From Riverboat Casino to Artificial Reef: The Transformation of the Former Lawrenceburg Riverboat Casino

• A former Indiana riverboat is set to become an artificial reef in Alabama
• The former Argosy Lawrenceburg Casino has called Alabama home since 2018
• Artificial reefs promote marine life and provide coastal protection

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A former Indiana riverboat is set to become an artificial reef in Alabama. A former casino riverboat that operated in Indiana along the Ohio River for over a decade is heading for its next chapter as it is set to become the largest artificial reef off Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The Argosy Casino Lawrenceburg, previously a popular riverboat casino, is being readied to sink into the waters near Bayou La Batre.

According to Alabama Marine Resources, which communicated with WRKG News 5, this formerly active riverboat casino has been docked for years at the Bayou La Batre City Docks. This location is home to two former riverboat casinos, but the larger vessel is now slated to become an artificial reef.

“I’m thinking by October this thing will be on the sea floor,”

said Robert Akridge, who has been overseeing the dismantling of the four-story floating casino. “Our job is to gut it out and make it an iron shell to put at the bottom of the sea floor.”

Russell Rigby of Alabama Marine Resources expressed optimism regarding the project, stating, “If our marine resources can execute an agreement to turn one of the barges into a reef, that would be our goal. We’re working hard towards that goal, and we believe it is achievable.”

The Former Argosy Casino

The boat slated for sinking was the Argosy Casino Lawrenceburg. This floating casino opened its doors back in December 1996 and stayed anchored to the Ohio River bank in Lawrenceburg, located roughly 15 air miles west of Cincinnati until 2009, when it was swapped out for a larger barge by Penn Entertainment.

Previously known as Penn National Gaming, the company transformed its Indiana operation into Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg. In 2008, during its final full year of operation, the Argosy welcomed over 1.7 million visitors, housing 76 table games and 2,500 slot machines.

While it continued to float, the Argosy remained inactive for about a decade after its gaming operations were halted. Penn finally sold and transported the dormant vessel to the Bayou La Batre City Docks in January 2018.

In a recent announcement, the Mobile County Commission has allocated $24.4 million for redevelopment at the BLB City Docks that includes upgraded docks, boat slips, aesthetic enhancements, and more secure parking areas. This funding is part of the 2012 RESTORE Act aimed at long-term recovery following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

“The Deepwater Horizon spill was devastating to Bayou La Batre. This project embodies the restoration goals set forth by the RESTORE Act, enabling visible recovery in regions that need it most,” commented Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Preventing Future Incidents

Historically, the two former casino riverboats at Bayou La Batre have faced challenges, even breaking free during storms, causing damage to nearby properties. However, the BLB City Docks project aims to mitigate such risks, ensuring these vessels are more securely moored.

Moreover, artificial reefs are known for providing crucial habitats and shelter to marine life, enhancing biodiversity and supporting local fishing communities while also contributing to coastal protection.

As this exciting project progresses, it is a testament to the innovative ways communities are finding to recycle and repurpose structures while aiding environmental efforts and economic recovery.

Summary: The Argosy Casino Lawrenceburg is set to be transformed into the largest artificial reef in Alabama, positioned in Bayou La Batre. This project not only serves the purpose of creating a new habitat for marine life but also exemplifies a sustainable approach to repurposing old structures and enhancing coastal protection, following significant investments in the area’s infrastructure.

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