Riverboat Casinos: An Iconic Staple of America’s Gambling History
What Are Some of the Sweetest Riverboat Casino Rides in the United States?
Ride the Casino Wave
Long before casino news became fashionable, people were enjoying rides on riverboats. They weren’t used for people in the 1700s and 1800s, back then trade was what the big-wheel boats moved through the Mississippi. Times changed and the riverboats suddenly were not needed to move products. So, what were people to do with these remarkable boats? Why not turn them into casinos on the water?
That’s exactly what happened. Casino games became the purpose for the riverboats, which went through a dramatic makeover and turned into floating palaces. You name it and you could find it on the water. Games people play and all sorts of comfort and luxury.
This was more than a fad. By the late 1800s, the boats were approved as places people could go to enjoy gambling. Talk about an extravagant way of life. Get dressed up and hit the waters to play for real money.
Must-See Riverboats in the United States
While there are brick-and-mortar casinos around the United States and people can play at online casinos wherever and whenever they want, it remains a great experience to hit a riverboat casino for the aura and ambiance.
Grand Victoria Casino, IL
One of the best is the Grand Victoria Casino. One of the finest parts of a trip on the GVC is the dining experience. You can get a wonderful meal before deciding whether to play blackjack or sit in front of one of the thousand or so slot machines the boat boasts. In fact, the dining is so fine, you might just want to find a table and take in the scene.
Amelia Belle, LA
When in Louisiana, take a journey on the Amelia Belle. Talk about a great choice of foods, how about a Cajun buffet? If that isn’t scrumptious enough to tempt you into getting on this riverboat, there are 622 slots and 11 table games. The menu at the Bayou cafe offers traditional American fare and Cajun delights.
Casino Queen Marquette, IA
The Casino Queen Marquette also represents a riverboat that is worth a ride. This one has limited hours, open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It is a rather modern machine having come to fruition around 2000. The riverboat boasts a 17,000-square-foot gaming floor with more than 400 slots and video poker games. There is also a gaming floor where you can play Blackjack.
The Hollywood Casino, LA
The Hollywood Casino is in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also home to Louisiana State University. When in the city to see one of the school’s great athletic programs playing, make time to hit the Hollywood Casino.
This boat has different food offerings and one should check into its bonus and promotions, which offer serious rewards the higher you go on the tiered program.
Ameristar Casino Hotel, MS
The Ameristar Casino Hotel in Mississippi gives you a place to play and stay. You can join the PENN Play promotion to have a chance to win $2,000 in PENN Play cash. If you reach 3,000 PENN Play points, PENN cash rewards kick in.
Ameristar Casino Hotel on the Mississippi River. c1995 pic.twitter.com/Gf7LMlTt3H
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Active military members are entitled to some nice benefits if they stay on this floating casino. Active-duty military, veterans, and first responders are eligible for exclusive PENN Heroes benefits, including a tier upgrade to Advantage, up to 30% off hotel rates, dining & shopping discounts, and more!
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