Operators of a casino boat that moved to Galveston from farther south down the Texas Coast said calmer seas and a bigger market pool made the island an attractive base. The Jacks or Better Casino boat launched its Galveston operations with a grand opening April 7 after what operators said was a successful soft opening the day before. We have been out on the Jacks or Better Casino Boat twice in the last month. Both trips were enjoyable and we had a good time. The machines in the Casino are fairly new and enjoyable to play. For the money which includes 2 free drinks per person, this is a great boat ride for. In 2001, three casino boats were launched along the upper Texas coast. The Talisman, out of Galveston, set off in April, but lasted only a month. The Surfside Princess began excursions from Freeport in June, but in October was seized by its owner for failure to pay charter fees.
The Jacks or Better Casino cruise ship made its first voyage out of the Galveston Yacht Basin April 7, taking gamblers out just far enough to be in federal waters, 9.1 miles from shore, to party. There are no boats in galveston (texas) or texas at all. Source(s): In a rare tie, 66-66, the Texas House did not pass the bill during its last day of legislative session.
It wasn't the most auspicious start for the Jacks or Better Casino boat.On April 15, only a week after its very first jaunt, the 155-foot yacht—which, conditions permitting, takes daily trips out of Galveston and into federal waters, where gambling is legal—scraped against a marker, causing an estimated $40,000 in cosmetic damage and knocking the ship out of commission for weeks.
We took a ride on the Jacks on May 5, the day it resumed operations. Captain Dave Kendrick, who's been a licensed captain since 1997, gave us a tour of the bridge, the room from which he steers the ship.
'I was the captain during the accident,' he said, addressing the incident in his matter-of-fact manner. 'It's the first time that has ever happened in my career. We were coming in at 11:20 p.m., and I lost sight and confused the markers. When I figured out what was happening, it was too late…. There's no good excuse for it, but things happen, and I'm thankful nobody got hurt.'
The incident certainly didn't deter 60 passengers from paying $15 a pop to board the sleek vessel the day we went out. They resembled your typical casino crowd, which is to say most were Baby Boomers or older, many were wearing Crocs, and more smoked cigarettes than didn't.
We wandered up to the top deck of the boat from the bridge. It was a beautiful, sunny day. The ship glided past shrimp boats casting their nets and container ships heading to port. Seagulls and pelicans followed in our wake, hoping to catch an early lunch.
Although it was a beautiful scene, few were taking it in. Napoleons casino hull christmas menus. Instead, they were inside, having already claimed their seats on the mostly windowless gambling floors, ready to play.
Many people are traveling to Louisiana to gamble. Why not keep that money in Texas?
Each trip the Jacks takes out into the Gulf of Mexico lasts seven hours—an hour and a half each nine-mile trip into federal waters, plus four hours of gambling—and the best days to go out, particularly for the seasickness-prone, are when the water's nice and calm. The ship offers two floors of colorful Vegas-style slot machines and card tables where up to 150 passengers can play games like blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat (pending Coast Guard approval, the capacity could jump to 300).
'I'm excited to try this,' one woman also enjoying the view, Kim Walden, told us. Walden owns a beach home in Galveston and, she confessed, loves gambling. She and her husband not only frequent commercial cruise lines (which all have casinos), but regularly travel to Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas's Native American reservations. She was excited, she said, to try something closer to home. 'It's nice that finally we have something practically in our backyard.'
Largely due to antiquated Bible Belt politics, gambling in Texas is illegal, with the exceptions of the lottery, horse and greyhound racing, reservation casinos, and casino boats like the Jacks or Better, which offer single-day gambling trips without having to meet the old requirement of first calling on a foreign port. These boats have served towns along the state's coast, including Galveston, ever since being legalized in 1989, but before the Jacks' arrival, the Oleander City had done without for a couple of years.
We wandered inside, and, finally, the moment arrived. The captain announced we were in federal waters and that tables were open. Immediately, a symphony of dings, pings and slot-machine tunes filled the air.
As we watched the action, we thought of a point Henry had made while we chatted inside the bridge. 'Many people are traveling to Louisiana to gamble,' he'd said. 'Why not keep that money in Texas?'
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The Jacks or Better Casino cruise ship made its first voyage out of the Galveston Yacht Basin April 7, taking gamblers out just far enough to be in federal waters, 9.1 miles from shore, to party. There are no boats in galveston (texas) or texas at all. Source(s): In a rare tie, 66-66, the Texas House did not pass the bill during its last day of legislative session.
