GAMBLING CASINO ON WAY TO NEW METROPOLIS HOME

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- The Players International Riverboat Casino is en route to its new port here.

The boat has been completed at its construction site in Jennings, La., and left Jennings Thursday.

Delivery plans had to be delayed a while because of high waters on the Mississippi River, according to David Beech, of Players.

"The smoke stacks had to be removed so the boat could clear certain bridges along the route," said Beech. "The boat should arrive here in about a week."

Once the boat arrives, the Illinois Gaming Board will take an inspection cruise and issue a gambling permit if everything is shipshape.

"Once we get the permit, we're in business," said Beech. "We can't say at this point, however, when that will be."

Once everything is ready, the $7 million, four-deck, boat, which can accommodate up to 1,400 people, will depart every three hours during the day and evenings, and will include midnight cruises on weekends.

The project means jobs for about 700 people.

The casino will be based at Merv Griffin's Riverboat Landing which opened recently. The landing, which is comprised of two vessels, including a 195-foot restaurant boat from St. Louis, houses restaurant, lounge, ticket offices and gift shops.

Merv Griffin, an investor in the project, and other celebrities will be in Metropolis for grand opening.

"Again we can't established a date," said Beech. "We're tentatively scheduling grand opening for some time in March, but plans can change."

Although the grand opening schedule is tentative, two noted celebrities Vanna White, from the "Wheel of Fortune" game show and Ava Gabor are being mentioned as possible visitors for the celebration.

The riverboat casino is expected arrive here early in February with operations to be under way by the middle of the month.