For some time, two casinos were actually operating, one on the boat and another on a barge, until 1999, when the entire casino was consolidated to a barge, partially due to a regulation change which eliminated boarding restrictions. Cruising was required until 1996, when a change in regulations allowed riverboat casinos in Missouri to be permanently moored. In late 1994, the casino was moved to a new boat, the Station Casino Belle. Due to regulations of that time, admission fees were charged, and gambling sessions were restricted to two-hour cruises with a $500 maximum loss per session. It was one of the first two riverboat casinos in the state, and originally offered 24,500 square feet of gaming space with 52 blackjack and craps tables and 813 video poker machines. The casino opened on May 27, 1994, then owned by Station Casinos under the name Station Casino St. Ameristar attracts over 5.5 million visitors a year and is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Missouri. It is one of several casinos in the greater St. Charles, Missouri, a northwestern suburb of St. Charles is a riverboat casino located on the Missouri River in St. Casino in Missouri, United States Ameristar Casino St.
