Monday, April 22, 2024

Do Mississippi River Cruises Have Casinos

Don't Miss

Types Of Live Mississippi Gambling

American Queen Steamboat Company: Mississippi River Cruising on American Countess
  • Horses: No
  • Lottery: No

There are only two types of legal Mississippi gambling. Charities may hold bingo games, sell raffle tickets and pull-tabs. This is as close to a lottery as it gets in Mississippi.

Mississippi casinos are legal in jurisdictions that vote to approve them through local referendums. Casinos in Mississippi must be on riverboats in the water with the exception of the Gulf Coast. Hurricane Katrina changed how boats on the ocean operate after the entire industry was wiped out. Casinos on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi may be located within 800 feet of the water.

Mississippi casinos offer all the popular casino games one would find in a typical gaming jurisdiction. Craps, roulette, slots, video poker, live poker rooms, and house-banked card games are the common forms of gambling found in Mississippi casinos. Proprietary games like Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Holdem, Mississippi Stud, and Caribbean Stud Poker are among the favorites of locals.

Do Casinos Have To Be On Water In Mississippi

Its easier for casinos built on dry land to afford insurance. Further north, however, Mississippi casinos still must be on rivers or standing water. Four other states continue to allow casinos on water only. Gambling opponents support such strictures as a way of keeping the number of casinos to a minimum.

Burlington Tour Guides Will Get Training Passengers Greeted By Two Songs

The big riverboats that ply the Mississippi River are under the purview of Chelsea Lerud, executive director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau of the Greater Burlington Partnership. She coordinates the volunteers needed to show passengers around the community whenever they dock riverside.

“The boats arrive in the middle of the night. Passengers disembark at around 8 a.m. The vessels will leave around 4 p.m.,” Lerud said.

The CVB is preparing with a guide refresher/training course on Wednesday. It has a number of tour guides who assist on docking days.

The Welcome Center Ambassadors sing two songs to the passengers “The Song of Iowa” to the tune of “Tannenbaum,” and reworked lyrics to “When Youre Smiling,” Lerud said.

The “When Youre Smiling” version, with lines of:

“Go see Snake Alley, and our Cobblestone Street

And our Museums, they just cant be beat

So when you’re smiling, keep on smiling

And we’ll all smile with you,”

was composed specifically for this purpose, by then-ambassador Ginny Burrus, who loved sharing with visitors Burlington’s architecture, unique geography and landmarks.

All local tour guides will be required to present their vaccination card or receive a rapid test the day of the docking, Lerud said.

Burlington stops include the Des Moines County Heritage Center, Mosquito Park, Snake Alley/Garrett-Phelps House Museum, Downtown Burlington, and the Port of Burlington Welcome Center, Lerud said.

Read Also: What Cruise Ships Go Out Of Galveston

What Is The Average Age On A Viking River Cruise

The average age on a Viking river cruise is 45 to 65. The youngest passengers are just eight years old, and the oldest are in their 80s. In most cases, people enjoy cruising with friends or family.

So, if you want to choose a cruise, first check the age and activities available. In return, youll get a cruise worth your investment.

Dont Miss: Are Msc Cruises Any Good

What Happens If You Win Big At A Riverboat Casino

Mississippi Belle II Riverboat Casino review and player ...

If you happen to win big at a riverboat casino in one of these top destinations, your winnings may be subject to a 30% withholding tax from the IRS. Luckily, if you are a Canadian or non-U.S. resident, you could get this money back. This is where Refund Management Services comes in.

Refund Management Services is Canadas most reliable and experienced gaming and casino tax refund provider. Only RMS has the One Simple StepTM process with an easy form to fill out our Customer Service Agents take care of the rest and your refund cheque gets mailed out to you as soon as your refund is approved.

Founded by a Canadian Chartered Accountant in 1998, the U.S. gaming tax refund specialists at RMS have CA designation and a long-standing relationship with the IRS for efficient processing. Over the years, RMS has helped thousands of people around the world recover taxes on their U.S. gaming wins. Weve never been refused an eligible refund. To find out more, contact Refund Management Services today.

You May Like: When Is The Best Time To Cruise Alaska

Riverboat Casino How To Dress

There are many types of riverboat casino cruises. Some casinos have a strictly black tie policy, others are more casual, and lately, many companies turn to create a family-friendly environment. Your luggage should hold clothes that are appropriate for the season and the ship’s luxury status, but most of all, you should consider your comfort.

