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Ameristar St. Charles Riverboat Casino Review

May 24, 2022 By Jon Friedl - Professor Slots

Introduction to Ameristar St. Charles Riverboat

I visited the Ameristar St. Charles Riverboat casino on the eastern border of Missouri near St. Louis. Here I review this casino along with my general understanding riverboat casinos.

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Riverboat Casinos

Missouri is one of six U.S. states to legalize riverboat casinos. Iowa led the way in 1989, followed by Illinois and Louisiana in 1991, then Mississippi, Indiana, and Missouri in 1993.

Missouri’s riverboat gaming regulations for these casinos have evolved over time including:

• Eliminating cruising
• Removing closing boarding for two-hour-long gaming sessions
• Removal of the original $500 loss limit on each gaming session

A riverboat casino is usually barge floating over a few inches of muddy water, although a few have the look of a paddlewheel boat.

Ameristar St. Charles in Missouri does not give the appearance of being a boat. Most visitors consider it next to the Missouri River rather than on the river. Patrons walk into the casino with no indication of having boarded a boat. When visiting, there is no movement or rocking.

However, there is a sense of being on a boat based on the shape and size of the casino. The gaming floor is long and narrow, so it’s shaped like a boat.

Furthermore, local slots enthusiasts visiting for years notice that the casino never seems to expand in size like most land-based casinos. Put another way, the boat never seems to get bigger.

Some expansion is possible, such as Ameristar St. Charles adding a second floor with slot machines, half of which is sometimes converted to table games for large poker tournaments.

Many riverboat casino properties are also partially on land. The gaming floor must be a boat over water, but it’s 20-something floor hotel is on shore along with parking structures.

Also, dining options can be just off the casino floor, nearby enough to be convenient while not taking up valuable revenue generating floor space of the casino itself.

Do Riverboats have a Central Computer Server?

Ameristar St. Charles does not have a central computer server to remotely control slot machines. Why? Because it’s a boat, and boats have limited space.

Central servers must be hardwired to each slot machine, which can be hundreds or thousands of cables. Land-based casinos have sufficient space under floors and within walls and ceilings to house such large bundles of cables.

Riverboat casinos don’t have room for these bundles. Remember, the floor isn’t exactly a floor. Under the floor isn’t more floor, but rather a hull with river water on the other side.

Yes, slot machines have players’ card and other interfaces communicate information back and forth as needed, but the information transfer load is minimal and doesn’t require the dedicated and secure hardline connection needed for fast and constant updating of gaming devices.

Riverboat casinos would dearly love to have a central computer server to reduce their slot mechanic workforce, specifically all that payroll and compensation, and gain the ability to closely monitor their daily performance metrics.

As a result, there are consequences for slots enthusiasts trying to use my winning slots strategies at these riverboat casinos without a central computer server.

My Strategies that DON’T Work on Riverboat Casinos

My winning slots strategies 4 and 5, the morning after special events or holidays, depend upon having a central computer server connected to every slot machine in the casino.

Without one, neither of these “morning after” strategies can work. This lack of availability was confirmed time and again over the last year by fans trying both strategies at their local riverboat casinos.

Strategies 7 and 8, returning a week later and only playing during abruptly busy times also depend upon the casino employing a central computer server to immediately access and remotely control the odds of winning on its slot machines.

Fans have also confirmed this at riverboat casinos. However, as a caveat, it’s worth noting that a prominently located slot machine manually set up to have better odds of winning a few times a year would still be a winning seven days later.

Meaning, it would also be a winning machine on every day, all day, in-between for the whole last week. This assumes it’s limited casino marketing budget would last that long, of course.

My Strategies that DO Work on Riverboat Casinos

My winning slots strategies 1, 2, 3, 6, and 9 do not require casinos to have a central computer server. So, these five winning strategies may work if the casino uses the associated business practices these strategies depend upon.

Strategy 1 is my 5-spin method, which takes advantage of a purchased feature some casinos have on all their slot machines. If the casino purchased it from slot manufacturers, then they have it. If not, they don’t have it and the 5-spin method doesn’t work there.

