Frequently Asked Questions

---

A: It’s a proposal to create a permanently docked riverboat casino and entertainment venue on the Coosa River in Rome, Georgia. The vision includes gaming, dining, live music, special events, and river cruises — all aimed at activating Rome’s greatest underutilized asset: our rivers. 

The primary dock would be located in or near downtown Rome, making it easily accessible to both residents and visitors.

A secondary dock is proposed at the Rome Lock and Dam — a historic location that, if restored, could serve as both a boarding point and a riverfront attraction.

If full navigation is restored along the Coosa River system with the reopening of the Lock and Dam, a third dock could potentially be established at Weiss Lake, creating a unique tourism corridor between Alabama and Georgia.

A:  Yes, there is data available regarding the revenue generated by riverboat casinos. Here's a breakdown of revenue information and trends: 

1. Overall Casino Revenue & Riverboat Casino Contribution:

• The US commercial gaming industry, including land-based casinos, riverboat casinos, and other forms of gaming, reached a record-breaking $60 billion in revenue in 2022, representing a 14% increase from the previous year.
• In 2024, the Non-Hotel Casinos industry (which includes riverboat casinos) in the US is estimated to reach $23.2 billion in revenue, with a growth of 2.1% in that year.
• Riverboat casinos have been a significant contributor to the overall casino revenue, especially in states like Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Missouri, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
• For instance, in 2001, riverboat casinos in Missouri and Illinois collected more than $1 billion and $1.8 billion in adjusted gross revenue, respectively. 

2. State-Specific Riverboat Casino Revenue:

• Louisiana: Louisiana has a notable riverboat casino market. In January 2025, the 13 riverboat casinos in Missouri generated $140 million in revenue, a 3.5% increase year-over-year. In November 2024, Missouri riverboat casinos saw their revenue increase to $153 million, according to Sportsbook Review.
• Indiana: Indiana's riverboat casinos have paid $1.3 billion in direct taxes to the state and $661 million in direct taxes to local governments.
• Illinois: By 1993, Illinois had 10 riverboat casinos with revenues of almost $606 million. 

3. Trends in Riverboat Casino Revenue:

• Growth & Competition: Riverboat casinos initially saw substantial growth in the 1990s as they expanded to various states.
• Market Saturation: Some studies suggest that the economic benefits of riverboat casinos can be affected by competition between casinos, particularly in saturated markets.
• Stagnation in Certain Markets: There have been discussions about the potential for stagnating or even declining revenues in some established riverboat casino markets. 

4. Economic Impact and Tax Revenue:

• Riverboat casinos contribute to state and local economies through tax revenue and employment. Indiana's riverboat casinos, for example, have paid substantial direct taxes to both the state and local governments.
• The American Gaming Association notes that the gaming industry supported $329 billion of total economic output in 2022, with $53 billion in tax revenue. 
• 
  

Note: It's important to consider that riverboat casino revenue data can be influenced by factors like state regulations, local competition, and overall economic conditions. The information above provides a general overview of the revenue generated by riverboat casinos, but specific figures can vary significantly depending on the location and time period.  (Reference: American Gaming Association

A:  Our proposed "Queen of the Coosa" Riverboat would consist of:

A classic paddlewheel riverboat, 3 decks tall, gleaming in white with ornate gold and deep red accents.

• Decorative iron railings wrap each level 
• Tall smokestacks frame the upper deck, evoking 19th-century elegance 
• Large, arched windows line every level, offering river views from every room 
• The paddlewheel at the stern churns slowly while docked, lit at night with golden LEDs 
• The vessel is permanently docked but built to feel like it could cruise at any moment and will during certain days and times.
   

