Marquette's Support for Floating Casinos

Marquette's population of 475 enjoys the special benefits of neighboring this money making enterprise. The Capri hotel, raised on stilts and sprouting from trees, hosts gamblers from all round, near and far, some said to travel hundreds of miles in order to enjoy the towns floating casinos.

The first casino was launched 12 years ago. The casino was a success from the very start and continues to receive an annual number of 600,000 people, a drop of just 150,000 from the first year. 1994 started with three riverboat casinos, and now there are fifteen licensed gambling operators. Four more casinos including the riverside floating casino situated between the two towns are expected to open before the end of the year.

With good revenue raising this recent year to $42 million dollars, the once poor town of Marquette also enjoys a boost in its budget of an annual $1.34 million from the casinos in tax. The little town has become dependent on the gaming industry and there is some fear regarding the casino's relocation. Casino operators are trying to figure out ways to get off the river, seeking less expensive land Based options. That leaves Marquette locals alarmed from the prospect of being left without their main profit making attraction.