Strategy 2 is for progressive slot machines which are networked together even on riverboat casinos without a central server. If they are not standalone progressive machines as indicated by small progressive jackpots, their network is with slots machines near them. Being physically nearby makes it physically easy to set up their network.

Strategy 3 on earning complimentary rewards works at any casino with a players’ club, which includes with Boyd Gaming’s players’ club program at Ameristar St. Charles.

Strategy 6 is my 5-spin method combined with several micro strategies and a good practice or two. Because the 5-spin method doesn’t require a central server, as previously mentioned, then strategy 6 works at riverboat casinos. However, the effectiveness of each of strategy 6’s add-ons beyond strategy 1 requires further study as time and opportunity permits.

Strategy 9 is one of my latest winning strategies, which I call Location, Location, Location. It doesn’t require a central server to work at casinos that have set themselves up to be taken advantage of by it. And most, if not all, casinos have done so. Ameristar St. Charles certainly has it.

More on the Ameristar St. Charles Riverboat

While I was at Ameristar St. Charles recently being shown around by a local fan that knows that riverboat casino well, I learned quite a few things which you will find useful if you visit this casino yourself some time.

These good and not-so-good things are:

• No one was using it at a time when the rest of the casino was busy.
• There were no new machines, no tall machines, and no large video slot machines.
• As it happens, my fan confirmed that several of them were known winners.
• No favorable areas were found on the second floor.
• As you walk into the main entrance to the casino floor, immediately on your right are three slot machines pointed in the direction of visitors walking down the hall to the entrance. The center of these three slot machines offered us wins including two bonus rounds within 20 bets, which was far better than the slot machines on either side of it.
• Results were sub-optimal as we fell well short of breaking even.
• Our return when choosing end-of-row slot machines to improve returns was better than most other performances at this casino.

My best recommendation for the Ameristar St. Charles riverboat casino is to play highly visible slot machines. This approach will net you the best returns you’re likely to find here. However, the “best” machines are already well-known and taken by locals during peak gaming times.

Alternatively, you can also use my 5-spin method . It does work, even though returns are less than breaking even. Still, as for us during my visit, it will extend your playing time somewhat.

Summary of Ameristar St. Charles Riverboat

I visited the Ameristar St. Charles Riverboat casino on the eastern border of Missouri near St. Louis. This was my review with regards to how to win at slots here.

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Ameristar Casino

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Ameristar’s presence in Vicksburg, MS is marked by a riverboat jam-packed with the latest casino games. Visitors can try their luck on more than 1,500 slot machines, immerse themselves in 36 exciting table games and visit a 10-table poker room, where they can participate in a number of tournaments. If you need to refuel after a long bout of gaming, don’t worry – there are plenty of dining options on this 70,000 sq. ft. riverboat casino.

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The Legacy and Historical Influence of Riverboat Casinos in the United States

Welcome aboard as we set sail into the captivating world of riverboat casinos in the United States . On this page, we’ll walk you through their legal status and historical implications, explore the where, what, and why of these floating gaming venues, and finally, take a close look at the modern condition of riverboat gambling.

As we explore the ins and outs of this unique chapter in American gaming history, we’ll also take a glance at if riverboat casinos have left a mark on the WV online gambling scene and gambling in the US in general.

• Legal Status of Riverboat Gambling
• Boat Casinos Regulation in Various States
• History of Riverboat Gambling
• Popular Riverboat Casinos

The Legal Status of Riverboat Gambling

Historically, casino boats were allowed in many states, mostly those with access to the Mississippi River. Today, only six states still allow this form of gambling:

Mississippi

Gambling boats are essentially floating casinos operating on designated waterways . They offer a wide variety of gambling activities just like land-based casinos, including slots , table games , and poker .

Each state with legal riverboat gambling has its own regulatory body responsible for licensing and ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. These regulations typically address aspects such as gambling activities allowed, revenue sharing with the state, security measures, responsible gambling practices, and environmental considerations.

