The Aransas Queen Casino arrived January 6 at Tarpon Shores Marina in Aransas Pass, Texas. Its debut voyage was expected in early March with a regular schedule kicking in later in the month. However, on February 18, a spokesperson said renovations had begun on the Tarpon Shores Marina building. She said the vessel “is still here, it’s still a go. As with everything, there are always hiccups.”
The boat had hiccups when it operated as Jacks or Better Casino in Jacksonville, Florida, until December 2012. Owner Mark Slotkin said at the time the boat did not have enough passengers to continue there, so he moved it to Little River, South Carolina, under a new management team. The boat operated in Horry County as Jacks or Better SunCruz Casino until July 2014. The county had imposed a per-person fee in 2011, which was included in its SunCruz contrast. But SunCruz Casinos sued the county and lost, and was ordered to pay a settlement.
General Manager Allen Masney said Mark Slotkin still owns the boat but the Aransas Queen Casino has three new operating partners. Masney said they believe the Texas location offers tremendous opportunity and the Aransas Queen Casino will attract other businesses there. He added the website will be completed soon and the operation currently is hiring mariner and casino workers.
