Most Iconic Riverboat Casinos in 2025

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Paddlewheel riverboats started as a way to navigate the Mississippi River and other tributaries, but after railroads overtook them as a way to get around, paddlewheel riverboats started offering entertainment excursions for riverside towns. That entertainment included gambling, which became even more prominent when several US states made gambling illegal.

Riverboat casinos allowed gamblers to circumvent these laws by heading to the water. That’s why, even to this day, many casinos across the US are based on riverboats. These gambling locations have become iconic, and many players go out of their way to visit these locations for the unique gambling experience.

If you want to join their ranks and pilgrimage to a riverboat casino, you don’t want to pick any old ferry. Our team of casino experts has walked casino floors up and down rivers in the US and worldwide, and selected the best riverboat casinos you should visit at least once.

1. The Grand Victoria Elgin - Elgin, Illinois

After opening in 1994, The Grand Victoria Casino Elgin covers nearly 30,000 square feet of gaming space and is operated by Caesars Entertainment. Therefore, you can collect Caesars Rewards points as you play 700 Vegas-style slot games, 25 table games, and 20 poker tables. You can also claim Caesars Rewards at the casino’s restaurants like Buckinghams Steakhouse and The Slice Pizzeria & Pasta.

It’s a shame there’s no hotel where you can stay, but Grand Victoria Elgin is perfect for sports betting fans who have already accumulated Caesars Rewards points thanks to its connection to Caesars Rewards.

2. Treasure Chest Casino - Kenner, Louisiana

When you visit Treasure Chest Casino, you can play over 30 table games, some of which feature five-figure progressive jackpots. There are also more than 950 slot games to play, and we appreciate that you can search for games before you visit the website, and even find where these machines sit on the casino floor.

The casino floor looks a little worse for wear, with some pretty dated isometric-patterned carpets and tacky chandeliers, but that doesn’t detract from the overall experience.

3. Rising Star Casino Resort - Rising Sun, Indiana

There are over 940 slots and 25 table games at Rising Star Casino Resort, which you can enjoy while riding the Rabbit Hash Ferry. There are also progressive jackpot totals which often reach five figures! Midweek players who enjoy table games may want to steer clear, as the table games only start operations at 17:00 on Monday to Thursday.

If you’re looking for somewhere that provides easy accommodation for your casino trip, Rising Star Casino Resort is perfect. Its hotel complex is on the shores of the Ohio River and features an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and fitness center.

4. Ameristar Casino Hotel - Vicksburg, Mississippi

Opening its doors in 1994, Ameristar Casino Hotel is a classic riverboat casino with a large paddlewheel on the side of the ferry and 70,000 square feet of gaming space. Penn Entertainment operates the casino, which features nearly 1,000 slot games and 24 table games. Poker fans may be disappointed that there are only five poker tables, but the connection to an onshore hotel makes visiting the riverboat casino a breeze.

Of course, the casino is situated in Vicksburg, a key Confederate area in the American Civil War and the subject of the Siege of Vicksburg, which helped the Union gain control of the Mississippi River. So, if you’re a history fan, you can fit in some historical sightseeing during your casino trip.

5. Isle Casino Hotel Lula - Lula, Mississippi

Previously known as Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Lula, Isle Casino Hotel Lula is another riverboat casino owned by Caesars Entertainment. It features seven table games and over 400 slots. It operates 24/7 on the weekend and until late during the week. Unlike other riverboat casinos on this list, Isle Casino Hotel Lula has undergone renovations in recent years, so it feels like a fresh gaming experience with no signs of wear and tear.

The small game collection will disappoint some players, but thanks to its connected hotel and Caesars Rewards program, the casino is suited to casual players who may enjoy other kinds of gambling and want a taste of riverboat casino fun.

6. Argosy Casino Alton - Alton, Illinois 

Opening in 1991, Argosy Casino Alton is one of the smaller riverboat casinos on our list, with just 23,000 square feet of gaming space. However, its charming old-fashioned design still attracts plenty to the Mississippi River. There are more than 500 slot games, nine tables, and a retail sportsbook.

The size does have some downsides, including fewer gaming options, no hotel, and limited restaurant choices. Still, the quaint design featuring colorful paints and beautiful glass structures is a worthy tourist attraction.

7. Casino Queen Marquette - Marquette, Iowa

You can cruise on the Miss Marquette when you visit Casino Queen Marquette, where Pinky the Elephant welcomes you aboard. There are more than 400 slots, video poker games, and a handful of table games to enjoy. The boat has plenty of outdoor space, so you can enjoy the greenery surrounding the Mississippi River.

The casino's size means there aren’t many game options, and the operating hours aren’t ideal. However, the casino is just minutes away from Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, which is perfect for tourists thanks to its history and shopping opportunities.

8. The Star of Fortune - Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you’re brave enough to venture outside the US, you can still find exciting riverboat experiences like The Star of Fortune. A giant Ferris wheel overlooks the riverboat casino, and a land-based casino is also nearby.

The casino was modelled on Mississippi riverboat casinos, so you should feel right at home with over 700 slot games and 150 table games. Table game fans won’t find a broader selection at a riverboat casino. The riverboat casino is a little rundown, but there is still plenty of fun at La Estrella de la Fortuna. If you’re visiting Argentina, this is a must-see.