Gambling Cruises On Mississippi River

Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and in towns along the Mississippi River, local legislators also realized the revenue advantage of legalizing gambling. Mississippi Senator Tommy Gollott, a Democrat from the 50th Senate District in Harrison County, spearheaded legislation for dockside gambling to help the slumping state economy. Riverboat Cruises in Red Wing, Minnesota River islands, bluffs, woods, prairies and river towns flank the edges of the upper Mississippi River with a nostalgic charm worth seeing from the water.

The below schedule and dining options have been temporarily suspended.
Our buffet service has been temporarily suspended and only à la carte service will be available.
À la carte must be purchased on the ship.

We are voluntarily closing on Mondays and Tuesdays, on a temporary basis,
in order to provide ample opportunity for additional deep cleaning of all Victory facilities.
The departing and arrival times, listed below, for Wednesday thru Sunday cruises remains the same.

Gambling Cruises On Mississippi Rivers

Minimum Age: 18 years of age to sail and/or gamble, 21 years of age to consume alcohol. Valid Government I.D. Required.

Proper attire required (shoes and shirts).

Wheelchair and handicap scooter accessible (except for Transportation for scooters). We have 3 elevators on board and we also have a marine crew that will be happy to assist you up and down the ramp; if necessary. If you require a wheelchair during the cruise, you would need to provide your own.

Avelez Hotel in Biloxi, built in the late 1920s, was one of many hotels on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that offered gambling activities. Located on Howard Street, room rates were $1.50 to $5.00, with tub or shower. It was demolished in the 1950s. Postcard courtesy Deanne Nuwer.

In early 20th century, The White House Hotel in Biloxi offered slot machines for its guest, along with dancing and golfing. Today, in early 21st century, it awaits renovation. Postcard courtesy Deanne Nuwer.

Gambling Cruises On Mississippi River Cruise

Postcard showing the entrance to the Buena Vista Hotel in Biloxi. The hotel was damaged by fire and then neglect before it was ultimately demolished. Its site is now a parking lot for the Beau Rivage Casino. Postcard courtesy Deanne Nuwer.

Out for a night in Biloxi. Gambler Bob Thompson, center, in the lobby of the Avelez Hotel cashing in his winning bet against Salvatore Joseph Sicuro. The winner got to kiss Sicuro’s wife, Josephine Louise Sicuro, left. Sicuro, rear, had his lounge business in the Avelez Hotel. Circa 1946 photograph courtesy Claude Sicuro.

Is There Gambling On Mississippi River Cruises

Out for a night in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Gamblers in a juke joint. November 1939 photograph by Marion Post Wolcott. Courtesy Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division. Call No: LC-USF34-052487-D

The Broadwater Beach Hotel was built in 1938 specifically to cater to out-of-state and Mississippi gamblers. Damaged by Hurricane Camille, the hotel was restored and still exists. Postcard courtesy Deanne Nuwer.

Gambling Cruises On Mississippi River Street

Gamblers in the lobby of the Tivoli Hotel on the Gulf Coast. Late 1940s photograph courtesy Deanne Nuwer.