what does riverboat gambling mean

History of Riverboat Gambling on the Mississippi

The South has always been at least somewhat friendly to gambling due to the rise of the riverboat in the early 1900s. Games of chance were kept on the water so that anti-gambling laws wouldn’t apply. Games like poker and roulette took place on grand riverboats, even if the ship never left the dock.

This tradition was greatly reduced when the railroad became the main way to transport both goods and people, but some riverboats remain in the South today. In Mississippi and Louisiana, especially, retired steamboats are now used for river cruising and for gambling in places like Vicksburg.

Online casinos are one of the latest innovations in the casino industry. Since the rise of technological advancements, they are solid competitors to U.S.-based land-based casinos. Many gambling restrictions still remain in the South and across the ocean. For example, every casino in the UK gets licensed by the UK Gambling Commission.

The regulations of the U.S. online casino market have led to developers existing who only get associated with U.S. casinos and are not available at UK-based gaming sites. Some famous developers for the U.S. market are RealTime Gaming, Relax Gaming, Rival Gaming, Elk Studios and Betsoft.

But for those players who want the old-time experience of dressing up and boarding a grand steamboat, the South has plenty for them. Just look along the Mississippi River from Missouri to Louisiana. According to Visit Mississippi , the first steamboat to travel the Mississippi River was the New Orleans, whose October 1811 maiden voyage began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The New Orleans stopped in Natchez in December 1811 before continuing to its final port in New Orleans.

Wealthy Southerners could afford to travel by steamboat, and some were ornately decorated in the Victorian style. The riverboat casinos that remain today continue that grand tradition, with music playing onboard, restaurants available to players and even live entertainment offered regularly.

So, if you want to step back in time and experience the old South by river—without all the outlaws and pirates —consider a riverboat cruise or evening of gaming.

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The Legacy and Historical Influence of Riverboat Casinos in the United States

Welcome aboard as we set sail into the captivating world of riverboat casinos in the United States . On this page, we’ll walk you through their legal status and historical implications, explore the where, what, and why of these floating gaming venues, and finally, take a close look at the modern condition of riverboat gambling.

As we explore the ins and outs of this unique chapter in American gaming history, we’ll also take a glance at if riverboat casinos have left a mark on the WV online gambling scene and gambling in the US in general.

• Legal Status of Riverboat Gambling
• Boat Casinos Regulation in Various States
• History of Riverboat Gambling
• Popular Riverboat Casinos

The Legal Status of Riverboat Gambling

Historically, casino boats were allowed in many states, mostly those with access to the Mississippi River. Today, only six states still allow this form of gambling:

Mississippi

Gambling boats are essentially floating casinos operating on designated waterways . They offer a wide variety of gambling activities just like land-based casinos, including slots , table games , and poker .

Each state with legal riverboat gambling has its own regulatory body responsible for licensing and ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. These regulations typically address aspects such as gambling activities allowed, revenue sharing with the state, security measures, responsible gambling practices, and environmental considerations.

While sharing similarities with land-based casinos, riverboat casinos face additional regulations due to their unique setting, such as:

• Licensing requirements . Land-based casinos typically have more stringent licensing requirements than riverboat casinos. For instance, land-based casinos may be required to undergo a more rigorous background check and financial audit process compared to riverboat casinos;
• Location restrictions . There are usually fewer restrictions on riverboat casino locations than on those of the brick-and-mortar venues. For instance, land-based casinos might not be allowed to operate in certain areas, such as residential neighborhoods or near schools. Riverboat casinos, in turn, are more flexible when it comes to location, as they can be moored on rivers that flow through various areas;
• Taxation . The taxation of land-based casinos and riverboat casinos can vary depending on the state. In some cases, land-based casinos may be subject to higher tax rates than riverboat casinos;
• Building codes . Land-based casinos are typically required to meet more stringent building codes than riverboat casinos. This is because land-based casinos are permanent structures, while riverboat casinos are considered temporary structures;
• Inspection and enforcement . Land-based casinos usually undergo more frequent inspections and stricter enforcement of regulations compared to riverboat casinos.

Generally, the regulation of land-based casinos tends to be more strict and comprehensive than the regulation of any casino on the Mississippi River . The reason is likely that land-based casinos are considered to have a greater impact on the surrounding community , both in terms of economic benefits and social costs.

State-by-State Riverboat Gambling Regulations

As of 2024, it’s legal to run and visit a riverboat casino in six states. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

Here, riverboat casinos are allowed on the Mississippi River , the Illinois River , and the Des Plaines River . The casinos must be located at least 300 feet from the shore and be accessible to the public by land or water . Riverboat casinos in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board .

In Indiana, boat casinos can operate on the Ohio River , the Indiana Harbor , and the Patoka Lake Reservoir . They must be located at least 600 feet from the shore . Riverboat casinos in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission .

In this state, it’s legal for riverboat casinos to operate on the Mississippi River and the Missouri River . They must be located at least 300 feet from the shore and are regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission .

A riverboat casino in Louisiana is allowed to operate on the Mississippi River , the Red River , and the Gulf of Mexico as long as they are located at least 300 feet from the shore . The casinos here are regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board .

Obviously, a riverboat casino in Mississippi can be located on the Mississippi River at least 300 feet from the shore . Boat casinos in Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission .

Last but not least, Missouri riverboat casinos are allowed on the Mississippi River and the Missouri River at least 300 feet from the shore . Riverboat casinos in Missouri are regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission .

Brief History of Riverboat Casinos

Explore the history of riverboat casinos in the United States, tracing their origins, development, and impact on both the gambling industry and American culture.

19th Century: The Origins of Riverboat Gambling

The roots of riverboat gambling can be traced back to the 19th century when steamboats were the primary mode of transportation along the Mississippi River. As passengers went on long journeys, gambling became a popular pastime to pass the time. While gambling activities were generally illegal on land at that time, boats provided a loophole, as they were considered to be outside of state jurisdiction.

Early 20th Century: Decline and Revival

The invention of railroads in the early 20th century led to a logical decline in riverboat travel, and respectively, riverboat gambling. However, the 1970s saw a reappearance of interest in riverboat casinos, primarily because of the push to revitalize urban areas.

1990s: Expansion and Legalization

The 1990s marked a period of significant growth for riverboat casinos. Several states legalized riverboat gambling, and the industry expanded rapidly. By the late 1990s, there were over 150 riverboat casinos operating in the United States.

2005: Hurricane Katrina and Its Devastating Blow

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The storm severely impacted the boat casino industry in Mississippi and Louisiana, with several casinos suffering significant damage or complete destruction.

Late 2010s: Post-Katrina Recovery and Adaptation

The consequences of Hurricane Katrina brought significant changes to the riverboat casino industry. While some casinos managed to rebuild and reopen, others had to close permanently. The industry also faced increased competition from brick-and-mortar casinos, which were gaining popularity at that time.

Today: A Mature Industry

Today, a casino boat remains a popular form of entertainment in the United States. However, the industry has matured and consolidated, with the number of riverboat casinos decreasing in recent years. Despite these changes, riverboat casinos continue to be an important economic driver in many regions.

Popular Riverboat Casinos in the US

Now that we know all the theory about riverboat gambling, let’s get to practice and take a look at the most popular water casinos in the United States.

The Grand Victoria Casino – Elgin, Illinois

Located along the beautiful Fox River, The Grand Victoria Casino is a home (or rather a boat) of true gaming elegance. Known as the largest riverboat casino in Illinois, it boasts an impressive 65,000 square feet of gaming space including slots, table games, and a poker room. The casino also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a steakhouse, a buffet, and a concert venue.

Ameristar Casino Vicksburg – Vicksburg, Mississippi

The Ameristar Casino Vicksburg is one of the oldest and most crowded riverboat casinos in Mississippi with over 50,000 square feet of gaming space . The wide choice of slots, table games, and poker tables is complemented by all kinds of entertainments, from the flavors of a diverse buffet to comedy clubs and nightclubs.

Horseshoe Casino – Bossier City, Louisiana

The Horseshoe Casino is one of the largest riverboat casinos in Louisiana and one of the most popular. It features over 100,000 square feet of gaming space , including slots, table games, and a poker room. The casino also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, so players can choose between a steakhouse, a buffet, a concert venue, and others.

