Cruise Ship Gambling Expansion Taking Place In Florida

Lawmakers expanded Florida's land-based casino operations earlier this year in the state of Florida. Now it appears as though the cruise ship gambling business is about to grow as well. In September, a new ship will set sail in Mayport, Florida.

The Jacks or Better Casino company expects its new ship to start sailing in mid-September. The ship will be able to accommodate up to 500 passengers, and the cost will be between $20 and $25 per sailing. Two sailings a day will take place.

"I pulled a lot of money out of the stock market because it is more of a gamble than this," said Mark Slotkin, President of Jacks or Better, as reported by Bizjournals.com. "I was looking for a business where you knew where you had a reasonable chance of having the odds in your favor."

The ship will have 200 slot machines for gamblers to enjoy. For gamblers who do not like playing the slots, the ship will also run two craps tables and two roulette tables. Other games will also be available and a buffet and beverages are free with the purchase of a ticket to get on board.

Florida is one of the states where gambling is becoming a main source of revenue. Earlier this year, legislators completed a compact with the Seminole Indians that allows the Seminoles to operate blackjack at five of their seven Florida casinos.

The state pari-mutuels and the Seminoles both received the rights to offer no-limit poker games and tournaments. Already, some of the top professionals in the world have made their way to casinos such as the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood to take on the local talent.

August 26, 2010
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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