When the Alton Belle opened in 1991, they charged $19.95 per two-hour cruise! It was the first and only casino in the St. Louis area. People were happy to pay. They were sold out every day. I remember calling early in the morning to reserve tickets for three or four cruises in a row that night. Imagine paying $60 or $80 to lose your money. When the cruise was over, you had to exit the boat. If you had tickets for the next cruise, you had to get in line behind the people that were already waiting. I remember doing crazy things at the blackjack tables when they would announce "last hand". Like betting $200-500 on the last hand and doubling down on a thirteen to try to get my money back. Those were the days!