• Elegant white-linen tables, wood accents, and soft gold sconces 
• Panoramic windows along both sides of the boat 
• River views with visible reflections, especially at sunset 
• A central glass-ceiling atrium with a magnolia blossom chandelier 
• Menu: Elevated Southern cuisine (chef-driven), local wines and craft cocktails 
• Live piano or acoustic jazz softly playing most evenings 
• Seating for approx. 120 guests with private dining alcoves
   

• Warm, ambient lighting, wood-paneled walls with antique brass trim 
• Casino games include: 
  • Blackjack, Poker, and Craps tables 
  • Roulette 
  • 100+ slot machines with digital and vintage-style reels 
  • Private high-limit room tucked toward the stern 
• Carpeted with river motif designs 
• Full bar along the port side with velvet stools and mirrored shelves 
• Multiple screens showing sports and racing 
• VIP lounge with exclusive service and plush leather seating
   

• A grand space with vaulted ceilings and exposed beams 
• Large dance floor in the center with stage lighting rig 
• Live music stage for jazz, blues, bluegrass, or DJ 
• Wraparound banquette seating with cocktail tables 
• Retractable partitioned area that converts to a 200-guest reception space 
• Equipped with AV system, lighting effects, and bridal lounge 
• Open-air rear veranda with rocking chairs overlooking the river
   

• Glass observation walkway on the starboard side 
• Bridal suite and groom’s lounge 
• Elevator for accessibility between decks 
• Historical exhibits in the stairwells highlighting Rome’s river heritage

A: Casino gambling is not currently legal in Georgia — but legislation is introduced in the General Assembly every year to allow it. With Atlanta, Savannah, and Columbus pushing for gaming expansion, Rome has an opportunity to be proactive and get in line early. Riverboat gambling is a flexible and symbolic approach that may also have a better path forward than traditional land-based casinos. 

A: This is a multi-step process:

1. Enlist community support 
2. Form an Exploratory Committee of local leaders and citizens 
3. Create a Master Plan and engage with city, county, and state officials  

Local support would be critical, followed by formal approval from the Rome City Commission, Floyd County Commission, and ultimately the Georgia General Assembly. 

A: Yes — the Coosa River is the only truly navigable river in Rome and has been used historically for industrial barge traffic. A formal study would identify a safe channel and any needed dredging. Most of the time, the riverboat would remain docked as a permanent venue, with scheduled cruises offered when river conditions allow. 

A: Yes — and that’s actually part of the opportunity. If the Lock and Dam were restored and made operational again, the Queen of the Coosa could extend cruise service far beyond Rome — even to Weiss Lake in Alabama. Revenue generated from the riverboat casino could help fund a full restoration of the Lock and Dam facility, all without taxpayer burden. This project could give new life to one of our region’s most historic and overlooked landmarks.  

A: Reactivating the Lock and Dam — which has been closed for many years — would restore navigability on the Coosa River, allowing boats (including riverboat cruises) to travel from downtown Rome to Weiss Lake and even, in theory, all the way to Mobile Bay on the Gulf Coast. This move could be transformational for tourism, economic development, and waterfront recreation.

That said, there are two important community concerns:

The Lock and Dam is one of the most popular fishing areas in Northwest Georgia. We want to be clear: any future development will prioritize public access and preserve fishing opportunities. Our intention is not to displace local fishermen, but to improve the area with better infrastructure, safety, and shared use. We will work closely with community members and recreational users to ensure their voices are part of the process.

In the mid-20th century, some local manufacturing plants unknowingly released PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) into the Coosa River system. While cleanup efforts have significantly reduced the risks, there are lingering concerns about disturbing PCB sediment during dredging or dam reconstruction.

Our commitment is to:

• Conduct comprehensive environmental assessments before any construction
• Work closely with agencies like the EPA and Georgia      EPD
• Ensure all actions are guided by science, environmental safety, and long-term river health.

Any reactivation of the Lock and Dam will be carefully studied before moving forward.

 A: This project could become the largest private tax-generating business in Rome and Floyd County. It would:

• Create 100+ local jobs 
• Attract tourists and event traffic 
• Spur downtown development 
• Generate funds for public works improvements, including Lock and Dam revitalization All of this could be done without raising taxes on local citizens.

A: Every year, momentum grows in Georgia’s legislature to allow casino gaming. Eventually, the law will change — and cities like Atlanta and Savannah are already lining up. Rome has a chance to be ahead of the curve and bring a unique, tourism-driven concept to northwest Georgia. The time to explore this is now.  

