Gambling is illegal in Texas except for the state lottery, horse and greyhound racing, tribal casinos and casino boats like the Jacks or Better,
which offers single-day gambling trips out of Galveston to federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico where gambling is allowed.
On April 15, one week after its first voyage, the 155-foot Jacks or Better yacht scraped against a marker, causing $40,000 in cosmetic damage. But the gambling trips resumed May 5, carrying up to 150 passengers who pay $15 each. Pending Coast Guard approval, the ship could allow 300 passengers.
Captain Dave Kendrick, a licensed captain since 1997, was in charge the evening of the accident. “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,” he said.
The Jacks or Better offers two floors of Las Vegas-style slot machines and table games including blackjack, craps, roulette and baccarat.