Sam’s Town Casino – Shreveport, Louisiana

Sam’s Town Casino is a popular destination for all kinds of gaming enthusiasts in and out of state. With a gaming space of over 34,000 square feet , this casino offers an intimate yet exhilarating experience. Beyond the slots, table games, and poker room, Sam’s Town welcomes gamers to savor a culinary journey with a steakhouse, a buffet, and a unique entertainment experience at the in-house bowling alley.

What is the Diamond Lady casino boat?

The Diamond Lady Riverboat Casino was a paddlewheel riverboat casino that operated on the Mississippi River in Bettendorf, Iowa, from 1991 to 2008. In 2021, the Diamond Lady sank during a severe winter storm. It was later raised and brought to shore, where it remains today. The future of the Diamond Lady is uncertain, but it is possible that it will be restored and reopened as a casino or museum.

Why do casinos have to be on water in the US?

Casinos in the US don’t necessarily have to be on the water, but there are some casinos that are. This practice originated when gambling laws were more restrictive on land, and the association of riverboat gambling with waterborne transportation became a legal requirement in some states.

Why are casinos on the water so popular?

Riverboat casinos are popular for their unique charm and historical allure. The on-water setting offers players a distinctive and memorable gaming experience, contributing to the popularity of these establishments. Additionally, the regulations associated with riverboat gambling create a controlled and regulated environment that appeals to both operators and players.

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There are various areas of the world that just seem synonymous with gambling. When people hear the name Las Vegas they picture gambling of a flashy, mass entertainment proportion. Macau ’ s gambling culture brings a real Asian flavour to gambling, with many inevitably comparing it to Vegas. Monte Carlo delivers gambling connotations of wealth and prestige. Obviously, it is not just physical areas where gambling has a strong presence, with the web and mobile space being  dominated by PartyCasino  and other big names in the industry.

Another, yet somewhat less spectacular, sight that can only be associated with gambling is the steam propelled riverboat of certain states in the USA. How did these iconic vessels come to be known for hosting casinos, and what is the current status of riverboat casinos today?

On Water, But Not Land

There is a network of rivers that penetrate inland from the Gulf of Mexico up through the United States,  most famously the Mississippi River . In the 19 th  Century the rivers provided a fantastic way to transport goods from town to town up and down the bodies of water. This in turn became a popular method of passenger transport, with travellers using the boat to socialise. One of the most popular forms of entertainment was  play at online Irish casino , and therefore this pastime became highly popular aboard the vessels. 

There were also, and still are today, laws that prohibited gambling on land. However, the proprietor s  of these boats took advantage of the loophole not extending these laws to establishments on water. Even today,  riverboats are still to be found on the Mississippi  and is still considered one of the best for cruises. Certain rivers acted as state lines, so it was sometimes argued that the gamblers could not be classified as being in one state or another while steaming down a river.

Railroads and War

As mentioned, the riverboats were first and foremost a means of transportation and enjoyed such success due to it being the quickest and most reliable means of travel and delivery of goods. However, when railroads started to spread across the country, they opened up new routes that got people around in a more direct manner. The trains also cut days off travel and therefore started to overtake the riverboats in popularity.

Around the same time the  American Civil War  broke out, a period where much of the fighting was done in the Southern States which defied the laws laid out by the North. This meant that riverboat entertainment almost came to a complete end.

The Riverboats of Today

Unlike the boats of old, which used to set off on long journeys to various destinations, the vessels of now mostly remain docked and very seldom actually take to the open waters. However, one will still be able to undergo the traditional experience that thousands enjoyed before casinos became what we are familiar with today.

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This Week In Illinois History: Riverboat Gambling Comes To Illinois (Feb. 7, 1991)

Illinoisans have bet on horseracing since 1927, purchased Lottery tickets since 1974 and gambled for non-profit charities since 1986.

But on Feb. 7, 1990, Gov. James Thompson signed the Riverboat Gambling Act , laying odds on economic development and tourism.

With a blackjack table as a desk, the signing ceremony took place at the Peoria Boatworks. A steamboat blasted its whistle while a calliope played “ Happy Days are Here Again .”

The newly created Illinois Gaming Board granted 10 licenses, giving preferential treatment to economically depressed areas outside the Chicago area. Riverboat casinos could operate only on water and gambling was permitted only after the boats left the dock.

The first license went to Alton, which launched Illinois’ first riverboat casino, the Alton Belle, on Sept. 10, 1991. The three-deck, 600-passenger boat held 296 slot machines and 22 gambling tables.

In the first year, riverboat gambling brought in $8 million in tax revenue. The next year, it raked in $54 million, surpassing horseracing revenue.

On May 21, 1999, Gov. George Ryan signed a new Riverboat Gambling Act, which allowed gambling to continue on riverboats while they remained dockside. The new law, however, allowed an easy work-around. Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, for example, dug a shallow pit on dry land, filled it with water, and built a casino over it.

Riverboat gambling tax revenue peaked at $699 million in 2005.

In June 2019, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation allowing Illinois’ 10 riverboat casinos to move operations to dry land, effectively tapping out this brief and quirky footnote to our state history.

The Meaning Behind The Song: Riverboat Gambler by Carly Simon

Carly Simon, a legendary singer-songwriter, has gifted the world with countless musical gems throughout her career. One such song that captures the attention of audiences is “Riverboat Gambler.” Released in 1974 as part of her iconic album “Hotcakes,” this melodious masterpiece resonated deeply with listeners, both then and now. Delving into the captivating story behind the song, we discover the profound meaning that Carly Simon intended to convey through her poignant lyrics.

Table of Contents

The Story Unveiled

Carly Simon paints a vivid picture with her words, transporting us to the intriguing world of a riverboat gambler. The song delves into the life of a fearless gambler, navigating through highs and lows, risks and rewards, all while channeling an aura of mystery. As the lyrics unfold, we enter the inner workings of the gambler’s mind, capturing the essence of his alluring yet tumultuous existence.

The gambler becomes a metaphor, representing the unpredictable nature of life itself. Through the song, Carly Simon explores the universal theme of taking chances and embracing the uncertainty that accompanies our choices. She skillfully intertwines the world of gambling with the complexities of human relationships, offering listeners a window into the complexities of love and chance.

The Symbolism Exposed

Within “Riverboat Gambler,” Carly Simon artfully weaves layers of symbolism, enriching the song with deeper meaning. The riverboat symbolizes the journey of life, floating down the river of fate, stopping at various ports of opportunity and challenges. It encapsulates the uncertain nature of existence, reminding us that we are all passengers on a vast river, navigating the currents and making choices along the way.

The act of gambling represents the risks we take in our personal lives, the decisions we make with uncertain outcomes. Just as the gambler places bets, we too must wager on our relationships, careers, and dreams. Sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose, but it is through these risks that we grow and learn, never knowing what lies around the bend.

Already know this song's meaning? Watch this video to see 30 popular songs where everyone gets the meaning WRONG!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what inspired carly simon to write “riverboat gambler”.

Carly Simon drew inspiration from her own life experiences and observations of the human condition. She wanted to create a song that captured the essence of living life to the fullest, embracing risks and the unknown.

2. Is “Riverboat Gambler” based on a true story?

While Carly Simon has not explicitly stated that the song is based on a specific event or person, it is likely a product of her imagination. However, the themes and emotions expressed in the song are undoubtedly relatable to many.

3. What message does Carly Simon hope to convey through “Riverboat Gambler”?

Carly Simon aims to inspire listeners to embrace the uncertainties of life and take risks. She encourages us to live boldly, recognizing that each choice carries both potential rewards and consequences.

4. How does “Riverboat Gambler” fit into Carly Simon’s discography?

“Riverboat Gambler” holds a special place within Carly Simon’s catalog of music. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of her other hits, it showcases her artistic versatility and prowess as a songwriter.

5. What makes “Riverboat Gambler” stand out among Carly Simon’s other songs?

“Riverboat Gambler” stands out due to its intricate storytelling and poetic lyrics. Carly Simon effectively combines themes of gambling, love, and life’s uncertainties in a way that captivates and engages listeners.

