Amelia Belle Moors at RIO Washingtonian Center

The Amelia Belle, a grand old riverboat built in the style of its vintage ancestors, has taken up permanent mooring at RIO Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg. The Belle offers turn-of-the-century splendor combined with generous promotions like the $10,000 cash giveaway and a lucky $777 slot jackpot.

The casino consists of over 800 slot machines and 11 table games in its 30,000 square feet of gaming space. There are two restaurants, The Cajun Buffet and the Bayou Cafe. The casino is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Although Montgomery County rules prohibit casinos, a loophole allows for casinos located on ships that can sail away from the dock. The Belle, first commissioned in 1995, was most recently moored in Louisiana’s St. Mary Parish and is owned by London-based Synder Entertainment.

RIO Washingtonian Center retailers are thrilled by the new arrival, which is expected to draw up to 10,000 visitors daily. RIO reached 100 percent occupancy last month when AAA Bail Bonds, Lou’s Jewelry & Pawn, and Happy Ending Massage Therapy opened their doors.

While the Amelia Belle Casino is ready for guests, it's still a little too soon to place your bets inside the riverboat. A casino spokesman says a state gaming board inspection is expected this month. Once the Amelia Belle passes, it can open its doors for good.