Modern riverboat casinos were first legalized in 1989 in Iowa, then Illinois, followed closely by Missouri, Indiana, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The type of gaming allowed on riverboat casinos varies by jurisdiction. Generally, the states allow the playing of traditional casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and slots.
Iowa
You can enjoy 24 hour gaming on the water in the very first state to legalize riverboat gambling.
The Belle of Sioux City Riverboat Casino is a 1920's style paddle wheel boat complete with an open-air observation deck. The three deck riverboat can accommodate 1500 people with 12,500 square feet of gaming space. Gambling on the Missouri River takes place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and features 450 slot machines in addition to traditional table games.
Illinois
Illinois was the second state to legalize riverboat gambling.
The North Star, which is a dockside paddlewheel riverboat, opened on September 12, 2001 and serves as a home to Harrah's Metropolis casino. The North Star can accommodate 1800 guests with a 36,000 square foot casino floor that is split into three gaming floors with over 1100 slot machines and 25 table games.
Located at the Boat Works on the banks of the Mississippi in Rock Island, Illinois, Jumer's Riverboat Casino offers Las Vegas style gaming. With 3 full decks of gaming enjoy liberal slots and table bets from $2 to $1000.
Missouri
Gamble dockside in Missouri and you are guaranteed to not lose more than $500 during a two hour period.
Boasting the largest floating casino floor in the world, Ameristar Casino Hotel has 140,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino has more than 3200 slot/video poker machines, 126 table games, and the largest poker room in the Midwest.
The first riverboat casino in the state of Missouri, the Ameristar Casino St. Charles opened on May 27, 1994 and remains dockside. There is 50,000 square feet of gambling space, which is spread over two levels. Holding 2,000 passengers, there are 39 table games and over 1850 slot machines with denominations ranging from two cents to five dollars. There is also a separate poker room with three different games on ten tables.
Harrah's St. Louis consists of two 3200 passenger barges that remain dockside at all times. There are two casinos that make up the 120,00 square feet of gaming space: The Island Casino and The Mardi Gras Casino. With a combined total of over 3200 slot/video poker machines and 75 table games each casino has its own unique theme.
Indiana
Indiana Riverboat Casinos boast some of the loosest slots on the water.
If you like slots, the Argosy VI Riverboat Casino has the loosest slots in Indiana. According to the Indiana Gaming Commission, your chances of winning are better here than anywhere else in the state. Play any one of three decks with a combined total of over 2000 slots and 97 table games.
Reservations are not required at Caesars Indiana, but early arrival is recommended. With measurements of 450 feet long, 1000 feet wide, and four stories high, Caesars Indiana is the world's largest gaming vessel. With over 140 tables and 2800 slot machines there is something to suit everyone's tastes. Casinos include a Sports Casino, Rome Casino, Movie Casino, Burning Rome Casino, and a Music Casino.
The state of Indiana's first gaming riverboat, Casino Aztar accommodates 2700 passengers and offers 3 casino levels. The observation deck located on the top level offers a scenic view of the Ohio River. Games include slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, Caribbean draw poker, big six wheel, and let it ride bonus.
Louisiana
Here you can enjoy gaming aboard these old-fashioned paddlewheel riverboat casinos.
Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week the Argosy Casino Baton Rouge offers 29,000 square feet of games, which not only encompass all the best table games but over 800 slot, video poker, and keno machines.
Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana the Casino Rouge riverboat remains docked at all times. Choose from over 950 slots, 100 video poker games, and 44 table games.
Mississippi
Riverboat casinos here are actually built on barges, remain dockside, and offer 24 hour gaming.
The Beau Rivage riverboat casino provides 24 hour gambling with a wide variety of table games and slot machines. Located on the Mississippi Gulf waters, the Beau Rivage offers a resort adjacent to the casino. Room options include 400 square foot rooms, 900-2100 square foot suites, eight restaurants, and four bars/cafes. A floating lodge, which accommodates ten guests, is located one hour away from the Beau Rivage marina.
Named by the "Las Vegas Advisor" as one of the Top Ten Casinos in America where you are most likely to win, Copa Casino offers over 825 slots and 23 table games. The Mississippi Gulf Coast's only locally owned and operated casino is permanently docked in the Gulfport marina. You can take advantage of free slot and video poker tournaments that are offered every Tuesday and Wednesday.