6. Has “Riverboat Gambler” received any accolades?

While “Riverboat Gambler” did not achieve chart-topping success upon its release, it remains a beloved song among Carly Simon’s dedicated fanbase. Its impact is witnessed through the lasting appreciation and admiration it receives.

7. Can you explain the significance of the riverboat as a symbol in the song?

The riverboat metaphor in “Riverboat Gambler” represents the journey of life. It symbolizes the unpredictability we face and the opportunities we encounter as we navigate through life’s currents and make choices.

8. How does the song’s message resonate with listeners today?

“Riverboat Gambler” continues to resonate with audiences because the themes it explores are timeless. The song’s encouragement to embrace risks, seize opportunities, and accept the uncertainty of life remains relevant in any era.

9. How has the song impacted Carly Simon’s career?

While “Riverboat Gambler” may not be one of Carly Simon’s most commercially successful songs, it showcases her talent as a wordsmith and further solidifies her status as a versatile and captivating songwriter.

10. Can you find any particular lyrical highlights in “Riverboat Gambler”?

One lyrical highlight in “Riverboat Gambler” is the line, “She smiled as if to say, fate has looked my way.” This phrase encapsulates the gambler’s mindset, acknowledging the role of luck and destiny in our lives.

11. Does “Riverboat Gambler” have a deeper meaning beyond gambling?

Yes, “Riverboat Gambler” delves into the complexities of human relationships and the choices we make in matters of the heart. It serves as a metaphorical examination of life’s uncertainties beyond the confines of the gambling world.

12. What emotions does “Riverboat Gambler” evoke in listeners?

“Riverboat Gambler” evokes a range of emotions in listeners, including curiosity, nostalgia, and a sense of reflection. The song’s introspective nature encourages personal contemplation and introspection, connecting with listeners on an emotional level.

And so, “Riverboat Gambler” by Carly Simon remains an enigmatic and captivating composition, using the world of gambling as a powerful metaphor to explore the unpredictable nature of existence. Through her poetic lyrics, Carly Simon invites us to embrace the uncertainties, take chances, and navigate the river of life with fervor and belief in the enigmatic journey that lies ahead.

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A former photographer, Jonathan has written extensively about the gambling industry over the last few years. Though perfectly happy chatting at a gaming trade show or lounging in the casino, his favorite place is on a motorcycle with his trusty hound, Yol...

• Riverboat Gambling: A Taste of the Past /

Riverboat Gambling: A Taste of the Past

• September 24, 2020 04:34PM
• September 24, 2020

Introduction: Riverboat Gambling

Have you ever been riverboat gambling? We’ve all seen the old photos of these majestic looking paddle steamers making their way up the Mississippi River. In fact, it’s probably considered an image that pretty much sums up the golden age of the Wild West, once it was tamed. But things have moved on a bit since those days of gun-toting cowboys and Stetsons. Though gambling may have advanced in some areas, like the internet, it doesn’t necessarily follow that this holds true of every state in the US. For example, did you know that some states still require that all gambling takes place on a riverboat? Sounds crazy…so let’s have a look.

The Wild Midwest

The origins of riverboat gambling are pretty straightforwards. As the West was expanding, many merchants had to travel considerable distances in order to both maintain and find new business. Back in the 1800s, they made use of the extensive waterways that zigzagged across the eastern seaboard to the mid-west. so traveling by boat was the norm. Unfortunately, this form of travel is also exceedingly time-consuming.

Essentially we had a bunch of rich folks, with lots of time on their hands, and all stuck on a boat. So it’s no surprise that riverboat gambling quickly became the best method to pass the time. And of course, the smell of easy money brought professional gamblers to the party. Soon any number of shady characters could be found gambling on these boats. But laws were changing, and many states were actively outlawing all forms of gambling. At the same time, there were a great many people complaining about the card sharps. Soon lynch mobs sprung up to dish out “justice” to card cheats. It was all getting out of hand.

Riverboat Gambling: Caught In The Middle

So, with the police on one shore and the lynch mob on the other, it’s no surprise that riverboat gambling felt a lot safer whilst remaining on the waterways. These boats gave an opportunity to the very best card sharps to practice their trade with impunity. But times were a-changing, and it was only a matter of time for things to change thanks to the introduction of the railroads. Overnight, the riverboats became redundant for traveling purposes. But the story doesn’t end here.

States are always on the lookout for means of raising their own taxes. And all states were looking westwards and seeing the sheer amounts of cash pouring into the coffers of the State of Nevada, thanks to it’s relaxing of gambling laws allowing all types of jackpot games . And so, it only natural that they too, wanted some of that action. So states that were on the Mississippi River began to think again about utilizing those paddle steamers as floating gambling casinos. This would create an important source of additional state revenues. So, with the stroke of a pan, laws were changed and those boats were recommissioned. Well not quite.

Modern Riverboat Gambling Casinos

The thing is that though they might be called riverboat gambling casinos, the “boat” bit can be a bit misleading. Often they really have nothing in common with a real boat. Most of them are just floating structures, which happen to be parked on the waterway. They do appear to be floating, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they were not built up from the river bed itself. When these new riverboats first appeared, it was when the idea of gambling once again was starting to take it’s first baby steps. As a result, gambling laws were extremely restrictive. Most boats had a $5 betting limit and there were rules as to how much a guest was allowed to lose on a single trip.

But the 1990s saw a major change in gambling laws. Things became more relaxed and as a result, revenues increased for casinos, which in turn led to states gaining more as well. As of today, riverboat gambling casinos to win the jackpot operate in 6 states, Louisiana, Mississippi, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois. But that doesn’t mean that they all follow the same laws. For example, in Louisiana, all casinos must actually look like the old river paddleboat steamers and have their own engines. Then again, not all river states have even joined the gambling party. So Kentucky, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Tennessee, and Minnesota have no river casinos at all. It’s really strange that voters wouldn’t want the extra income that gambling brings.

Riverboat Gambling: Boosting Local Economies and State Budgets

It goes without saying that riverboat gambling had has a positive impact on both local level and state budgets. For example, in Indiana, all casinos have to pay a 20% state tax. Of this, 15% goes to the state and the other 5% remains in the local community. Just so there’s no doubting the numbers involved, this translates to a staggering $400 million to the state and $80 million locally. In fact, more tax money flows into the state from riverboat gambling, than from any other source. And it, not only tax money that’s important. These huge floating monstrosities need workers. They need to hire dealers, waitresses, accountants and security, and more.

And the vast majority of these workers are going to be people who live locally. As a direct result, this increases the amounts of money going into local communities, as workers are spending salaries in shops and stores where they live.

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A great example of this effect would be what happened in Thackerville. This was a quiet backwater of a town with few inhabitants and just the river flowing slowly by. it’s the type of young that young people look forwards to escaping from as soon as high school is over. But then WinStar World Casino decided to plonk a massive riverboat gambling casino there. Before you could say “bingo”, Thackerville was suddenly on the map. The casino started to instantly pull thousands of tourists in from all over the adjoining states. Not only that, but it created literally thousands of jobs. The town had gone from being a sleepy village into a bustling town in less time than to spin a roulette wheel.

Our Favorite Riverboat Casinos

Sam’s town – shreveport, la.

This casino is familiar to all gamblers who go to Las Vegas. In fact, it’s been a gambling institution for many years now. It’s situated on the shores of the muddy Mississippi River. It has all the luxuries you’d expect from a historic casino in Vegas. There’s a spa for relaxing in after a hard day at the slots. These, by the way, are all joined together to create a local progressive jackpot of around $80,000.

Casino Queen Marquette – Marquette, IA

If you’re not a high roller, but want the high roller experience, then look no further than the Casino Queen. This is a relatively small casino floating on the Mississippi. There are just 8 gaming tables, which is tiny when you think of even the smallest venue in Las Vegas. But what they lack in table games, they certainly make up for with jackpot slots machines. There are a staggering 1,100 machines to choose from. But the main feature that makes the Casino Queen so outstanding, is the staff. You’ll be hard pushed to find a more courteous and helpful staff as they have there. The level of service is second to none.