While sharing similarities with land-based casinos, riverboat casinos face additional regulations due to their unique setting, such as:

• Licensing requirements . Land-based casinos typically have more stringent licensing requirements than riverboat casinos. For instance, land-based casinos may be required to undergo a more rigorous background check and financial audit process compared to riverboat casinos;
• Location restrictions . There are usually fewer restrictions on riverboat casino locations than on those of the brick-and-mortar venues. For instance, land-based casinos might not be allowed to operate in certain areas, such as residential neighborhoods or near schools. Riverboat casinos, in turn, are more flexible when it comes to location, as they can be moored on rivers that flow through various areas;
• Taxation . The taxation of land-based casinos and riverboat casinos can vary depending on the state. In some cases, land-based casinos may be subject to higher tax rates than riverboat casinos;
• Building codes . Land-based casinos are typically required to meet more stringent building codes than riverboat casinos. This is because land-based casinos are permanent structures, while riverboat casinos are considered temporary structures;
• Inspection and enforcement . Land-based casinos usually undergo more frequent inspections and stricter enforcement of regulations compared to riverboat casinos.

Generally, the regulation of land-based casinos tends to be more strict and comprehensive than the regulation of any casino on the Mississippi River . The reason is likely that land-based casinos are considered to have a greater impact on the surrounding community , both in terms of economic benefits and social costs.

State-by-State Riverboat Gambling Regulations

As of 2024, it’s legal to run and visit a riverboat casino in six states. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

Here, riverboat casinos are allowed on the Mississippi River , the Illinois River , and the Des Plaines River . The casinos must be located at least 300 feet from the shore and be accessible to the public by land or water . Riverboat casinos in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board .

In Indiana, boat casinos can operate on the Ohio River , the Indiana Harbor , and the Patoka Lake Reservoir . They must be located at least 600 feet from the shore . Riverboat casinos in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission .

In this state, it’s legal for riverboat casinos to operate on the Mississippi River and the Missouri River . They must be located at least 300 feet from the shore and are regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission .

A riverboat casino in Louisiana is allowed to operate on the Mississippi River , the Red River , and the Gulf of Mexico as long as they are located at least 300 feet from the shore . The casinos here are regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board .

Obviously, a riverboat casino in Mississippi can be located on the Mississippi River at least 300 feet from the shore . Boat casinos in Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission .

Last but not least, Missouri riverboat casinos are allowed on the Mississippi River and the Missouri River at least 300 feet from the shore . Riverboat casinos in Missouri are regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission .

Brief History of Riverboat Casinos

Explore the history of riverboat casinos in the United States, tracing their origins, development, and impact on both the gambling industry and American culture.

19th Century: The Origins of Riverboat Gambling

The roots of riverboat gambling can be traced back to the 19th century when steamboats were the primary mode of transportation along the Mississippi River. As passengers went on long journeys, gambling became a popular pastime to pass the time. While gambling activities were generally illegal on land at that time, boats provided a loophole, as they were considered to be outside of state jurisdiction.

Early 20th Century: Decline and Revival

The invention of railroads in the early 20th century led to a logical decline in riverboat travel, and respectively, riverboat gambling. However, the 1970s saw a reappearance of interest in riverboat casinos, primarily because of the push to revitalize urban areas.

1990s: Expansion and Legalization

The 1990s marked a period of significant growth for riverboat casinos. Several states legalized riverboat gambling, and the industry expanded rapidly. By the late 1990s, there were over 150 riverboat casinos operating in the United States.

2005: Hurricane Katrina and Its Devastating Blow

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The storm severely impacted the boat casino industry in Mississippi and Louisiana, with several casinos suffering significant damage or complete destruction.

Late 2010s: Post-Katrina Recovery and Adaptation

The consequences of Hurricane Katrina brought significant changes to the riverboat casino industry. While some casinos managed to rebuild and reopen, others had to close permanently. The industry also faced increased competition from brick-and-mortar casinos, which were gaining popularity at that time.

Today: A Mature Industry

Today, a casino boat remains a popular form of entertainment in the United States. However, the industry has matured and consolidated, with the number of riverboat casinos decreasing in recent years. Despite these changes, riverboat casinos continue to be an important economic driver in many regions.

Popular Riverboat Casinos in the US

Now that we know all the theory about riverboat gambling, let’s get to practice and take a look at the most popular water casinos in the United States.

