RIVERBOATS DRAW `FULL HOUSE'; REVENUE EXCEEDS EXPERTS' EXPECATIONS

Before Illinois lawmakers ever legalized waterways wagering, experts had estimated the state would earn from $3 million to $15 million annually in floating riverboat casino revenues.

The success of riverboat gambling has far outstripped those projections. With 10 casinos now in operation, the state receives that much or more every month.

In December, the state's share of casino revenues totaled almost $16.3 million. Another $6.7 million went into local coffers.

The annual totals for 1995 were staggering:

- A total of 24.8 million admissions, more than 20 percent over the 20.3 million in 1994.

- $201.6 million for the state's share of revenue, up from $167.3 million in 1994.

- $83.8 million went to local governments, up from the $69.3 million totals of 1994.

The roll of the dice, luck of the draw and spin of the reel slot machines have proven a revenue boon for Illinois since it embraced riverboat gambling 4 1/2 years ago.

Cruising riverboat gambling started in Illinois with one boat on the Mississippi River from a dock in Alton in September 1991. During that first year, the state received only $2.6 million and the local share totaled just over a million dollars.

The state authorized 10 gambling licenses, but it wasn't until 1994 before all 10 licensed boats were operating.

It should come as no surprise that Illinois Gaming Board officials are calling floating casinos a success.

"They've been more successful than anyone thought," said a spokesman from the Illinois Gaming Commission. The Illinois operations, which require "cruises," have been smooth, the official said.

The riverboat experience is more than just the gambling, say gaming officials. They provide an opportunity for a river excursion, and some operations provide land-based entertainment at their docking facilities.

One such operation is Players International, at Metropolis, in Southern Illinois.

Players, which has averaged almost 6,000 visitors a day during the past six months -- more than two million in 1995 -- obtained a new boat in November, which permits another 300 to 350 gamblers per trip, to about 1,650.

Players offers more than 10,000 square feet of land-based development that house Merv Griffin's Bar & Grill, the Celebrity Buffet Restaurant, Merv's Dockside Deli, and a gift shop.

Also available along the Ohio River riverfront is Players Riverboat Hotel, and Merv Griffin Theater. Top name performers are booked periodically for the theater, which also is available for weddings and group parties.

"The new riverboat is larger and offers a more comfortable environment for our patrons," said Pat Rogers, general manager of Players Casino.

In December, Players hosted more than 152,000 visitors. The state received $1.3 million for its share of revenues and the city of Metropolis received $538,000

Since Players opened in March 1993, Metropolis' share of gambling revenue totals more than $14 million. The total for last year alone was $6 million.

Since the first riverboat casino opened At Alton, Illinois' share of gambling revenues have topped $511 million. Local governments have received more than $210 million.

Some changes to Illinois gaming laws might be requested during the legislative session this year. Some operators would like to see an amendment to erase mandates that riverboats must cruise.

Riverboat casinos in Iowa and the three casinos in the St. Louis and St. Charles metropolitan areas no longer float. Only one of the eight Missouri casinos float -- Aztar Casino's "City of Caruthersville" floats but only during daylight hours.

The Casino Queen, docked across the Mississippi river from the Admiral in downtown St. Louis, still counts up some big numbers. The Casino Queen is top draw for attendance in Illinois, averaging more than 10,000 visitors a day in 1995. The Alton Belle, also across the river from St. Louis, draws almost 7,000 visitors daily.

GAMBLING GAINS

Gambling totals were up in Illinois during 1995. Shown here are locations of the 10 riverboats in the state: They are: Alton Belle at Alton; Par-A-Dice at East Peoria; Casino Rock Island; Silver Eagle at Jo Daviess (East Dubuque); Players International at Metropolis; No-So Star and Empress River Casino at Joliet; City Lights at Aurora; Casino Queen at E. St. Louis and Grand Victoria at Elgin.

Illinois Totals through the years:

1991: 308,782 admissions; $2.6 million to state; $1 million to local government.

1992: 4.1 million admissions; $38 million to state; $15.4 million to local government.

1993: 10.7 million admissions; $101.5 million to state; $40.9 million to local government.

1994: 20.3 million admissions; $167.3 million to state; $69.3 million to local government.

1995: 24.8 million admissions; $201.6 million to state; $83.8 million to local government.

Total 4 1/2 years: 602.7 million admissions; $511 million to state; $210 to local governments.