Cruising The Lower Mississippi River

Lower Mississippi. Courtesy of American Queen Steamboat Company

There are also several itineraries available on the Lower Mississippi between Memphis and New Orleans. These cruises are typically between 8 and 9 days long. There are also 5- to 6-day packages that are round trip from New Orleans.

Unlike the Upper Mississippi, cruises on the Lower Mississippi are available throughout most of the year, with the exception of mid-January thru late February. And similar to cruises in Europe, there are themed itineraries available during the winter holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve/Day.

In addition to Upper Mississippi and Lower Mississippi River cruises, there are a couple of itineraries available each year that combine both. These cruises are between New Orleans and St. Paul, MN and are 16 to 22 days long.

Prominent cities often visited on a Mississippi River cruise include:

  • New Orleans

Read Also: Norwegian Cruise From Houston

Mississippi Riverboat & Rhythm City Casino Hotel

Trip Itinerary:

Trip Includes:

  • Deluxe roundtrip motorcoach from Grand Island
  • 4 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches on the boat, 2 suppers on the boat
  • 1 Buffet supper at Rhythm City Casino Resort
  • $ in free slot play Wednesday & Friday night
  • 2 nights lodging at Rhythm City Casino Resort
  • 2 days cruising on the Mississippi River
  • Overnight lodging at the Grand Harbor Resort
  • Admission to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
  • Shuttle service to Port of Dubuque attractions
  • Escorted by Gannon Travel Associates

Trip Cost:

$789 per person

$779 per person

$969 per person

$200 per person deposit due with reservation. Cancellation Policy: Deposit is refundable until final payment date of August 1st. If cancellations are made August 2nd, no refund will be given. No charge for name changes.

How Many Riverboat Casinos Are There

Riverboat Cruise on American Jazz, Lower Mississippi, May 21

According to the latest figures provided in 2018, there are currently a total 63 riverboat casinos operating across the states of Iowa, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Missouri. All of these are packed with entertainment options and many classic casino games such as blackjack and roulette.

Recommended Reading: Best Cruise Line Food

Mississippi Belle Ii Usa

This river-dwelling casino based in Iowa is much more than just a gambling spot. It offers so many recreations for children which makes it a perfect place to visit with family. From poker and blackjack to roulette and craps, youll find all kinds of gaming opportunities in this riverboat casino. It offers many amazing amenities like delicatessens, restaurants, and a large activity center for children.

Best Times To Take Mississippi River Cruise

Best times for Mississippi River cruises depend on weather. Pixabay Creative Commons license

The best time to take a Mississippi River cruise depends on passengers who dont mind big swings in temperatures during their trips.

Thats because the longest cruises go from Minneapolis in the far north of the United States to New Orleans, which is more than 1,000 miles away in the far south.

There are three types of these cruises: complete, lower and upper Mississippi.

But in general, the best time of year to take a Mississippi river cruise is September and October when the risk of rain is lowest and temperatures are warm but moderate. The worst times are November through May because of colder temperatures and higher risk of rain.

Some of the larger river cruise companies have Mississippi cruises every month of the year. But for obvious reasons, Minneapolis with an average daytime temperature of 23 degrees in January is not a popular place to begin or end a cruise. New Orleans with an average daytime temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit in January has much more appeal.

So the month of the year is a major factor for when cruise planners should take a complete, lower or upper Mississippi River cruise.

Read Also: Round Trip Cruise To Hawaii From California

Is The Cruise Ship Casino Open 24/7

No. Cruise ship casinos are only open when the ship is out to sea or in port in a select few countries where gambling is permitted , such as Bermuda and Malta. On some cruise ships, casinos are also closed during the day — even when the ship is out to sea because cruise lines know most people are doing other things during daylight hours. Night hours vary, but cruise ship casinos tend to stay open until 2 or 3 a.m. Always check your daily cruise schedule for the day’s casino hours.

History Of Mississippi Gambling

Riverboat Gambling: What is it and Where Can I Try it?

While there is little in the way of gambling these days, that was not always the case. Horse racing was once legal in Mississippi before it became a state. The Fleetfield Race Track opened in Natchez in 1795. Gulf Coast and Mississippi River resorts offered gambling options in the 1800s. This included riverboat excursions that todays casinos attempt to mimic in some capacity.