A. Riverboat casinos, which are casinos located on riverboats or barges, can be found in several states in the USA, primarily along the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and along the Gulf Coast. Here are some of the states where you can find riverboat casinos:

• Missouri: Has 13 riverboat casinos, including those in Kansas City, St. Louis, and St. Joseph.
• Illinois: Was the second state to legalize riverboat gambling and has casinos in areas like Alton and the Chicago area.
• Indiana: Has several riverboat casinos along the Ohio River and Lake Michigan, including in Lawrenceburg, Hammond, and Florence.
• Iowa: Was the first state to legalize riverboat gambling, with casinos in cities like Davenport.
• Mississippi: Known for riverboat gambling, primarily along the Mississippi River, with casinos in cities like Natchez and Vicksburg. 

States along the Gulf Coast:

• Louisiana: Has numerous riverboat casinos, particularly in areas like Shreveport, Bossier City, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and near New Orleans.
• Florida: While not on the Mississippi River, Florida has "riverboat casinos" that are actually cruise ships that sail into international waters, allowing gambling. 

Note: The term "riverboat casino" can be a bit misleading, as many of these casinos are permanently docked or built on barges and do not actually cruise. Additionally, some states have transitioned from riverboat casinos to land-based casinos.  (Reference: Wikipedia)

A.  While casino gambling is currently illegal in Georgia, there's been significant lobbying and legislative efforts to legalize it, leading to several cities being considered as potential locations for casino resorts. (Rome is currently not one of them.) Here are some of the cities that have been discussed as potential sites for casino development in Georgia:

• Atlanta: Atlanta, being the state's capital and a major metropolitan area, is a prime target for casino development. Specific sites like the Atlanta Motor Speedway, the CNN Center, and Centennial Yards have been proposed.
• Augusta: Augusta, a significant city in eastern Georgia, has also been mentioned as a possible location for a casino resort.
• Hartwell: Hartwell, situated on Lake Hartwell in northeast Georgia, has been considered for a casino development, potentially leveraging its proximity to the lake.
• Kingsland: Kingsland, a city near the Georgia-Florida border, is another potential site, aiming to attract visitors from both states.
• Midway: Midway, located near the coast, has been proposed as a location for a casino development, potentially drawing in coastal tourists.
• Columbus: Columbus, a city in western Georgia, has also been mentioned as a potential casino location, with a proposed site along the Chattahoochee River.
• Savannah: Savannah, a major coastal city, has been considered as a potential location for a casino resort. 

Let's ADD Rome to the equation. Rome is the perfect spot for a Riverboat Casino utilizing the historic Coosa River and setting up a mooring dock on the exact spot riverboats docked in the late 1800's! Add a restaurant, a bar with a meeting space for weddings and parties and we have a grand slam! 

Important Note: It's crucial to understand that these are potential locations discussed in the context of ongoing efforts to legalize casino gambling in Georgia. As of now, casino gambling remains illegal in the state, and no casinos have been built or authorized in any of these cities- YET.  

A.   Yes, there are both potential positive and negative financial and economic impacts associated with adding a riverboat casino or any legalized gambling to a city. As with all "vice" businesses-  alcohol, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, cannabis- they are all subject to debate and scrutiny due to ethical concerns and their perceived negative impacts on individuals and society. It's the age old balancing act between freedom, economic impact, and regulating people's choices.

Potential Positive Impacts:

• Increased Tax Revenue: Riverboat casinos can generate significant tax revenue for both state and local governments. This revenue can be used to fund public services, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives.
• Job Creation: The construction and operation of a riverboat casino can create new jobs in the local area, ranging from casino staff to hospitality and service positions.
• Boost to Local Retail: Casinos can attract visitors, leading to increased spending in local businesses, restaurants, and shops.
• Economic Growth: Studies have shown that the introduction of casinos can have positive impacts on key economic indicators such as per capita income and unemployment rates, particularly in rural areas.
• Tourism Development: While the impact on tourism can be complex and vary by location, riverboat casinos can sometimes contribute to increased tourism and attract visitors who may also spend money at other local attractions.
• Support for Local Businesses: Casinos often source products and services from local businesses, leading to increased revenues and job creation in various industries. 

