When Does a Casino Boat Become a Building?

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – As reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer: "Several Indiana lawmakers and the operators of some riverboats are worried that revised casino construction standards could
The new, expanded Argosy floating casino, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2008 - will have 4,000 gaming stations - an increase of 1,200, or 43 percent.  result in floating gaming halls that look more like buildings than boats.

"One of the gambling boats being criticized is the planned new vessel for Argosy in Lawrenceburg.

"…The new Argosy boat will have 4,000 gaming stations - an increase of 1,200, or 43 percent, from the current vessel.

"The new casino is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2008, while a 1,500-car garage is scheduled to open at the Lawrenceburg casino in the fourth quarter of 2007.

"Eric Schippers, vice president of public affairs for Argosy's parent company, Penn National Gaming, said the new boat will be capable of navigating on the water, although it's 'not one we intend to take on cruises or excursions.' It also will be much larger than existing boats, with gambling located largely on one level rather than several.

"Ernest Yelton, the gaming commission's executive director, said there was no need for concern about the new rules, which are still being drafted. He said massive new vessels being built for Argosy and Horseshoe Hammond in Lake County will be navigable boats with motors and crews that can move on their own.