PLAYERS EXPANDING RIVERBOAT OPERATIONS

METROPOLIS, Ill. -- Players International is expanding its riverboat casino operation.

"We'll be opening our second operation at Lake Charles, La., in January," said Doug Wise, vice president of sales for the company. "And, we're certainly interested in establishing a riverboat casino at Evansville, Ind."

Players opened its first riverboat casino at Metropolis in February.

Wise and other Players International officials were in Lake Charles last week to firm up plans for an early 1994 opening.

"We have the license, the boat is on order, and everything is on go. We're excited about our Louisiana plans," he added.

Wise said the firm was also excited about the Evansville plans.

"We have already taken an option on a 15-acre casino site at the Evansville riverfront," said Wise, who noted that as many as 20 casino developers were interested in the Indiana site, about 100 miles upriver from Metropolis. The Evansville operation would create about 800 jobs. Players would also underwrite efforts to revive a Vaudeville-era downtown theater and book Las Vegas-caliber entertainers there.

The Indiana Legislature recently approved riverboat gambling along the Ohio River. Each community must approve the issue, and an election has been scheduled at Evansville for Nov. 2.

"We don't think an Evansville facility will have much effect on attendance in the Metropolis market," said Wise. "In fact, we feel it will strengthen the market share at Metropolis."

Wise said riverboats are geared for repeat business as opposed to constantly luring new people. "We're pleased with what has happened at Metropolis," he said. "Repeat business is catching on."

The riverboat casino at Metropolis has averaged 3,361 persons a day since it opened, noted Wise. "Based on ticket count information, one third of those visitors are repeat visitors."

Wise said an Evansville market would give Players an opportunity to market both locations.

"I don't think it will affect the Metropolis business," said Wise. "It will give us a chance to reach out further."

The Metropolis operation has attracted almost a half-million people since it opened on Feb. 23. According to the Illinois Gaming Board Riverboat Casino Report, a total of 426,816 admissions had passed through the turnstiles as of June 30 during four full months of operation.

At this rate, the company will surpass its early projections.

When the casino opened, company officials projected 600,000 to 750,000 admissions the first year.

This has resulted in a total of $1.4 million in local revenues to Metropolis, and more than $3.4 million to the state of Illinois. The casino has been an economic boost for the small Southern Illinois community, providing employment to more than 700 and resulting in additional businesses for the city.

Only recently, entertainer Merv Griffin, an investor and partner in Players International, and actress Ava Gabor joined Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar to break ground for a 120-room Players Riverfront Hotel at Metropolis. The hotel, which will be developed by Amerihost Properties Inc., adjacent to the Players Riverboat Casino Landing, will provide employment for about 35 people.

Plans also call for a 400-to-500-seat theater at the location. The project is expected to be completed within six months.

Wise said the operation in Lake Charles would be similar to the one at Metropolis, including a Merv Griffin's Riverboat Landing, which includes restaurants, a lounge, ticket offices and gift shops.