RIVERBOAT OPENING DELAYED

CARUTHERSVILLE -- The first cruise of Casino Aztar's "City of Caruthersville" riverboat is expected before noon today.

The casino riverboat was expected to float Thursday at noon after receiving its gambling license from the Missouri Gaming Commission Wednesday morning.

An Aztar spokesman said computer complications forced a postponement, adding that the riverboat should be ready today, possibly for the 8 a.m. cruise.

Phoenix-based Aztar will be the seventh casino operation in Missouri.

The boat is approved for 600 passengers and a crew of about 100. The riverboat has 500 slot machines and 28 table games, including blackjack, roulette and craps.

The "City of Caruthersville" docks beside an anchoring barge which is used as a boarding area. Tickets are available on the anchor barge.

Under construction is a dockside pavilion, which will house ticketing facilities, a restaurant, a snack barge and a sports lounge.

The permanent operation is expected to open in July. At that time, the operation will employ up to 700 people, about 500 full time and 200 part time.

Caruthersville is about 85 miles south of Cape Girardeau.

Aztar operates TropWorld Casino and Entertainment Resort in Atlantic City, N.J.,; Tropicana Resort and Casino in Las Vegas; and Ramada Express Hotel and Casino at Laughlin, Nev.