The Grand Victoria Casino – Elgin, IL

Just a short 40-mile drive going west out of Chicago, and there you’ll find the Grand Victoria Casino Elgin. A medium-sized venture, it has 36 games tables. And a whopping 1,000 slot machines to help increase your jackpot winning chances . But the casino isn’t just famous as a riverboat gambling venue. The owners place great emphasis on giving back to the community via various outreach programs. In fact, this being the highest-grossing casino in the state, it still manages to give away a huge part of it’s profits to the surrounding communities. So, if you happen to be playing there, be happy in the knowledge that part of your losses is going to good causes.

Conclusion: Riverboat Gambling

By their very nature, riverboat casinos can’t compete when it comes to the level of luxury found in land-based casinos. But what they don’t have in glitz, they certainly make up for with charm. And that’s a timeless old-world charm that’s hard to duplicate. Though these river paddle boats don’t actually move (thought here are some that do), there’s still a decidedly old fashioned feeling from gambling on the river. We suggest that they’re great to visit and play in, if nothing but for the change and the experience from your regular land-based casinos. You’ll be glad that you did.

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What Are Riverboat Casinos & Do They Have to be Sailing For You to Gamble?

October 5, 2022

If you’ve watched films such as Maverick , starring famed anti-semite Mel Gibson, or TV shows like Ozark , you will know at least a passing amount about riverboat casinos. They often look like something out of a Mark Twain novel, powered by steam and paddles and are suggestive of a bygone era when you see them floating on the water. In the modern era, of course, they are filled with bright and flashy slot machines that make a lot of noise and ensure that you won’t be expecting Twain to walk around the corner.

The idea behind riverboat casinos was that it would limit the areas in which casinos could be constructed, enabling gambling but keeping it to specifically designated areas. The fact that the boats were seldom taken away from the dock, or even ever taken away in some cases, didn’t change the point that the legal fiction was able to be sold by various authorities. In essence, there is no difference between a riverboat casino and a permanent one on land, with the exception being that boat casinos can get licences to operate where land ones can’t.

The History of the Riverboat Casino

You can’t understand the history of riverboat casinos without first having a sense of the history of riverboats in general. Paddlewheel riverboats were introduced to the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries as a way of transporting passengers and goods during the 19th century. By the 20th century, however, rail had largely taken over as the quickest and cheapest way to get things around the country, meaning that the paddlewheel riverboats needed to be re-invented as something else entirely. This was when they began to be used as floating casinos.

Entertainment for Long Voyages

Of course, gambling and sailing has a long history. Voyages by sea are long and tedious, with ships in the past lacking the entertainment options that you would expect to find nowadays. So it is that sailors and passengers would often engage in games of chance whilst taking part in a long voyage. As life in the United States of America reached a degree of normality in the wake of the American Civil War, riverboats began to be used as a way of enticing gamblers to places where they would otherwise have nowhere to go.

Legal Loopholes

States had widely prohibited gambling in the US by the start of the 20th century, which is why those looking to gamble sought legal loopholes. States began to approve the use of riverboats, especially in ones that had frontage along the Mississippi. It was for this reason that the likes of Illinois, Louisiana, Indiana, Missouri and Mississippi itself began to allow a limited number of riverboat casinos to be opened, attracting gamblers that wouldn’t be allowed to place a legal bet on land in those same states, save for on Native American Reserves.

City of Traverse

The first riverboat casino, the City of Traverse , set sail on Lake Michigan in 1904. The Big Muddy, as the Mississippi River was known, bordered several different states, which made it something of a legal grey area. It was for this reason that Senator Lyndon Johnson helped to draft the Transportation of Gambling Devices Act in 1951. That made it a crime to transport gambling decides over state lines, unless it was legal at the destination. It didn’t stop all riverboat casinos, but it made it trickier for some of them.

What Riverboat Casinos Offer

As with casinos on land, riverboat casinos offer different things to customers based on numerous different factors. If a riverboat casino has discovered that very few people in the area enjoy playing poker, for example, then they are going to be unlikely to actively offer a poker room. Similarly, if it is discovered that people heading to one riverboat casino aren’t playing slots, then slot machines will be limited in number. As with land-based casinos, it is the customer that dictates what is and isn’t offered by a riverboat casino, wherever it is located.

That being said, there are some things that you can expect to enjoy at most riverboat casinos. Table games are always popular at such venues, meaning that the likes of roulette, craps and blackjack are commonplace. Equally, slots are usually good money makers for any casino, so a floor that is dedicated to such electronic forms of gambling isn’t unusual. Whilst card rooms for poker games and so on aren’t always found, they also aren’t unusual. In short, if you want to do something specific, it’s worth finding out if the riverboat casino you’re heading to offers it before you get there.

Do They Have to Be Sailing for You to Gamble?

Now that we know a little bit more about riverboat casino and their origin, it is worth asking the question about whether or not they need to be gambling in order for you to be able to place a bet. The short answer is: it depends. Each state has its own rules and regulations around how riverboat casinos have to work, which includes whether or not they need to be sailing for betting to be legal. In the majority of cases, the rule of law states that the casino has to be ‘solely over and in contact with the surface’ of the river it is on.

What this means, in essence, is that the main bulk of the riverboat casino has to be in the water. It can be connected to land by something like a bridge, but it would need to be able to sail away if required to do so by the licensee. To put it another way, in most states, it couldn’t be a building built on the docks or on the side of the river in order to be a legally licensed casino. Instead, it needs to be in a situation where the majority of the vessel is in the water and only a method of getting on board is allowed to be on the nearby land.

The Curious Case of the Potomac River

The interesting thing about riverboat casinos is that they regularly end up being in fascinating situations. This is perhaps best demonstrated by the tale of the Potomac River, which is on the state border of Maryland and Virginia. In the middle of the 20th century, there were several riverboat casinos docked off the coast of Virginia, even though gambling wasn’t legal there. The border between the two states isn’t the middle of the river, but rather at the low water mark on the Virginia side of it, confusing things.

The result of the state border being where it is is that, with the exception of a small part of the river that is in the District of Columbia, the majority of the river is technically in Maryland. For this reason, punters could drive to Virginia and park there before walking onto a riverboat casino, at which point they had crosses state lines and were in Maryland. They were then able to gamble entirely legally, all whilst within virtual touching distance of a state where it would have been illegal to have been doing exactly the same thing.

The Riverboat Casinos That Pushed Their Luck

In 1994, it was decided by voters in Missouri to allow ‘games of chance’ to take place on the Mississippi River and the Missouri River. Four years later and the state Gaming Commission believed that just three of the 16 such casinos operating in the river were ‘clearly on the main river channel’. As several casinos had actually been located on riverboats that were in an area with water that was adjacent to the river, such as a lock, it was felt by those that were against gambling in the state that they should be shutdown.

By that point, however, the state had realised just how much was being brought in thanks to tax on the $652 million industry. The state was entirely unwilling to give up the revenues being generated by the riverboat casinos, so over a period of time the rules were relaxed. It got to the point that casinos were allowed to be built on stilts, with the only proviso being that they had to be over water that was navigable. This meant an end to the practice of ‘ Boats in Moats ’ that the area had become quietly quite famous for.

When Hurricane Katrina hit the US in 2005, many of the riverboat casinos were destroyed entirely. The casinos themselves, as well as the hotels and restaurants that adjoined them, were left devastated. What resulted was a decision from many states to change their regulation on the matter, allowing casinos to be built on land as long as they were within certain geographical limits close to a navigable waterway. Since the hurricanes the majority of Mississippi’s riverboat casinos have been rebuilt with far more solid foundations.

Riverboat Casinos & Native Americans

It might seem strange, but those that love riverboat casinos actually owe a debt of thanks to Native Americans. Towards the end of the 1980s, the case of California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians ended up in front of the Supreme Court. The state of California believed that the games of poker and bingo that were taking place on the land of the Cabazon Band of Native Americans violated state law. The Native Americans, unsurprisingly, disagreed, believing that tribal land fell under civil regulatory laws, not the lawful jurisdiction of the state.

