Brief: Governor fighting plan for gambling cruises

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Gov. David Beasley says he'll fight a plan by gaming interests to launch gambling cruises from Myrtle Beach.

Beasley said such gambling would bring prostitution, organized crime and other unsavory elements to the area -- all of which would deter tourism.

"I can assure you we will fight turning the top pro-family tourism destination in the nation into a gambling mecca," Beasley said.

But a federal judge this month ruled gaming companies can run "cruise to nowhere" gambling cruises off the South Carolina coast, saying federal rules allowing such day cruises supersede state prohibitions.

The Sun News newspaper reported LA Cruise Inc. of Mayport, Fla., is now sending a vessel to Myrtle Beach to offer gambling cruises.

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