Next month the Texas Star, docked at Freeport’s Bridge Harbor, should commence to carry passengers on 12-hour voyages of gambling entertainment. The 167 ft. ship, which had hoped to begin operating last July, must sail 9 miles offshore before passengers can try their luck. Much of the delay has been attributed to the need to transfer to an American flag from its Sierra Leone one at a cost of US$500,000.

The first-floor cabin houses slot machines and there are gaming tables on the second deck. Top deck will have an entertainment stage, poker room and full bar. Up to 400 passengers can sail with the Texas Star and there will be a boat to ferry players to and from the ship leaving every three hours. The three-phase project is estimated to cost around US$20 million and construction has already started on the pavilion that will house passenger boarding, a travel agency and a bingo room.

The second phase will provide a 60-slip marina and the third phase will be the construction of 60 condominiums. The first phase boarding terminal should be completed in three weeks. The Texas Star is following in the backwash of failed attempts to make gambling cruises in Texas successful. The Surfside Princess, Sea Palace, Texas Treasure Casino Cruises and Magic Mermaid all foundered. Excellent financial resources are being cited as the reason this latest gambling cruise venture will not fail. Time will tell if the gamble pays out. (E-12.20.05)

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