The Supreme Court found that California’s state lottery meant that gambling was not prohibited as a criminal act, meaning that the authority to regulate any gambling actives on tribal lands fell outside the powers that were granted by the Public Law 280 ruling. This had lasting impact for Native Americans around the sovereignty of their land, including the fact that states could not impose regulations on reservation gaming. Instead, gambling in Native American land could only be questioned if it was in a state where gambling was considered criminal according to the state laws.

This led to an explosion of legalised gambling in states throughout America. The result of this was that states wanted to get in on the act, hoping to open casinos that would allow them to make money whilst limiting the influence of organised crime. The result of this was that riverboat casinos sprang up in places where the geography allowed it, ensuring that most of the new venues owed a lot to the Native Americans that had pursued the right that they believed they had to gamble legally on their own land.

Curious Things About Riverboat Casinos

There are numerous different facts about riverboat casinos that are interesting and worth knowing. For example, many historians believe that vigilantes would take the law into their own hands when cheats were found to be operating on riverboat casinos. In 1835, a group of five such cheats were lynched in Vicksburg in the state of Mississippi after having been discovered. Also, when riverboat gambling was first legalised in Louisiana, any vessels operating out of the state had to look like a 19th century paddleboat.

By 2018, there were 63 riverboat casinos operating across the six states where it was legal for them to do so. That year, Illinois took $382.5 million in state tax, whilst it was $152.1 million in Missouri. In terms of examples of riverboat casinos, there is perhaps none as impressive as the American Empress, which is diesel-powered and stands at 360 feet in length. As well as the casino on board, there are also artefacts from the Gold Rush, Russia and Native Alaska, making it a floating museum, as well as a casino.

Riverboat casinos – why does the casino have to be on a boat?

A riverboat casino is exactly what it sounds like: a casino on a riverboat. These exist in several US states, through which the Mississippi River flows. There are also some along the Gulf Coast. A few states allowed this type of casino to limit the areas where casinos could be built without outlawing gambling . The riverboats were rarely moved away from the port, if ever.

History of riverboat casinos

Riverboats with paddlewheels had long been used on the Mississippi and its tributaries to transport cargo and people. After they were largely displaced by railroads, they became more popular for short trips, up to a few hours long, than as transport from one riverfront town to another. They were also a way to enjoy live music and dancing and find a cool place to relax, away from the scorching urban heat.

On riverboats, gambling was far from uncommon

There were card games, slot machines , and more. When states approved riverboat casinos in the late 20 th century, and land-based gaming was generally prohibited, these casinos had to be located on ships. In some areas, gambling was legal only when the boat was not docked, as in the traditional trips. Riverboat casinos were allowed in states like Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri. In Illinois, they were also allowed in the Chicago metropolitan area, which is connected to the Mississippi River via the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. There are three ‘riverboat’ casinos in harbors along Lake Michigan in Indiana.

A curious event

A situation on the border between Virginia and Maryland led to an unusual event on the Potomac River around 1950. The border is at the low water mark on the Virginia side, not in the middle of the river. In fact, the whole river is practically in Maryland with the exception of a few small areas in the District of Columbia. Due to this, there were several riverboat casinos docked off of the Virginia shoreline in the middle of the 20 th century. At this time, gambling was not legal in Virginia, but it was legal in parts of Maryland. Considering that the river was in Maryland, people could park in Virginia and walk across a pier, thereby crossing the border between the states.

Developments in the 90s

In 1994, Missouri changed its state constitution to authorize “games of chance” on the two rivers running through the state: the Mississippi and the Missouri. Four years later, just three of the 16 operations comprising Missouri’s riverboat gambling industry, already worth more than $600 million, were clearly on the main river channel according to the state’s gambling watchdog, the Gaming Commission. The supreme court of the state had ruled that riverboats had to be “solely over and in contact with the surface” of the rivers.

A number of operators had been located on riverboats in an area with water by a navigable waterway or a moat, due to which they were referred to as “boats in moats.” The state legislatures were not inclined to waive the high revenues gambling generated. With time, they let casinos be constructed on stilts, but they had to be located over navigable water.

Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath

After Hurricane Katrina destroyed most riverboat casinos in 2005 along with their associated facilities of restaurants, hotels, and more in southern states, a number of them amended their constitutions or changed their legislation. They allowed casinos to be constructed on land near a navigable waterway. Most of the riverboat casinos on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast have been rebuilt on beachfronts with stable foundations after the hurricane.

The future of riverboat casinos

Riverboat casinos will always be a popular form of entertainment along the Mississippi. People can enjoy playing in these historic paddleboat gaming hubs in Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, and Mississippi as this mighty river flows across many different state lines. It is the second-longest river in North America, flowing out from its estuary in Lake Itasca, Minnesota through the heart of the country and flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. Its total length is 2,350 miles.

The mighty river was the center of economic activity in the 19th century south. This geographical region was famous for the paddle steamers that used to cruise up and down the Mississippi long before online casinos existed.

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riverboat gambling noun

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What does the noun riverboat gambling mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun riverboat gambling . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun riverboat gambling ?

Where does the noun riverboat gambling come from?

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the noun riverboat gambling is in the 1950s.

OED's earliest evidence for riverboat gambling is from 1953, in the Times (London).

riverboat gambling is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: riverboat n. , gambling n.

Nearby entries

• riverbed, n. 1781–
• river birch, n. 1846–
• river black-oak, n. 1886–98
• river-blanched, adj. 1788
• river blindness, n. 1952–
• river boar, n. 1601
• river board, n. 1823–
• riverboat, n. 1565–
• riverboat casino, n. 1958–
• riverboat gambler, n. 1920–
• riverboat gambling, n. 1953–
• river bottom, n. 1662–
• river-boy, n. 1791–
• River Brethren, n. 1849–
• river bull, n. 1639–1709
• river bullhead, n. 1763–
• river bus, n. 1929–
• river capture, n. 1890–
• river carp, n. 1653–
• river cat, n. 1770–
• river channel, n. 1629–

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Meaning & use

Entry history for riverboat gambling, n..

Originally published as part of the entry for riverboat, n.

riverboat gambling, n. was first published in 2009.

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Citation details

Factsheet for riverboat gambling, n., browse entry.

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Riverboat Gaming On The Mississippi

Life on the Mississippi is changing for the bettor. Since Iowa first launched riverboat gaming on April 1,1991, four other states along the Mississippi have enacted similar legislation. Missouri became the latest state to legalize riverboat gaming on the Mississippi River, when voters overwhelmingly approved a statewide proposition on election day. In accordance with the new law, local municipalities or counties also have to approve gambling in separate proactive local referendums. St.

Louis, St. Charles, Ste. Genevieve, Jefferson City, Parkville, Jefferson county and Buchanan county did so on the same day.

Ironically, Hannibal, Mo., the hometown of Mark Twain, whose name is synonymous with the Mississippi riverboat era, was the only community to reject riverboat gaming in the recent Missouri vote.

Exhibit 1 shows highlights of the current riverboat gaming legislation in Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi and Missouri.

There are a number of groups actively lobbying for legalization of riverboat gaming in Connecticut, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

With five states already on-line and others seriously considering legalization, shipbuilders, naval architects, outfitters and suppliers are gearing up for a lucrative, multimillion-dollar market which should be sustained for at least the next five years.

Depending on their size and outfitting, the average construction cost of a new riverboat casino could be $6 million to $12 million, with proposed gaming boats in Louisiana more than $35 million.

Perhaps the only exceptions to this gage are the casino vessels that will operate in Mississippi, a market that will be predominately composed of refitted, existing barges.

There are currently 14 riverboat casinos operating, five each in Illinois and Mississippi and four in Iowa. Exhibit 2 provides details on riverboat casinos in operation, while Exhibit 3 shows new construction.

"It's going to be a very good market over the next few years," said Charles Burrell, whose company, Jennings, La.-based Leevac Shipyards, Inc., is a major player in the construction of casino boats. "And with the recent passage of Missouri gaming, a good market just got a little bit brighter." Leevac is currently in discussions with several parties interested in riverboat casinos.

The yard's most recent delivery was the DeJong & Lebet-designed President Riverboat Casino Mississippi, which is one of the few selfpropelled vessels currently in operation in Mississippi.

