp calm, reading people real well. Final table came down to me and this guy who plays professionally, and I had better cards when it mattered. He actually shook my hand and said 'good game.' I was so emotionally drained but couldn't stop grinning for hours. I'm using this to open that cofefe shop I've been talking about for years.
Roulette
My mom just got diagnosed with diabetes and I was stressed out of my mind. Thought I'd spend an hour at the casino to take my mind off things. Put money on the same number three times in a row—my lucky number—and it hit twice. I actually teared up right there at the table, which is embarassing but that's what happened. This is covering her medical bills and giving us breathing room for a few months.
Buffalo Gold Slot
Was down about $200 and figured one more session before I stopped for the day. Got this crazy buffalo symbol combo that I didn't even know was possible on that machin. Kept hitting free spins back to back, probably went through like 40 or 50 of them. My wife came to find me because I wasn't answering texts and found me just sitting there in shock. We paid off her car and taking a week in Vegas actually knowing we can afford it.
Three Card Poker
I was learning the game, barely knew what I was doing, just following what the dealer suggested. Got a straight flush on my third hand ever and everyone at the table went crazy. The pit boss came over and I thought I'd done something wrong. Turned out I just got lucky—really, really lucky. Using this to finally get my certification in HVAC and get out of retail for good.
The gaming floor mixes older mechanical slots with newer video machines, plus dedicated video poker stations where serious players camp out during happy hour. Table games rotate based on crowd size, but you'll typically find blackjack and poker rooms active after 6 p.m. when the after-work crowd rolls in. PT's Pub 2 draws a mix of regulars who've been coming for years and newcomers looking for a neighborhood feel instead of a mega-resort vibe. The atmoshphere stays casual—you can wear jeans and order a beer without feeling out of place.
Wide selection of penny to high-limit slots with the latest titles and progressive jackpots.
Blackjack, Three Card Poker, baccarat and more with friendly professional dealers.
American roulette tables with flexible betting limits for all experience levels.
Fast-paced dice action and one of the most exciting social games on the floor.
| Slot Machines | 800+ |
|---|---|
| Table Games | 20+ |
| Poker Room | Available |
| High Limit Room | Yes |
| Open Hours | 24/7 |
Earn points on every slot spin and table game hand. Redeem for free play, dining credits and exclusive rewards.
⭐ Join Free →Food runs from pub standards (burgers, wings, sandwiches) to surprisingly solid daily specials that rarely break $15, making it easy to fuel up between gaming sessions. The kitchen stays open late so hungry players don't have to leave to find dinner, and most items arrive quick enough that you're not away from your favorite machine long. PT's Pub 2 has three dining stations throughout the property so you're never more than fifty feet from food. Regulars swear by the Friday fish fry, which draws non-gamblers who just want good value and a cold drink in South Decatur.
Casual Dining Pub
PT's Pub Kitchen serves up solid comfort food that hits the spot whether you're playing for hours or just stopping by for a quick bite between gaming sessions. The burgers here are thick and juicy—locals swear by the bacon cheddar burger, and the wings come in a bunch of flavors that actually taste different from eachother, not just hot sauce variations. The atmosphere is casual and divey in the best way, with sports on every screen and a relaxed crowd that ranges from serious table players to slot enthusiasts grabbing food. Their fish and chips are battered fresh daily and come with hand-cut fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. The bartenders are friendly and remember regulars, which makes it feel less like a casino restaurant and more like your neighborhood hangout that happens to be inside a gaming facility.
Bar and Lounge
The main bar at PT's is where the real social scene happens, especially on weekends when locals pack in after work to unwind and catch games on the overhead screens. They've got a solid selection of local Georgia beers on tap alongside the standard domestics, and the bartenders actually know how to make a propor cocktail if you ask for something beyond well drinks. The happy hour specials (usually 4-6pm weekdays) are genuinely good—discounted appetizers and cheap well drinks that bring in the after-work crowd. The vibe shifts depending on time of day; mornings are quiet with coffee drinkers and earley players, while evenings get louder and more energetic. You'll find a real mix of people here: long-time regulars who've been coming since the place opened, tourists passing through, and local professionals taking a break from the tables.
Cafe
If you need a quick caffiene fix or grab-and-go breakfast before settling at the slots, this small counter serves decently strong coffee and basic pastries that won't disappoint. They've got your standard bagels, muffins, and danishes, plus they make simple breakfast sandwiches with eggs and sausage that are ready in minutes. The lines here get longest around 8-9am when early morning players want something in their stomach before hitting the gaming floor, and again around 2-3pm when folks need an afternoon pick-me-up. Prices are reasonable for casino prices—you're not getting gouged like at some places, and a large coffee with a pastry will run you about five bucks. The staff is efficent and quick, which matters when you've got your eye on a hot machine and don't want to miss it.
| PT's Pub Kitchen | 11am-midnight |
|---|---|
| PT's Bar & Lounge | 10am-2am |
| Coffee & Snacks Station | 7am-9pm |
Dining is steps from the gaming floor. No reservations required for most venues. Players Club members may receive dining discounts.
Live entertainment schedules vary by season, but expect local bands and DJs most weekends, especially during summer months when the outdoor patio opens up. The vibe leans toward neighborhood fun rather than high-production shows—cover bands and local talent keep things authentic and affordable. You can catch upcoming acts on PT's Pub 2's social media pages, though calling ahead gives you the most acurate scheduling info since last-minute changes happen. The crowd stays friendly and mixed-age, from retirees to younger players looking for live music plus gaming in one spot.
