World's largest gambling riverboat has a farewell party, rebranded Caesars casino readies to open

Several people turned out for the ‘Bon Voyage Party’ on Saturday night, which recognized Horseshoe Southern Indiana’s history as a riverboat casino, just a few days before the grand opening of Caesars Southern Indiana, as finishing touches are happening on the new $90 million, 110,000-square-foot land-based casino.

Indiana lawmakers gave the clear to make the jump from the Ohio River to dry land in 2015. “21 years of operating here on the riverboat - it served us well and created so many memories,” said Brad Seigel, Vice President and General Manager of Horseshoe Southern Indiana. “The boat is for sale. We expect that it will be sold but the timeline is uncertain.”

Also known as the ‘Glory of Rome,’ the riverboat casino first opened in 1998. It’s moored along the Ohio River in the Indiana town of Elizabeth near Louisville, Kentucky. Judy Hess played a role in bringing the casino to southern Indiana in the 90s. "It's just a joy, a joy to see how it's grown," Hess said, as reported by Wave 3 News. "Lots of great friendships have developed from there."

When the idea of bringing a casino to Southern Indiana emerged, there was a lot of uncertainty in the community. Hess said the boat had a massive impact. “The jobs that it’s brought, not just to the folks in our county, but all southern Indiana and the Louisville region,” Hess said. According to the News and Tribune, the Glory of Rome is the largest riverboat in the United States and the largest gambling riverboat in the world.

What is certain are the improvements across the street, with a Las Vegas style casino. Guests will now be able to walk directly into the casino rather than making the trek from the parking garage to the riverboat.

"It is just so sleek and attractive and it just offers so much," Hess said. "You can enjoy, if you're with somebody who wants to stay at that one machine all the time, you've got plenty to see. And that new sportsbook will knock your socks off."

In addition to the sportsbook, the new venue will feature a VIP Lounge and the Piazza, which will have five restaurants. Caesars Southern Indiana will open December 12.