The first riverboat casinos made money through what is known in the trade as “convenience gambling,” meaning people went there solely because it offered gambling close to home. The ability to gamble without traveling to Las Vegas or Atlantic City made up for the fact that typically, one would find slots and table games cramped on several. 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.

Riverboat Gambling On The Mississippi River

The riverboat gambling bill passed in Mississippi even as lawmakers were emotionally debating both the constitutionality and the morality of statewide legalization of video-poker machines. Did you know that the Quad Cities was the first in the U.S. To offer riverboat gaming? In 1991, the region launched a nationwide resurgence of gaming when the Diamond Lady Casino was the first casino to open in Bettendorf, Iowa. The President Casino opened about an hour later on the riverfront in Davenport, Iowa.

This riverboat galleries are dedicated to the many riverboats in a paddle-wheel steamboat style all along the US inland rivers that remind us of the original, historic steamboats plying these waters just a few decades ago.

Riverboat Gambling Mississippi River

In this list you’ll find information about each of the boats, picture galleries, calliope music, whistle recordings and some videos.

Riverboat Cruises Mississippi River Gambling

Columbia, Snake Rivers Beginning in April 2014, the AMERICA EMPRESS, ex EMPRESS OF THE NORTH, will run again on the Columbia and Snake Rivers for the American Queen Steamboat Company after about six years of lay-up. The American Empress is…