Don’t Miss: Hawaii Cruise From San Diego

How Many Casinos Are There In Mississippi

  • Mississippi Casino Information. Mississippi has 36 casinos in which you’ll find more than 38,797 slots and gaming machines. There are a total of 1054 table games. The minimum bet we’ve found at casinos in Mississippi is $0.01 and the maxium bet is $10,000. Click a casino on the left for more information on a particular property.
Related

Casino Cruises In Different Countries

While cruise liners are most popular in the US and UK, today the popularity of casino cruises has made them prevalent throughout the world. A few of the popular casino liners include liners on the Panama canal, Caribbean, Hawaiian islands and European cruises like the British cruises, Norwegian cruises and Russian cruises. Columbia, Alaska and Mississippi river cruises are also quite popular. Besides these, Asia is also quite popular for its casino liners.

Recommended Reading: Carnival Cruise From Mobile Al

Modern Day Riverboat Casinos

After so much was said about history and legalisation, it would be great to shortlist some casino vessels that are currently in operation. Well give an example from each of the six states that allow riverboat gambling.

As you probably noticed, like in any other industry, change of casino ownership is not uncommon. This is often accompanied by re-branding. Bear in mind that the brands and vessel location might change over time. Another thing to consider is that some states are not too precise in their definitions and any facility near water may classify as eligible. In Missouri for instance, this allowed investors to build legal casinos in that are far from the look and feel of real flatboats. However, nowadays, the situation is a tad different. Why limit your options only to brick and mortar establishments when you can play at the best online casinos for US players!

Interesting Facts About Riverboat Casinos

Upper Mississippi Riverboat Cruise, American Melody, Oct 21
  • The American Empress, a 360ft diesel-powered paddle-wheeler riverboat, is the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River. This cruise boat, which cruises the Columbia and Snake Rivers, also contains an interesting collection of artifacts and artwork from Native Alaska, the Gold Rush, Russia, and the stern-wheeler era .
  • Historians believe that gambling cheats were sometimes hung by vigilantes, who took the law into their own hands. One famous example happened in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1835, when five gamblers were lynched after they were found to be cheating.
  • When riverboat gambling was legalized in the early 1990s, all Louisiana vessels had to look like 19th-century paddlewheel boats. In Indiana, the law required riverboat gaming houses to be at least 150ft long and able to accommodate 500 passengers or more.
  • In most eligible states, players were only allowed to gamble while the vessel was in motion. However, this changed when boats couldnt leave the shore due to bad weather or for other safety reasons. Now, of course, the opposite is true. Most states require riverboat casinos to stay dockside.

You May Like: River Cruises Italy

Mississippi Casinos & Gambling Faq

Does Mississippi have a state lottery?

Mississippi is one of just six states that do not have a state lottery.

Is horseracing legal in Mississippi?

Horseracing is not legal in the state.

Are daily fantasy sports sites legal in Mississippi?

No, according to the state attorney general. Many sites ignored this opinion and continue to accept players from Mississippi. DraftKings and FanDuel left the market.

Is smoking banned in Mississippi casinos?

There is no statewide smoking ban in Mississippi for any business. Palace Casino voluntarily banned smoking in 2011.

Are there casinos in Mississippi?

Yes, there are currently 28 casinos in Mississippi.

What is the minimum gambling age in Mississippi?

The minimum Mississippi gambling age is 21 years for casino players and 18 years for charity gambling.

What games are spread by Mississippi casinos?

Slots, video poker, live poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, Mississippi Stud, Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Holdem, Texas Holdem Bonus, baccarat, and Pai Gow Poker are among the many games that are permitted in Mississippi casinos.

Are The Riverboat Casinos Only In The Usa

Once you browse the Internet, you will undoubtedly discover that there are many river cruises. Some of the largest rivers in the world have riverboat casino ships and cruise ships traveling up and down the streams. You can find different companies offering their services to foreign and local tourists. Pick wisely, and enjoy your next trip.

