Published on: December 17, 2024, 12:47h.

Last updated on: December 17, 2024, 12:47h.

A gambling ship that previously belonged to the late Gus Boulis, a restaurant and casino tycoon, is abandoned at a Florida dock. The ship still contains slot machines, gaming tables, and casino chips.

Photographer and urban explorer Leland Kent captured these striking images. He is known for his interest in abandoned places, as showcased on his website, abandonedsoutheast.com.

The vessel, known as the Blue Horizon casino cruise ship, used to take gamblers on trips into international waters, away from Florida’s gambling laws, before it ceased operations in 2016 due to the bankruptcy of its then owner, PB Gaming.

The Blue Horizon, previously known as SunCruz VI under Boulis’ SunCruz fleet, was part of Boulis’ successful ventures before his tragic death in 2001. Boulis, a Greek immigrant who made a fortune in the restaurant and casino industries, was murdered by the mafia.

Who Was Gus Boulis?

Originally from Kavala, Greece, Gus Boulis became a successful entrepreneur in North America after starting as a dishwasher in Canada. He achieved millionaire status in his twenties and expanded his business interests in Florida, leading to the creation of the SunCruz casino cruise line in 1994.

Boulis faced legal challenges from authorities due to various business dealings, ultimately leading to his agreement to sell the SunCruz fleet to Jack Abramoff and Adam Kidan. The sale turned controversial, with Abramoff and Kidan later imprisoned for fraudulent practices.

Further complications arose, culminating in Boulis’ untimely demise and the ship’s subsequent ownership changes. The Blue Horizon, formerly SunCruz VI, has remained unused for an extended period due to changes in Florida’s gambling landscape.