The Grand Victoria Casino – Elgin, Illinois

Located along the beautiful Fox River, The Grand Victoria Casino is a home (or rather a boat) of true gaming elegance. Known as the largest riverboat casino in Illinois, it boasts an impressive 65,000 square feet of gaming space including slots, table games, and a poker room. The casino also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a steakhouse, a buffet, and a concert venue.

Ameristar Casino Vicksburg – Vicksburg, Mississippi

The Ameristar Casino Vicksburg is one of the oldest and most crowded riverboat casinos in Mississippi with over 50,000 square feet of gaming space . The wide choice of slots, table games, and poker tables is complemented by all kinds of entertainments, from the flavors of a diverse buffet to comedy clubs and nightclubs.

Horseshoe Casino – Bossier City, Louisiana

The Horseshoe Casino is one of the largest riverboat casinos in Louisiana and one of the most popular. It features over 100,000 square feet of gaming space , including slots, table games, and a poker room. The casino also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, so players can choose between a steakhouse, a buffet, a concert venue, and others.

Sam’s Town Casino – Shreveport, Louisiana

Sam’s Town Casino is a popular destination for all kinds of gaming enthusiasts in and out of state. With a gaming space of over 34,000 square feet , this casino offers an intimate yet exhilarating experience. Beyond the slots, table games, and poker room, Sam’s Town welcomes gamers to savor a culinary journey with a steakhouse, a buffet, and a unique entertainment experience at the in-house bowling alley.

What is the Diamond Lady casino boat?

The Diamond Lady Riverboat Casino was a paddlewheel riverboat casino that operated on the Mississippi River in Bettendorf, Iowa, from 1991 to 2008. In 2021, the Diamond Lady sank during a severe winter storm. It was later raised and brought to shore, where it remains today. The future of the Diamond Lady is uncertain, but it is possible that it will be restored and reopened as a casino or museum.

Why do casinos have to be on water in the US?

Casinos in the US don’t necessarily have to be on the water, but there are some casinos that are. This practice originated when gambling laws were more restrictive on land, and the association of riverboat gambling with waterborne transportation became a legal requirement in some states.

Why are casinos on the water so popular?

Riverboat casinos are popular for their unique charm and historical allure. The on-water setting offers players a distinctive and memorable gaming experience, contributing to the popularity of these establishments. Additionally, the regulations associated with riverboat gambling create a controlled and regulated environment that appeals to both operators and players.

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A Guide To The Most Iconic Riverboat Casinos In The US 

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Talk about casino destinations and you’ll most likely think of Las Vegas, Atlantic City or, if you are travelling outside the US, maybe Monaco or Macau.

Yet what are called “land based” or “bricks and mortar” casinos to differentiate them from the online versions are not necessarily on land or made of bricks and mortar.” To: “Yet what are called “land based” or “bricks and mortar” casinos to differentiate them from the online versions like 1xbet India online casino, are not necessarily on land or made of bricks and mortar.

We refer, of course, to riverboat casinos, a little slice of Americana that’s as American as Super Bowl Sunday or Thanksgiving turkey. Riverboat casinos conjure up images of the Mississippi and Mark Twain complete with white suit, top hat and cigar. There are more than 60 riverboat casinos operating in the USA and every single one of them has a story to tell. Here, we highlight a handful of the very best.

The Grand Victoria, Elgin

Our first stop is not on the Mississippi at all, but on the Fox River in Elgin, 50 miles north west of Chicago . Owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, the Grand Victoria really is a slice of Las Vegas on the Illinois waterfront.  With more than 1,000 slots and video poker terminals and 36 tables, there’s a great choice of games.

If all that gambling whets your appetite, there are four dining options on board, including the highly rated Buckingham’s Steakhouse and Lounge.

Casino Queen, Marquette  

The Casino Queen would look like a lifeboat if it was moored alongside the Grand Victoria, but that is all part of its charm. It offers a more intimate and personalized experience, and although there are only eight tables, they host an intriguing variety of games that are not commonly found in land (or water) based casinos. If you know how to gamble online in the US , you’ve probably seen fusion blackjack and 21+3 at US online casinos. The Casino Queen gives you an opportunity to play them in real casino surroundings.

When you step ashore, there is an adjacent 31-acre entertainment complex with a variety of attractions and a huge choice of dining options.