Don’t Miss: Cruise Out Of Mobile

Treasure Chest Casino Usa

If you want to have an extraordinary gambling experience accompanied by other entertainments, Treasure Chest casino, Louisiana is an ideal spot for you. It has an all-you-can-eat buffet which is one of the most attractive amenities of the place. The most unique feature of this Louisiana-based casino is its big prize giveaways. Besides its various amenities, it has around 36 table games including Mississippi Stud, Pai Gow, mini-baccarat, craps, roulette, and blackjack. For free spins and up to 250 in bonuses, visit platincasino.com/ie/book-of-the-princess.html

  • Tags

Interesting Trivia Surrounding Riverboat Casinos

Riverboat Gambling: A Taste Of The Past

Before we give you some riverboat recommendations, wed like to give you some riverboat casino trivia and historical facts that you might find intriguing.

Firstly, when riverboat gambling was legalized in the early 1990s, different states demanded different cosmetic requirements. For instance, all Louisiana vessels were required by law to look exactly like the 19th-century paddlewheel steamboats. In Indiana, riverboat casinos legally had to be 150 feet long and able to accommodate at least 500 passengers.

Riverboat gambling also comes with a history of violence. Modern historians have found sources that report on individuals taking the law into their own hands to punish cheaters and thieves. The most famous incident occurred in Vicksburg, Mississippi when five gamblers were lynched in 1835 after they were discovered to be cheating.

Initially, in most states, players were only allowed to gamble when the riverboat casino was in motion. However, due to unpredictable and terrible weather, boats occasionally couldnt leave the shore for safety reasons. After Hurricane Katrina, most states require riverboat casinos to stay docked to the barge to prevent damage and accidents.

Also Check: Bahamas Paradise Cruise Review

How Much Does A Riverboat Casino Cost

Riverboat casinos have been reported to cost anywhere between $7 million and $20 million. This is without even taking into consideration the additional cost of installing gambling equipment for its patrons. Typically installed by shipyards, additional gambling equipment such as slot machines can run up further bills of up to $6 million.

Why Do Casinos Not Have Windows

Casinos dont have clocks or windows because they want to keep players focused on playing games. Casinos make more money the longer you play and clocks distract players by giving them a reference for how long they have been playing. Casinos dont have windows for the same reason. Windows show the passage of time.

Recommended Reading: Total Cost Of A Cruise

Online Casinos In Mississippi

The only legal form of online gambling in Mississippi is through daily fantasy sports play.

Online casinos are not permitted and come with a $500 fine and jail time if you are caught playing on one.

While no one has ever been in trouble for online gambling in Mississippi, we still recommend being careful if choosing to wager.

Its hard to say how soon online casinos will be accepted in the state.

Some think because of the recent legalization of the lottery that Mississippi is more open to gambling, while others say its nowhere close to even starting the process of regulating online casinos.

Either way, soon still means way down the road.

How To Recognize A Good Riverboat Casino

Ship Tour of American Melody – The Newest Mississippi River Cruise Ship

In our article, we gave you a few things to look for when booking a trip. The first things to look for when browsing the riverboat casino cruises list are the route of the boat, food, and the hotel accommodations. Since gambling will be the main part of your activities, check the casino features and other entertainment.

Recommended Reading: What Cruise Lines Sail Out Of Jacksonville Florida

Choosing A Mississippi River Cruise Itinerary

Because it is so long, the Mississippi River is usually divided into three parts. Each segment typically takes a week, or you can combine them for a three-week cruise. The scenery along the river is generally prettier and the wildlife more prevalent the farther north you are on the river. All segments can be done in either direction.

Keep in mind that sailing against the current slows the boat and generally means fewer ports or less time in port, but youll have more time to relax onboard.

Lower Mississippi : A weeklong sailing, which can run in either direction, this stretch of the river can include port stops like Oak Alley and Nottoway plantations, Baton Rouge and St. Francisville in Louisiana Natchez, Vicksburg and Greenville in Mississippi and Helena, Arkansas. The occasional New Orleans cruise, which can run from five to seven days, typically visits the same ports, minus Memphis.

Middle Mississippi : Also weeklong itineraries that can run in either direction, these sailings typically feature stops at New Madrid and Cape Girardeau, Missouri Paducah, Kentucky and Chester, Illinois. Memphis to St. Louis sailings feature more scenic sailing and fewer port stops than other Mississippi itineraries, and, as such, fewer of these itineraries are offered.

Mississippi and Ohio rivers: Some Mississippi River sailings also spend time visiting Ohio River ports.

More articles

Popular Articles