Fully outfitted with sophisticated surveillance and gaming equipment, the President Riverboat Casino Mississippi had a reported price tag of $17 million.

Admiral To See Action As A Casino Boat The approval of riverboat gaming in Missouri will have a dramatic impact on the St. Louis riverfront. Under special provisions written into the Missouri law, permanently moored vessels within a certain distance of the Eads Bridge will be allowed to offer gaming. This provision, especially written in for the idled Admiral, owned by John Connelly's Gateway Riverboat Cruises of St. Louis, would give the former steamer a new life. The old riverboat, which measures 374- by 92-feet and was at one time licensed to carry 4,400 passengers, has been shut down since late 1988. Mr. Connelly also owns the excursion vessel Belle of St. Louis, built by Leevac Shipyards.

When she was constructed, the vessel, an integrated power unit and barge, was prewired for slot gaming operations. Mr. Connelly has already indicated that he plans to utilize both these vessels in casino operations. According to preliminary plans recently outlined by Gary C. Frommelt, director of marine operations for Gateway Riverboat Cruises, the refurbishment of the Admiral would involve the removal of bulkheads and gift shop areas on the first deck.

The first deck would then probably be closed off. The main ballroom on the second deck would be widened to the full beam of the boat by removing the outer bulkheads.

This area would then be utilized as the main casino. The renovation of the Admiral is expected to be completed this spring.

In addition, according to one industry source, another gaming vessel is in the design phase for the Connelly Group.

Its intended area of operation is unknown at this time.

There are approximately 10 slots available near the Eads Bridge for permanently moored casino boats, six of which are reportedly controlled by the Connelly Group.

At the recent Riverboat Gaming Congress & Expo held in New Orleans, Mr. Connelly also announced that his firm, President Riverboat Casinos, Inc., had applied for registration for public trading on the NASDAQ exchange.

A stock offering would supply the firm with an infusion of capital to further expand operations.

The firm includes excursion vessel operator Gateway Riverboat Cruises, President Casinos gaming operations in Iowa and Mississippi, and gaming equipment manufacturer International Gaming Technology. Proposals For The St. Louis Riverfront In the space of one week of the approval of riverboat gaming in Missouri, there were no less than a half dozen projects proposed for the St. Louis riverfront by would-be casino operators.

One of the most ambitious projects came from Jumer Hotels & Casinos, the operator of the successful Illinois gaming vessel Casino Rock Island.

Jumer's proposal calls for the construction of two new casino boats and a 250-room hotel at Laclede's Landing, an historic district north of the Eads Bridge currently under renovation.

As laid out by Jumer, the two casino boats would be near replicas of the steamers J.S. Deluxe and Capital, which served St. Louis in the early 1900s.

The J.S. Deluxe II would be permanently moored at the site, while the Capitol II would make regular gaming excursion trips. The 320- foot J.S. Deluxe II, with a restaurant on its upper deck and casinos on its second and main decks, and a 195-foot pavilion barge, featuring gift shops, recreation area and offices, would be built first and open in the spring of 1994.

The 293-foot Capital II would be completed in the fall of 1995. The hotel would be open by late 1994. Jumer expects to draw over 3.1 million people to the complex upon its completion.

The total cost of the project would be more than $90 million.

According to figures released by the company, this unique attraction would create jobs for 2,250 employees with a payroll of $67 million and produce a projected $163.9 million in city and state revenues over its initial five years.

Other proposals for Laclede's Landing came from: Ashfari Enterprises, Casino Magic Corporation, Kuhlmann Design Group, St. Louis Riverport Resort, and Skyline Casinos, Inc.

City officials are expected to decide late this month which of the firms would receive the mooring lease for Laclede's Landing. Queen of New Orleans: A $35 Million Riverboat "Hilton has long been at the forefront of the gaming industry and as gaming proliferated across the country, we plan on taking advantage of appropriate opportunities," said Barron Hilton, chairman and president of Hilton Hotels Corporation. Sticking to its philosophy, Hilton Hotels Corporation and its partner New Orleans Paddle wheels, Inc., are soon expected to announce the award of the contract to construct a 3,500-passenger, 400- by 90-foot casino paddlewheeler for Louisiana.

According to Duncan McKenzi, president, Hilton's Queen of New Orleans Riverboat Casino, the short list of yards in the running for the contract has been narrowed to Halter Marine, Inc., a part of the Trinity Marine Group; Avondale Industries, Inc.; Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc.; and McDermott, Inc.

Many insiders believe that Halter Marine, which provided the design work for the vessel, will be awarded the construction contract. The $35 million project, which will involve 200 jobs for ship workers, is expected to be completed approximately 12 months from the start of construction.

Some industry sources suggest that the cost of the vessel might exceed $35 million, once specialized surveillance, coin counting and gaming equipment is installed. Upon completion, the Queen of New Orleans would feature a 30,000-squarefoot casino containing nearly 1,500 slot machines and 60 table games. "We are going to award the contract to a Louisiana-based yard to stay within the spirit of the law, which was to create jobs locally," said Mr. McKenzie. "Three of the yards are based right here in New Orleans, while Bender just recently purchased the Bergeron Shipyard in Braithwaite." Conservative estimates by Mr. McKenzie project that the vessel will carry over one million passengers per year, generating revenues of about $40-45 per person per trip. If a lease can be obtained, the Queen of New Orleans would operate out of a new open air pavilion located at the Canal Street Wharf.

New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc., will own 50 percent of the project and manage the operation of the vessel. Hilton Gaming Division will manage the operation of the casino. According to joint venture partner Warren Reuther, president of New Orleans Paddlewheels, Inc., the two firms are also considering operating vessels out of the cities of Lake Charles and Shreveport.

These vessels would be smaller than the Queen of New Orleans, with a length of250 feet and beam of 60 feet, carrying 1,500 passengers. The paddlewheelers, of Rodney E. Lay design, would be similar in style to the Players Riverboat Casino under construction at Leevac Shipyards, Inc., in Jennings, La.

"Riverboat gaming will have a major impact on tourism to Louisiana," said Mr. Reuther. "The project [Queen of New Orleans] will work to enhance the existing charm and excitement New Orleans is renowned for . . ." As many as 15 licenses are expected to be issued in Louisiana, with a maximum of six vessels operating out of any one Parish.

By law, gaming operations have been limited to: the Mississippi, Red, Calcasieu, Mermentau, Ouachita and Atchafalaya Rivers, Bayou Bienvenue, Lake Pontchartrain, Lake Maurepas and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

All the vessels must be paddlewheelers and of at least 150 feet in length. Up to 60 percent of the passenger square footage can be devoted to gaming.

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Illinois: Harrah’s Metropolis riverboat marking casino’s 30th anniversary

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When it first opened, a common refrain around Metropolis was that it will never stay.

But on Thursday, Feb. 23, “the boat” and riverboat gambling marked 30 years at mile marker 944 on the Ohio River. From its beginnings as Players Riverboat Casino to its current status as Harrah’s Metropolis Casino & Hotel, there’s been a lot of water under the bridge since that 1993 opening, and Sherry Wessel has seen almost all of it.

Harrah’s Metropolis will celebrate its 30th anniversary throughout the year.

“We have additional funding to be sharing with nonprofits this year in honor of the 30th. I’m excited about it,” said Wessel, the operation’s senior vice president and general manager.

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The Growth of Riverboat Casino Gambling

Currently, only a handful of states allow gaming parlors and casinos on riverboats. Most operate on the Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri Rivers. The first state to reintroduce this type of gambling facility was Iowa in 1989, when legislators passed a law permitting riverboat casinos under certain circumstances. According to this measure, gambling in Iowa may occur only on historic or modern riverboats, making cruises on the Mississippi River lasting a specified period of time (usually an hour and a half). Slot machines and table games are allowed.

