CITY OF CARUTHERSVILLE GAMBLING CRUISE TODAY

CARUTHERSVILLE -- Don Spillman is looking forward to the "City of Caruthersville's" noon cruise.

Spillman of Caruthersville will be at one of the two crap tables on the Casino Aztar gambling riverboat when it makes its first official gambling cruise on the Mississippi River today.

The Missouri Gaming Commission approved Aztar's $50 million floating casino project Wednesday.

The action followed Tuesday's daylong hearing that included a simulated cruise.

"I'm ready," said Spillman, who previously worked in the restaurant business in Cape Girardeau. After attending a dealer's school and practicing for weeks he is looking forward to the tips that go with his job.

For Dan Long, a member of Aztar's security force, the riverboat means a return to his wife's hometown.

Long, who worked in security at the Boyd Gaming Corp.'s Sam's Town operation at Tunica, Miss., said, "We're back.

"This is a happy day for us," said Michael Facenda, marketing manager for Casino Aztar.

Facenda said the exact time of the cruise had not yet been set, but it will probably be around noon.

The Caruthersville boat includes about 500 slot machines and blackjack, crap and roulette tables.

A pavilion with a restaurant, bar, gift shop and offices is expected to open in July.

Caruthersville"s population of 7,500 makes it the smallest Missouri city with riverboat gambling. Boats are also at St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Charles and St. Joseph.

Red Wootan, who has been with Casino Aztar seven years, is vice president and general manager of the Caruthersville operation.

"We're really excited about the facility here," Wootan said.

On hand for opening activities were three Aztar executives from its headquarters in Phoenix -- Paul E. Rubeli, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer; Robert M. Haddock, executive vice president and chief financial officer; and Joe Cole, vice president, corporate communications.