Potential Negative Impacts:

• Social Costs: Increased gambling can lead to social problems such as gambling addiction, crime, and bankruptcy, which can have significant costs for individuals and the community.
• Competition with Existing Businesses: The presence of a casino can potentially draw customers away from other local businesses, especially those in the entertainment and hospitality sectors.
• Crime: Some studies suggest that casinos can be associated with increased crime rates, particularly property crimes and crimes related to problem gambling.
• Problem Gambling: The proximity of a casino can make gambling more accessible, potentially leading to an increase in the number of problem gamblers and associated social and economic costs.
• Strain on Public Services: Increased population and activity related to a casino can place a strain on local public services, such as police, fire departments, and social services.
• Impact on Community Character: The introduction of a casino can change the character of a community, potentially impacting local culture and quality of life. 

Important Considerations:

• Community Demographics and Existing Economic Conditions: The impacts of a riverboat casino can vary depending on the specific characteristics of the community, its population, and the existing economic structure.
• Regulation and Oversight: The degree of regulation and oversight of the casino industry can influence the balance between the positive and negative impacts.
• Mitigation Efforts: Communities can implement measures to mitigate the negative impacts of casinos, such as responsible gambling programs and support services for problem gamblers. 

Conclusion:

he financial and economic impact of adding a riverboat casino to a city is a complex issue with potential benefits and drawbacks. It's crucial to conduct a thorough analysis that considers the specific context of the community, weighs the potential positive and negative impacts, and implements appropriate measures to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks. 

References:

• Casinos and Regional Economies: Has the Game Changed? Jul 29, 2022 — The 2016 paper "Riverboat Casino Gambling Impacts on Employment and Income in Host and Surrounding Counties" studies the introduction of casinos to riverboat st.- By Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
• Gaming Means (Small) Business: How Casinos Boost Local ...Apr 20, 2017 — Gaming Means (Small) Business: How Casinos Boost Local Economies * Casinos are responsible for $52 billion in annual small business revenues across real estate. By American Gaming Association
• GAMING MEANS (SMALL) BUSINESS: Without casinos, American small businesses would lose out on $52 billion in revenues, which includes direct and indirect economic activities. By American Gaming Association

 A. We fully understand that for many in our community—especially those of strong Christian faith—gambling raises moral and spiritual concerns. That’s a conversation worth having, and we welcome it respectfully and openly.

First, let’s be clear: the Bible does not explicitly forbid gambling. There is no verse that says, “Thou shalt not gamble.” However, Scripture does caution believers to guard against greed, the love of money, and the temptations of quick wealth:

• “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
   
• “Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.” – Hebrews 13:5
   
• “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” – Proverbs 13:11
   

These are wise warnings—not just about gambling, but about any behavior that can become destructive when pursued without balance or discipline. The same principle applies to alcohol, tobacco, food, or even work. In moderation and within a regulated, responsible framework, many of these things are lawful, even if they are not appropriate for every individual.

America is a free and pluralistic society. As Christians, we are called to live out our faith with conviction, but also to respect the freedom of others to make choices—even ones we may disagree with. Jesus did not coerce morality through legislation. Instead, He changed hearts through compassion, truth, and love. As Scripture says:

• “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” – Romans 14:5
   
• “Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” – Romans 14:10
   

The goal of this project is not to glorify vice, but to create jobs, tourism, and entertainment in a controlled, regulated environment—one that can be monitored and taxed for the benefit of the community. Like any other business, it should be held to high standards of accountability and operation.

No one is being forced to gamble, just as no one is forced to drink, smoke, or dance. But we must be careful not to impose our personal beliefs on others in a way that undermines the freedom we all value.

In the end, this is not a debate between good and evil—it’s a debate about choice, responsibility, and how we live together in a diverse society. 

A:

• Sign the petition 
• Join our mailing list 
• Share this initiative with others 
• Contact local officials and voice your support
   

We are currently forming an Exploratory Committee of citizens and leaders. Your voice could help shape the future of our riverfront and downtown economy.