In Illinois, the second state to authorize riverboat gambling, casino patrons may also board riverboats making regularly scheduled runs; however, they must wait until the boats are fully underway before engaging in gambling activities. Games allowed include blackjack, craps, roulette, and big six. Slot machines and video poker also are permitted. Illinois riverboat casinos , all of which must charge a boarding fee to their customers, have the potential to be very plentiful , as they may cruise on any number of major rivers, including the Mississippi, Des Plaines, Ohio, and Illinois. Casino operators here have also been very successful in presenting Las Vegas – style entertainment, generating even more customer traffic. At the industry’s peak more than 10,000 new jobs were created in Illinois after the legalization of gambling on riverboats, with an estimated yearly payroll in excess of $250 million.

As a legislative condition for riverboat gambling in Mississippi, the state requires that each county first decide whether or not to approve it. Several counties – Adams, Claiborne, Handcock, and Tunica – were among the first to give the green light to riverboat gambling. It’s probably no coincidence that these counties were at the time also four of the poorest in the state. Mississippi riverboat casinos differ from those in other states in one major way: They must be permanently docked. Rather than based on boats, shipboard casinos sit on stationary barges, connected to land by gangplanks. Often this set-up allows more space to be devoted exclusively to gaming activities than on traditional riverboats. In fact, Mississippi at one time ranked second in the world in terms of casino space. Both slot machines and table games are permitted, and whereas other state governments limit the total number of riverboat casinos allowed to operate within their states, Mississippi provides unlimited licensing.

Two areas in Mississippi that initially struck it rich through the reintroduction of legalized gambling are the Biloxi/Gulfport region and the tiny towns of Tunica and Robinsonville in Tunica County. Both have several major casinos, including big-name operators such as Circus Circus, Sam’s Town, and Harrah’s.

In Louisiana legislators determined that while gambling would be permitted, it could only be conducted on fully operational ships of at least 120 feet that have the appropriate historical look of the nineteenth-century paddleboats. Modern models lacking the appearance of vintage paddlewheelers would not qualify as a legal venue for gaming activities. In addition the riverboats must make regularly scheduled runs and be large enough to hold at least 600 passengers. Currently the maximum number of riverboat gaming casinos allowed in Louisiana is fifteen. However, the city of New Orleans recently received a special waiver from the state legislature allowing a limited number of land-based casino operations there. Look for this city to quickly add new casino operations now that the legal framework is in place.

Passengers hoping to do a little gambling on Indiana riverboats should be prepared for a long time out on the water. Boats offering gambling activities must cruise for approximately four hours. (Of course, employees as well had better be ready to spend a considerable amount of time away from dry land.) The state also allows passengers to gamble thirty minutes before and after the actual cruise. Indiana gaming riverboats may be either historic or modern vessels of at least 150 feet, accommodating a minimum of 500 passengers. All types of table games and slot machines are allowed.

The last state (so far) to legalize riverboat gambling has been Missouri. Both modern and historical riverboats may qualify for gaming licensing. However, there has been much debate in the state as to what gaming activities actually should be allowed. The Missouri State Supreme Court ruled that games such as blackjack and poker may be permitted because they involve a measure of skill and not just luck, whereas slot machines and other specialty table games are prohibited because winnings depend primarily on luck. Even with these seemingly restrictive regulations, over twenty-five casino operators have filed for licensing with the Missouri Gaming Commission. Expect many to begin operating soon, if not already.

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Table of content:

• What is the river in poker?
• What is the origin of the River poker term?
• What is the significance of the river in Texas Hold’em?
• How to Play River in Poker?
• Strategy Advice for Betting in River?
• Strategy Advice for calling the river?
• What does it mean to rivered in Poker?

With most poker games, there are multiple rounds you have to go through before winning the pot money. In games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha , River is a very important round. It can make or break the hand for you. So, here we will tell you more about the river in poker meaning and significance of the poker river. Read on and know what is a river in poker? .

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What is a River in Poker?

In poker, the \"river\" is the last card dealt at the table in games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha. Suppose you have two private cards and five local cards shared by all players. The first three local cards are called the \"flop\", the fourth the \"turn\", and the fifth and final card the \"river\". Once the river is dealt, you make your best five-card hand with a combination of each of your private and community cards.

This is the last chance to bet, raise, or fold before the showdown, where players reveal their hands to determine the winner. Understanding river in poker tactics can greatly improve your game:

• Monitor your opponent’s preflop bets : Their range and pot odds influence each opponent’s bet. Generally speaking, the younger the opponent, the harder the hit.
• Evaluate turn bets : To see what an opponent could go for, consider how they bet in the mode. This insight can help you monitor their behavior on the river poker.
• Implicit Odd Calculations : Use the formula (opponent’s bet size/total pot size if the bet is called)×100 to determine the implied odds of a poker hand.
• Decision Matrix : There is usually no action outside the stream, so you can use the exact matrix to decide whether to call or fill, increasing your strategic decision making in river poker.

What is The Origin of The River Poker Term?

Poker’s term ‘the river’ is unique and fascinating. It is worth to understand the origin of this River Poker term as well as theories surrounding it. The most widely accepted theory about the term “river in poker” is that it originated on Mississippi riverboats in the 1800s where poker was a common game.

Therefore, according to this speculation, there were players who would cheat by dealing on more community cards to give their hands an advantage at the end of the game. If they were caught, such cheaters would be thrown into the water thus turning out a term for last card; “river.” Poker’s colorful past offers some insight into why they called this final card “river,” but also shows how wild early games used to be.

What is The Significance of The River in Texas Holdem?

In most group poker games, the dealer begins each hand by handing two hole cards, dealt face down, to each player. Then the players advance to the betting round, the first betting round, the flop, the third street, the second betting round, the turn or the fourth street, and finally, the river in poker towards the end of the hand.

The poker group also refers to the river card in poker as Fifth Street due to its order in the evolution. The river in poker games like Texas Hold’em is very important. Many players play their cards depending on the river card poker in that game. When a player bluffs in the poker game, most players wait for the river card in poker for the win. This is because they form their combinations sons so that the river card poker completes their hand combination for them to win.

How To Play River in Poker?

If you want to secure a win in poker, the key is to efficiently use all the information available to you. Gathering and compiling information about river in poker together helps guide your gameplay and keeps you updated on your opponents' moves. By staying aware of how your opponents are betting and reacting, you can better anticipate their strategies and make more informed decisions in river poker.

This is crucial for predicting the flow of the game and making strategic choices that can give you an advantage. Remember, the more information you can gather and use effectively, the better your chances of winning.

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Strategy Advice for Betting in River Poker?

• Avoid Betting Mid-Strength Hands : Betting mid-strength hands on the river in poker is usually ineffective.
• Bet Strong Hands : Bet strong hands to maximize your payouts.
• Bluff with Weak Hands : Use weak hands for bluffing, which is a common strategy among players.
• Risk of Medium Hands : Betting medium hands is risky because opponents might fold weaker hands and call with stronger ones.
• Maximize Bet Effectiveness : Focus on betting strong hands for value or weak hands as a bluff to improve your chances of success.

Strategy Advice for Calling The River?

• Understanding Pot Odds : Pot odds help determine whether to call the river in poker.
• Chips in the Pot : Existing chips in the pot mean we don't need to win more than 50% of the time to profit.
• Example Scenario : If an opponent bets $50 on the river in a $100 pot, calling is profitable if we win more than 25% of the time.
• Profitability Insight : Even if we lose most of the time, the occasional win can make calling lucrative due to the favorable pot odds.

Can You Use 'River' as Part of Your Focusing Strategy?

Yes, you can use the \" River in Poker \" as part of your focusing strategy. Here’s how:

• Final Opportunity : The river is the last street before the showdown, offering a final chance to adjust your betting strategy.
• Simplified Strategy : The river in poker strategy is slightly more straightforward than the turn. Your actions are determined by how you play your cards up to this point.
• Last to Act : If you are the last to wager, you have an edge as you can observe your opponents' actions before making your move.
• First to Act : If you are the first to bet, you can bet boldly and potentially force your opponents to fold.
• Strategic Betting : Your position is crucial. Never wager unless you are certain your hand is the best, as betting with a weak hand can lead to better hands calling your bluff.
• Final Round : The river in poker is the final round of betting, beginning once the fifth community card is revealed. It's the last opportunity for players to improve their hand and finalize their betting strategy.

