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never takes it for granted they will get a license, but a lot of planning goes into the site before licensing. Rarely will Hilton invest in build- ing until licensed. Mr. Grossman used Hilton's plans for its Kansas City, Mo. riverboat casino as an example of how its caution paid off. Hilton carried out the usual envi- ronmental and site work they do for every project. They, as usual, did not invest in boats or land, and that helped them in the long run when the Missouri referendum was de- feated. Hilton is continuing talks with Kansas City, and also has a proposal in Michigan City, where they are already in a partnership with Caesars and Circus Circus. Most companies feel that not only is the licensing process not getting any easier, but competition for the sites is getting, as Mr.Bradley says, "fierce." Seasoned operators are entering the market now, operators who are comfortable with land-based casinos. When vying for a site, states may feel more confident in granting a license to a long time gaming op- erator versus "newer" operators. m! Pei MISSOUI Temporary e: p.-. ling Causes With Missouri's recent decision, which effectively bars slot machines from riverboats, many owners' and builders' confidence in the market was shaken. However, the promise of a revote, combined with the prospect of a number of new states reportedly ready to legalize, casino vessel build- ers are still confident that the riverboat gaming trend will remain a strong business segment. Both Charles Burrell of Leevac Shipyards and Ed Doherty of At- lantic Marine think the Missouri vote caused a temporary lull in the newbuilding market, while Trinity Marine Group's Gary Lipely saw a lot of reshuffling of boats and owners after the Missouri vote. But Mr. Doherty, Mr. Burrell, Mr. Lipely, as well as Avondale Industries Boat Div.'s Ronny Babbins, all think that when Mis- souri resolves the issue, there will be a surge of newbuilding activity. Atlantic Marina Delivers Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino. Hollywood Acquires Land In Pennsylvania & Texas Hollywood Casino Corp. was in- formed recently by the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority that it won its bid to purchase 32 acres of land at the River North Development in Bristol, Pa. While there is still no legalized gaming in Pennsylvania, Hollywood Casinos is counting on legalization. "Obviously we are still a year or more away from legalized gaming in Pennsylvania, but the wheels already are in motion," said Jack Pratt, chairman and CEO. Once gaming is legalized and the company wins a license, Hollywood Casino Corp. would build an entire gaming and entertainment complex, including a riverboat casino. Hollywood also announced it pur- chased approximately 45 acres of land in Farmers Branch, Texas from Prentiss Properties. The site was purchased in antici- pation of the state legislature pass- ing a gaming bill and further ap- proval by local referendum in 1995. Atlantic Marine, Inc., Jackson- ville, Fla. delivered the Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino, five weeks early, to Par-A-Dice Gaming Corp., East Peoria, 111. The $20 million vessel will replace the existing sternwheel casino vessel, Par-A-Dice, built by Atlantic Marine in 1991. Designed by Rodney E. Lay & Associates, Inc., the 240-foot by 66- foot Casino Cat™ has four decks with 1,600-passenger capacity. The 33,000-sq.-ft. casino area will oper- ate 1,200 gaming positions on the main, second and third decks of the boat. The fourth deck is open and in- cludes a raised pilot house. ThePar-A-Dice Riverboat Casino is powered by two Caterpillar 3412TA, 764-hp marine engines with Twin Disc reduction gears. Caterpillar also supplied two 3508TA, 715 kW generator sets for shipboard electrical service; a 3208T, 160-hp generator set for emergency Casino America Opens Isle Of Capri In Vicksburg Casino America, Inc. opened its new floating Isle of Capri casino in Vicksburg, Miss. The new floating pavillionhas 25,000-sq.-ft. of casino space with 716 slot machines and 47 tables replacing the existing riverboat and pavilion which had 670 slot machines and 34 tables. This new pavilion will be situated next to the 12,000-sq.-ft. land-based facility that accommodates the res- power and a 3208TA, 340-hp bow thruster engine. The interiors of the casino vessel were designed by Ultimate Interi- ors, Inc. The design was based on the Art Deco style of the 1930s. Besides thePar-A-Dice Riverboat Casino, Atlantic has built six other casino vessels: three paddlewheel vessels (Diamond Lady, Emerald Lady and Par-A-Dice)', and three Casino Cat design vessels (Empress, Alton Belle and Empress II). The Empress III is under construction and scheduled for delivery in late October 1994. Established in 1964, Atlantic con- structs all types of vessels including dinner boats, ferry boats, research vessels, tugs, barges and fishing vessels for the American and inter- national markets. For more infor- mation on Atlantic Marine, Circle 86 on Reader Service Card taurants, entertainment, lounge and reception area. "The new, state-of- the-art dockside pavilion is designed to accommodate the increasing num- ber of visitors to our Isle of Capri Vicksburg casino," said Allan Solomon, secretary of Casino America. Casino America owns and operates riverboat and dockside ca- sinos. The company currently oper- ates two casinos in Mississippi — the Isle of Capri casino in Biloxi and the Isle of Capri casino in Vicksburg —and opened its third facility, along with its partner Louisiana Downs. ** c <5xt*> Interior Buildouts Quality On Time Quality In Budget ...and we will consider your other priorities. 1101 Edwards Avenue, Harahan, LA 70123 504/733-5033 Toil-Free 800/445-5033 Fax 504/733-3934 122 Circle 253 on Reader Service Card Maritime Reporter/Engineering News