The Amelia Belle, Amelia  

At last, we arrive in Louisiana, where the Amelia Belle lies nestled in the Avoca Island Cutoff waterway. This classic four-story riverboat looks like it has stepped straight out of a photograph from the turn of the 20 th century. When it is lit up at night, it takes your breath away.

At the tables, poker is the order of the day. The casino offers Mississippi stud, 3-card poker and Texas Holdem. There are also 800 slot games, while the Fanduel sportsbook has self-service betting kiosks, a wall full of television screens, and a huge video wall to show the biggest events.

Sam’s Town, Shreveport

On the opposite side of Louisiana, Sam’s Town could not be more different to the Amelia Belle. This floating leisure complex houses a hotel, health spa, sauna and live entertainment venue.

The casino offers more than 1,000 slots and 30 table games that include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Let it Ride and Craps No More.

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Ameristar Council Bluffs Riverboat Casino

From www.ameristarcasinos.com : Modeled after the historic riverboats of the 1800s, the Ameristar Council Bluffs riverboat casino consists of 38,500 square feet of gaming excitement with a complete selection of popular slot, video poker and table games.

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Just 25 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis in St. Charles, Missouri, the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles offers plenty of chances to test your luck. You'll find table games and even unique, movie-themed electronic slots games. When you need a break from all that risk taking, go for a sure thing: Relax at the spa or pool, or retreat to one of nearly 400 suites equipped with two plasma HDTVs, complimentary wireless internet access and a sunken living area for lounging. Recent guests were impressed by the helpful and amicable service staff and the abundance of dining options (with eight eateries ranging from bake shops to oyster bars).

• Hotel Class 4.0
• Critic Rating GOOD

Tripadvisor Traveler Rating

U.S. News analyzed more than 35,000 hotels to find the best in the USA, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, based on reputation among travel experts, guest reviews and hotel class ratings.

• # 18 in Best Missouri Hotels
• # 2 in Best Missouri Resorts
• # 1532 in Best USA Hotels
• # 477 in Best USA Resorts

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Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Louis Riverport - Airport West

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Critic Reviews

• AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2023

Guest Reviews

A hotel's guest rating is calculated using data provided under license by Tripadvisor. A total of 862 have reviewed the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles , giving it a rating of 4 , on a scale of 1-5.

Tripadvisor Travel Rating: 

Guest Rooms

Standard room size :  500 square feet

• Premium channels
• Workspace/desk
• Bathrobes/slippers
• Shower/tub combo
• Separate shower
• Separate tub
• Wireless internet
• Free internet
• Fee for internet usage
• Guest rooms with patios and balconies
• Adjoining rooms available

Location & Parking

• Downtown St. Louis is 23 miles southeast
• Hotel is about 8 miles west of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
• 24-hour valet parking (free)
• 24-hour self-parking (free)
• Airport shuttle
• Car service

Within walking distance of :

• Restaurants
• Movie theater
• Train station
• Subway/metro stop
• Grocery store
• Room service is available between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. during the week and until midnight on the weekends

Number of restaurants :  8

Cuisine Types :  Buffet, Italian, American

• Fine dining
• Casual dining
• Quick service cafe/coffee shop/marketplace
• Room service
• 24-hour room service
• free breakfast
• Pool hours are from 6 a.m. to midnight, but guests ages 18 and younger must vacate the pool by 9 p.m.
• Pool bar available during the summer
• Wading pool
• Family pool
• Infinity pool
• Whirlpool/hot tub
• Adults-only pool
• Lifeguard on duty
• Poolside service
• Deck chairs or cabanas

Services offered :

• Body Treatments (i.e. scrubs, wraps)
• Salon services
• Outdoor treatment area
• Pack n' plays available
• Free Kids Club
• Fee for Kids Club
• High Chairs
• Weight equipment
• Cardio equipment
• Free fitness classes
• Premium fitness classes (with fee)
• Catering and audiovisual support on-site

Number of meeting rooms :  20

• Business center
• Meeting rooms
• Meeting and event planners available

Maximum wedding guest capacity :  1600

• Hotel hosts weddings
• Outdoor space for weddings
• Wedding planners available

Editor’s note: Hotel information is updated periodically. If this is your property and you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know .