It wasn't the most auspicious start for the Jacks or Better Casino boat.On April 15, only a week after its very first jaunt, the 155-foot yacht—which, conditions permitting, takes daily trips out of Galveston and into federal waters, where gambling is legal—scraped against a marker, causing an estimated $40,000 in cosmetic damage and knocking the ship out of commission for weeks.
We took a ride on the Jacks on May 5, the day it resumed operations. Captain Dave Kendrick, who's been a licensed captain since 1997, gave us a tour of the bridge, the room from which he steers the ship.
'I was the captain during the accident,' he said, addressing the incident in his matter-of-fact manner. 'It's the first time that has ever happened in my career. We were coming in at 11:20 p.m., and I lost sight and confused the markers. When I figured out what was happening, it was too late…. There's no good excuse for it, but things happen, and I'm thankful nobody got hurt.'
The incident certainly didn't deter 60 passengers from paying $15 a pop to board the sleek vessel the day we went out. They resembled your typical casino crowd, which is to say most were Baby Boomers or older, many were wearing Crocs, and more smoked cigarettes than didn't.
We wandered up to the top deck of the boat from the bridge. It was a beautiful, sunny day. The ship glided past shrimp boats casting their nets and container ships heading to port. Seagulls and pelicans followed in our wake, hoping to catch an early lunch.
Although it was a beautiful scene, few were taking it in. Napoleons casino hull christmas menus. Instead, they were inside, having already claimed their seats on the mostly windowless gambling floors, ready to play.
Many people are traveling to Louisiana to gamble. Why not keep that money in Texas?
Each trip the Jacks takes out into the Gulf of Mexico lasts seven hours—an hour and a half each nine-mile trip into federal waters, plus four hours of gambling—and the best days to go out, particularly for the seasickness-prone, are when the water's nice and calm. The ship offers two floors of colorful Vegas-style slot machines and card tables where up to 150 passengers can play games like blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat (pending Coast Guard approval, the capacity could jump to 300).
'I'm excited to try this,' one woman also enjoying the view, Kim Walden, told us. Walden owns a beach home in Galveston and, she confessed, loves gambling. She and her husband not only frequent commercial cruise lines (which all have casinos), but regularly travel to Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas's Native American reservations. She was excited, she said, to try something closer to home. 'It's nice that finally we have something practically in our backyard.'
Largely due to antiquated Bible Belt politics, gambling in Texas is illegal, with the exceptions of the lottery, horse and greyhound racing, reservation casinos, and casino boats like the Jacks or Better, which offer single-day gambling trips without having to meet the old requirement of first calling on a foreign port. These boats have served towns along the state's coast, including Galveston, ever since being legalized in 1989, but before the Jacks' arrival, the Oleander City had done without for a couple of years.
We wandered inside, and, finally, the moment arrived. The captain announced we were in federal waters and that tables were open. Immediately, a symphony of dings, pings and slot-machine tunes filled the air.
As we watched the action, we thought of a point Henry had made while we chatted inside the bridge. 'Many people are traveling to Louisiana to gamble,' he'd said. 'Why not keep that money in Texas?'
LET'S CRUISE….HOUSTON PARTY BOATS
The Most Sought After Entertainment Boats
Make the Celebration more than what you ever thought it could be!
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Houston Party Boat & Celebration-
The Party Boats
Get ready for an incredibly exciting experience! Finally, a refreshing change! Houston Party Boats operates the most modern sought after entertainment fleet along the entire Gulf Coast. We exclusively provide for privately chartered events for small and large groups. Every feature and amenity was specifically designed for the safety, enjoyment and outstanding level of service we are very well known for. The original, Houston Party Boat accommodates up to 49 guests along with the NEWEST boat of its kind in North America, Celebration accommodating up to 75. Identical in design, layout, features and amenities, both boast more passenger square footage along with the largest dance floor of any boat including that of the yacht style boats providing for more of a casual festive atmosphere. Perfect for any event you are planning, whether that be a birthday, corporate team building, engagement, anniversary, weddings, graduation, celebration of life/remembrance.
Galveston Casino Boat Closes
Star Cruiser-
A Yacht Style Dining Experience
Star Cruiser is the newest addition to the fleet providing for an all inclusive yacht style dining experience. All cruises are exclusively private charters seating up to 75 guests. This vessel provides for a more formal touch to your occasion with nice furnishing and elegant ambiance. Dining tables are to either side of the main saloon seating 8 to 10 per table with a smaller dance floor for those special dances. The large fore deck allows guests to enjoy the outside sea breeze of Galveston Bay. You may select from our menu & beverage options or the flexibility in bring aboard your choice caterer at an additional fee.
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