SunCruz Casino, one of two casino boats operating out of Little River, South Carolina, recently ceased operations, putting about 200 people out of work. The vessel took passengers into international waters to gamble.
SunCruz did not offer any explanation for the closing, however, for the past two years it had been in a dispute with Horry County over a county-imposed fee of $7 per passenger. Horry County Council Chairman Mark Lazarus said the county and SunCruz had been negotiating a settlement of the debt; figures were not released. The fee first was imposed in 2011.
Little River Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Walters said, “Any job loss is going to be impactful to the area.” She noted several SunCruz employees reside in the Little River area.
In a message on SunCruz’s telephone, customers are directed to the Big M, the other casino boat operating out of Little River.