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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Ameristar closes deal for riverboat

Las Vegas-based Ameristar Casinos officially entered its seventh gaming market, completing a $675 million acquisition of the Resorts East Chicago riverboat casino that is in Indiana, but caters to customers from lucrative Chicago.

The deal closed late Tuesday, five months after it was originally announced. Ameristar, which operates regional casinos in Northern Nevada, Missouri, Iowa, Mississippi and Colorado, plans to rebrand the 53,000-square-foot casino as an Ameristar property.

Ameristar Chief Executive Officer John Boushy said the purchase of the casino from Resorts International was an important step in the company's previously announced strategy of expanding through acquisition.

"The purchase of Resorts East Chicago provides access to one of the nation's most attractive gaming markets, diversifies our cash flow, and greatly enhances our distribution channels," Boushy said in a statement. "As a result, this acquisition represents a significant milestone in achieving our growth objectives."

Ameristar said it would spend between $20 million and $25 million to upgrade the casino, which has 1,900 slot machines, 60 table games and 16 poker tables, and the 291-room hotel. The company will also spend between $5 million and $7 million to integrate the casino's systems into Ameristar's operating structure.

The company has done similar rebranding with its acquired casinos over the years, including properties in Kansas City and St. Charles, Mo.

"Ameristar has established an impressive record of maximizing the value of our acquired properties, and we are confident we will do the same with Resorts East Chicago," Ameristar Executive Vice President Gordon Kanofsky said.

A report by Jefferies & Co., shows the eight casinos in the Chicagoland casino market, which includes Illinois and northern Indiana, produced almost $2.5 billion in gaming revenues in the 12 months ended Dec. 31, making it the third-largest gaming jurisdiction behind Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

The competition for Ameristar includes the Blue Chip casino in Michigan City, Ind., which is operated by Boyd Gaming Corp., and the Horseshoe in Hammond, Ind., which is owned by Harrah's Entertainment. Harrah's also operates a riverboat casino near Joliet, Ill., while MGM Mirage jointly owns the Grand Victoria riverboat casino with the Hyatt Corp. in Elgin, Ill.

All of the casino operations cater to an estimated 6.4 million adults in the Chicago area.

Ameristar said it would explore longer-term expansion at the casino, including a new single-level casino, additional parking, new restaurants and entertainment attractions and better property access throughout the property. The company said the timing, scope and cost of these projects will depend on several factors, including potential changes in competitive conditions in the Chicago market.

Gaming analyst Justin Sebastiano of Nollenberger Capital Partners said the deal made sense for Ameristar to complete, but he added that it may take the company a few years to realize a return on its investment.

"We believe the company paid too much, but we understand its decision," Sebastiano said in a note to investors Wednesday. "Resorts East Chicago is a riverboat that operates in the Chicagoland market where Ameristar currently does not have a presence. Acquisitions like this one should help Ameristar achieve its previously stated goal of doubling its (cash flow) over the next three to five years."

Ameristar moved its general manager of the Ameristar Kansas City property, Timothy Wright, to take over as the general manager of the newly acquired casino.

The vote was announced by Culinary Workers Union Local 226 on Tuesday evening.

The homeowner’s association — which is responsible for maintaining the private water distribution system of the complex near Sunset and Pabco roads — told officials that it can’t cover the repair costs, according to the letter.

A third illegal bookmaker from California will plead guilty to running an illegal bookmaking operation and money laundering in California and in a Las Vegas casino.

Spirit Airlines on Tuesday launched a new boarding process that the company says will reduce boarding time and improve on-time performance.

Macquarie Capital’s research says North American online sports betting stocks are up 18 percent year-to-date, on average

Caesars Entertainment Regional President Sean McBurney talks Killers, “DiscoShow” and more in an exclusive interview.

The NFL wants those officers to share their photos for facial recognition purposes, which the Las Vegas Police Protective Association said it has concerns about.

Redfin says the Las Vegas Valley saw the biggest year-over-year jump in investor purchases of single-family homes in the country.

A Las Vegas Strip casino awarded a pair of million-dollar jackpots to visitors this weekend.

Though many workers have the day off on Labor Day, most major businesses remain open.