On Wednesday, a once-famous riverboat casino, recognized as the largest of its kind globally, was deliberately submerged off the coast of Alabama, marking the beginning of its new role as the region’s largest artificial reef.
The Argosy VI, measuring 408 feet, now lies on the Gulf of Mexico’s floor, submerged 122 feet deep and situated 23 nautical miles south of Orange Beach. Environmental advocates believe this vessel will enhance marine biodiversity and augment local fish populations by furnishing new habitats, shelters, and breeding grounds.
Previously, this floating casino attracted a multitude of gamblers from Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and southeastern Indiana while docked on the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
The Rise of Riverboat Casinos
Launched in 1996, the Argosy Casino followed the legalization of casino gaming by the Indiana legislature just three years earlier. The Argosy VI began operations in 1997, taking the place of a smaller predecessor.
Equipped with 1,700 slot machines and encompassing around 75,000 square feet of gaming space across three decks, the Argosy VI served as the focal point of an extensive entertainment complex featuring a 300-room hotel and dining establishments.
In 2004, Argosy Gaming Company was acquired by Penn Entertainment, which determined that a larger vessel was required.
After merely 12 years in service, the Argosy VI was decommissioned to accommodate a new riverboat capable of nearly 9,000 passengers and 4,400 gaming positions. The current vessel continues to operate as Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg.
Subsequently, Alabama real estate developer Larry Wireman purchased the Argosy VI while negotiating to relocate the boat to Key West, Florida, when he was approached by the Alabama Conservation Department’s Marine Resources Division.
The department purchased the vessel from Wireman for $2.5 million, which covered the costs of refurbishing it and removing hazardous materials, including engines, plumbing, and electrical systems, in accordance with state regulations concerning artificial reefs.
Preparing for the Depths
Getting the Argosy VI ready for sinking required over a year of preparation. On Wednesday morning, salvage crews removed wooden plugs from the stern, permitting seawater to fill the hull.
In just a few minutes, the former casino vanished beneath the waves, where it is anticipated to attract corals, sponges, barnacles, fish, and other marine flora and fauna.
Officials assert that this new reef will offer a fresh destination for recreational divers and anglers, ensuring the vessel continues to attract visitors long after its gambling days have concluded.