What Does it Mean To Be Rivered in Poker?

When we’re ‘rivered,’ it indicates our rival has a lucky card on the river, and we lose the pot. ‘river rat’ refers to a player consistently winning pots with quite fortunate river cards.

With this, you now have all the information you need about the river in poker and the poker river meaning. Put this information to the test by downloading the GetMega Poker app and playing a game of poker against your friends now! Register yourself in different contests to win big money.

FAQ's About River in Poker

What is the \"river\" in poker\n.

• The river card poker is the fifth and final community card dealt in Texas Hold'em and Omaha. It's placed face-up on the board after the turn, completing the community cards and influencing the final outcome.

How does the Poker River impact the game?

• The river card poker significantly influences the hand's outcome, as players use the five community cards to form the best possible hand. It often leads to strategic betting and can dramatically change the winner.

Why is it called the \"River\"?

• The term River in Poker likely originated from traditional Mississippi riverboat gambling. It metaphorically represents the flow of the game, as the final card completes the community cards and determines the course of play.

Can the Poker River card be a game-changer?\n

• Absolutely. The river has the potential to alter the entire game, turning losing hands into winners or vice versa. Skilled players use this last card to bluff, extract value, or make critical decisions.

How to Play River Poker?

• Players should carefully consider their hand strength, opponents' likely holdings, and the overall board texture when navigating the river. 

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River In Poker: Poker Terms

In poker, the "river" is the last card dealt at the table in games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha. Suppose you have two private cards and five local cards shared by all players. The first three local cards are called the "flop", the fourth the "turn", and the fifth and final card the "river". Once the river is dealt, you make your best five-card hand with a combination of each of your private and community cards.

Yes, you can use the " River in Poker " as part of your focusing strategy. Here’s how:

What is the "River" in poker?

Why is it called the "river", can the poker river card be a game-changer.

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What Does OTB Mean in Betting? – Understanding Off Track Betting Terminology

If you are asking, “What does OTB mean in betting?”, it simply means “Off Track Betting”, and represents an avenue for horse racing betting that gives you far more convenience while wagering on horses.

Micheal Austin is a professional writer and an extensive researcher of gambling legislation. He has vast experience writing about sport and casino. He currently writes for SportsCasting and has contributed to a wide range of gambling sites and news outlets like Wetten, Cryptomaniaks, and Webopedia among others.

David has over 25 years of experience as both a writer and editor within the betting/newspaper industries, working with major publications such as The Guardian, Racing Post and Sky Sports Racing. With a diploma in sub-editing and law, and the author of four books, David now shares his knowledge with SportsCasting as a successful sports editor, writer and tipster.

There are a few things you need to know about OTB betting before you get started, and we cover all of them below. So, read on to learn more about how to integrate it into your racing endeavors.

What Does Off Track Betting Mean?

Is otb different from betting at a track, is off-track betting online legal, across the board, daily double, boxing and wheeling bets, which states allow off-track betting, pros and cons of off-track betting, what is the meaning of otb, how do you bet at otb, does otb take a percentage, what is an otb account.

What does OTB mean in sports betting? Off-track betting (OTB) basically refers to the option for horse racing betting fans to bet on races while they are not physically present on the race track – for example, with offshore sportsbooks or at designated OTB venues. It gives you more flexibility to make sure that you can get your bet on in time, as not everyone will be able to make it down to the tracks for every horse race.

In sports betting, OTB is common terminology for placing bets on races at designated OTB centers or through apps and crypto betting sites . Plus, it’s important not to confuse OTB (Off Track Betting) with “off the board,” which refers to a situation where a bookmaker removes a specific wager due to uncertainty or lack of information.

Yes, off-track betting is different from wagering at the actual track. While you are achieving the same goal by placing bets on races you want to wager on, there is a big difference between the two.

That difference lies in the fact that at the track, having a wager involves physically attending the racing event, where bettors can directly see the horses, assess conditions, and experience the event in real time. On the flip side of that, OTB allows you to wager remotely, either at OTB facilities or online with reliable sportsbooks.

While being at the race track offers a more social experience, OTB sports betting is all about convenience, as you don’t have to travel anywhere to bet on horses. Plus, you will find that the markets and racing lines you have at the track and off-track betting online are virtually the same.

The answer is yes, since the PASPA was overturned, states in the US allow for online betting which includes OTB. Online OTB in betting is legal in many parts of the US. In fact, most of the states in the US allow for legal OTB online betting or support offshore betting sites that have OTB.

Many states have regulated OTB sportsbooks that you can use, as well as retail OTB venues that may be closer to you where you can also place off-track bets. With that said, there are still a few states that are not too keen on OTB betting, and that’s why it’s important to check up on the legal standing in your own state. Plus, we will be touching on the states that allow for legal OTB shortly.

Types of Bets at OTB Sites and Retail Locations

OTB betting online gives you multiple different types that you can use. Just as you can find these at the track, you can find them with off track cash-out betting sites as well.

Here, you are simply wagering on what horse will finish first. It is the simplest type of racing bet that you can place, but to be fair, it can still be tricky to predict which horse will win the race, so don’t take it lightly.

A place bet is a wager on your selection finishing first or 2nd. If they finish in the top 2 places, your bet wins.

In a show bet, you’re betting on your fancy to finish first, second, or third. This is a bet that gives you a very good chance of achieving a successful outcome.

An across-the-board bet combines the win, place, and show bets into one. Basically, if your horse finishes 1st, you win all three bets; if it finishes 2nd, you win with both; and if they finish 3rd, you win the show bet.

In an exacta, you pick two horses to finish first and second in the exact order. This is a significantly more challenging bet than an across-the-board market.

This is the slightly more forgiving version of the exacta, as the two horses you bet on can finish in any order, provided they are both in the top two places.

A trifecta bet involves picking three horses to finish first, second, and third in the exact order. It’s like the exacta but with an added step.

The superfecta requires bettors to predict the first four horses in the exact order. This is an incredibly risky bet, but if it pays off, your payouts are usually very significant.

The Hi-5 bet is about predicting the top five finishers in exact order. As you can see, the markets in this regard just get tougher and tougher.

A daily double is different from the previous markets, as you have to pick the winners in two consecutive races.

Parlays involve multiple races and forming one bet. The selections you make are called legs, and the more legs you select, the bigger your potential payout.

A Pick 3 bet requires selecting the winners of three consecutive races. It’s like the daily double, but you need to get three right.

Boxing and wheeling bets allow you to cover more combinations. For example, in a boxed trifecta, you can pick three horses to finish first, second, and third in any order, which is more flexible than a standard trifecta. Whereas in a wheel bet, you bet on a horse to finish in a specific position.

As things stand, there are 40 different states that allow OTB off track betting. Here are some of the major states that offer OTB right now:

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Pennsylvania

Once you understand the OTB meaning, you will quickly start to see what its pros are. Here are some of the key pros that we think OTB brings you, as well as a few cons.

✅ Convenience : Bet from anywhere, as you now have no need to travel to your local track. ✅ Lower Costs : As you don’t have to hop in your car, you are saving on travel and even accommodation expenses. ✅ More Options : OTB sites give you ample promos and bonuses that you can claim that you won’t find at your local tracks. ✅ Legal in Many States : Several states offer safe and regulated OTB venues and safe betting sites for you to use, so they are easily accessible in most of the US.

❌ Lack of Atmosphere: The track gives you a very enjoyable social element with other bettors, and you also get the thrill of watching a live race. You won’t have this when you are betting online. ❌ No Visuals : You won’t be watching the races live, which removes some of the thrill. You also won’t be able to see the horses yourselves, to judge their condition with your own eyes.

OTB in Sports Betting FAQs

What is OTB betting? Well, OTB simply stands for Off-Track Betting. This is where you place bets either online or at designated OTB venues away from the actual race tracks.

You can simply sign up at a reliable sportsbook that gives you horse racing betting options. There are also dedicated OTB platforms or racebooks that you can use as well.

Yes, like most online sportsbooks or betting sites, these platforms will take a little off the top to cover their service charges.

An OTB account is an account that you open with an online racebook. With this account, you will be able to place your bets online without having to be physically present at the tracks.

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