For the first time in 11 years, Boyd Gaming’s Par-A-Dice riverboat casino and hotel set sail through the waters of the Illinois River.
The vessel’s voyage through one of the Mighty Mississippi’s primary tributaries came as a part of a new annual requirement by the United States Coast Guard to ensure the safety and sea-worthiness of every ship in the water.
The Par-A-Dice used to make up to 10 cruises a day back when it opened in November of 1991, however it has been moored since 1999 when legislation was signed allowing riverboats to permanently anchor dockside.
“It is a functioning vessel. We needed to take the cruise to make sure everything is working as it should and renew our certificate.” said David Strow, a spokesman for Boyd Gaming Corp.
Gaming operations had to be altered slightly in order to partake in the inspection, with the casino closing a half hour earlier and opening an hour later than normal.






