Riverboat casinos have been in operation in the United States since the early 20th century and while the Palmetto State has arrived late to the game, they’re making up for the lost time by offering customers a casino cruise experience, which is popular throughout South Carolina and is now celebrating 14 years in business.
The Big “M” Casino boat was officially launched in South Carolina in May 2008 and, in 2015, it was joined by its sister ship, which was relocated from Fort Myers Beach, Florida. It had been expected that the vessel, known as Ship II, would return to Florida, but due to demand in South Carolina, the switch has now been made permanent. The loss to Fort Myers Beach is Myrtle Beach's gain with the move proving to be very popular amongst tourists and visitors alike, with a range of attractions already available in the area.
The Las Vegas influence
The casino cruise is unique as it is the only one of its kind in South Carolina. Based in Little River, Myrtle Beach, it attracts visitors from all over the state. The casino action takes place on the two luxury yachts at least once a day in international waters three miles from the shore. The casino features Las Vegas-style traditional table games such as roulette, blackjack, craps, and poker, along with a wide selection of slots and video poker machines.
The inspiration provided by Sin City can also be seen in online casinos, which also aim to recreate a Las Vegas feel in their presentation of games. An added advantage is that, with online casinos, it isn't necessary for players to take a long trip to play their favorite casino games. Players can check out the online casinos on this list of some of the best sites for playing with real money and play games such as roulette, blackjack, poker, and slots with various bonuses on offer to new players in the form of matched deposits and free spins.
The casino boats in South Carolina, on the other hand, have an advantage as they are the only casinos to operate in the state. This has created a situation that the Big “M” Casino is able to benefit from with a virtual monopoly, while boating is more popular than ever in Charleston and South Carolina as a whole.
Eda Ekincigil, the Marketing Coordinator for the Big “M” Casino, also highlighted the benefits provided by the cruises, which include an all-you-can-eat buffet: “We are the only casino boat in the Carolinas. It's a unique experience in South Carolina. It's fun and different. Some people come just to enjoy a nice sunset cruise or time with their friends. You don't need to play to be onboard.”
Casino boats in South Carolina offer casino players a diverse experience. News that the second luxury yacht will be a permanent fixture in Myrtle Beach demonstrates that the cruises remain popular and we are likely to see the ships making trips for some time to come as the casino cruises enjoy a unique advantage in the state.