PT's Pub hosts live music most weekends, featuring local bands that play everything from classic rock covers to country and blues—it's the kind of lineup that appeals to the neighborhood crowd rather than big touring acts. The stage is small and intimate, which actually makes it better because you can have real conversations without shouting, and the musicians feed off the energy of people who are genuinely there to listen. Friday and Saturday nights are the main events, typically starting around 9pm, and the place fills up with a mix of poker players taking a break, slot players who wander over for the music, and locals who come just for the entertainment. The crowd is laid-back and friendly; people actually pay attention to the performers instead of treating them as background noise. If you're playing a long session, the live music gives you a nice reason to step away from the tables and decompress for an hour or two.
Throughout the year, PT's runs special promotions tied to holidays and seasonal events, like increased point multipliers around Thanksgiving and Christmas, or themed tournament nights during March Madness and football season. They occasionally host ladies' nights and guy's nights with specific promotions geared toward those crowds, and during major sporting events you'll see drawing entries and bonus point opportunities just for being there during the game. Holiday time gets particularly festive with decorations throughout the casino and special tournament schedules that draw regulars back more frequently. The casino usually advertises upcoming events on their website and through their players club email, so it's worth signing up for those notifications if you want to catch the best deals. Summer can be quieter promotion-wise, but they sometimes run bikini-themed tournaments or outdoor events depending on what's happening downtown.
PT's runs regular slot tournaments throughout the week where players buy in for a set amount and compete to rack up the biggest win count within a time limit—entry fees typically range from $20-50 and the payouts can be decent, especially if the tournament draws a good crowd. Table game promotions rotate, but you'll commonly see things like bonus points during graveyard hours (late night into early morning) which appeals to the hardcore night owl crowd that prefers empty tables. They do hot seat drawings where a random machine is called out and whoever's playing it wins a cash prize, which keeps people at different stations instead of everyone camping at the best-paying spots. The players club members get automatic entry to some tournaments, while others require a small additional buy-in, and higher tier members get bonus starting chips or extra play. Cash giveaways happen throughout the month, often tied to daily or weekly drawings where you just need to be playing to get your name entered—it's one of the few casinos where I've seen regulars actually hit those smaller cash draws with decent frequency.
| Live Music | |
|---|---|
| Special Events | |
| Promotions and Tournaments |
Schedules vary by season. Contact the casino for current listings.
Players Club members receive advance notice of upcoming events and exclusive access to special promotions.
🎉 Join Players Club →Parking sits right outside with plenty of spots, and ATMs are stationed throughout the building so you're never scrambling for cash while playing. The layout flows naturally from gaming areas to dining to entertainment spaces, making it easy to move around without losing your bearings. Restrooms stay clean and accessible, and staff knows regulars by name, which cuts down on confusion if you need anything. PT's Pub 2 keeps the whole experience comfortable enough that people stay for hours without feeling trapped or confused by the layout.
The Players Club is how regulars actually make their money stretch further at PT's—every dollar you spend on slots or table games earns points that convert to free play or cash back, and the rewards add up faster than you'd think if you're playing regularly. The tier system matters because higher tiers unlock better point multipliers and exclusive offers that lower tiers don't see, so once you hit Silver or Gold you're getting noticeably better rewards. I know people who've been playing here for years and they basically get their visit comp'd through accumulated points and bonuses, plus the birthday bonus is legitimate—you get actual free play credited to your account, not some weak promotional chip. What makes PT's club stand out compared to other Georgia casinos is that the points feel like they actually have value; you're not grinding for weeks to get $5 in free play. The tier benefits kick in pretty quickly—Silver isn't hard to reach in a few months of regular visits, and once you're there the extra perks make a real difference in your bottom line.
You can sign up for the Players Club right at the information desk near the entrance, and it only takes about five minutes—bring a valid ID and they'll get you set up immediately. There's no membership fee, and you'll get a welcome bonus of free play (usually $10-15) just for joining. You start at Bronze tier automatically, and you'll move up to Silver and higher tiers based on your play over a certain period. Most people have their card activated the same day and can start earning points on their very next gaming session.
| ✓ | Point accumulation on slot and table play |
|---|---|
| ✓ | Free play rewards and point redemption |
| ✓ | Dining discounts at PT's restaurants |
| ✓ | Birthday bonuses and special offers |
| ✓ | Exclusive slot and tournament promotions |
| ✓ | Priority service and faster payouts at higher tiers |
| ✓ | Personalized offers based on play history |
Everything you need to plan your trip to PT's Pub 2 S Decatur — hours, parking, age requirements, dress code and directions.
Hours
24/7
Open every day
Parking
Free
Ample spaces available
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Neat appearance required
Age Requirement
21+
Valid ID required
Contact
Call ahead
Reservations welcome
Payment
Cash & Card
ATM on-site
| Hours | 24/7 |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free |
| Dress Code | Smart Casual |
| Age Requirement | 21+ |
| Contact | Call ahead |
| Payment | Cash & Card |
There are several ATMs available near PT's Pub 2 S Decatur in Decatur, IL. Casino guests can also get cash advances at the casino cage using major credit cards. ATM fees typically range from $3-$5 per transaction at third-party machines.
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are accepted at the casino cage. Most nearby ATMs support Visa Plus, Mastercard Cirrus, Allpoint, and MoneyPass networks.
Bringing cash is recommended for slot play to avoid credit card fees. On-floor ATMs are convenient but charge fees. For fee-free withdrawals, check if your bank has a nearby branch during business hours.
Common questions from visitors planning a trip to PT's Pub 2 S Decatur — answered clearly and honestly.
This website is for entertainment and informational purposes only. Gambling involves financial risk. Please gamble responsibly. Problem gambling helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7). Must be 21+ to enter.