Players International Riverboat Casino OKd

A riverboat casino owned by Players International Inc. of Calabasas was approved for operation by Illinois gaming authorities Monday.

The 1,400-passenger vessel will open for business today with an abbreviated schedule and will start its regular cruise schedule Friday, Players said. The riverboat’s base is Metropolis, Ill., on the Ohio River.

Approval by Illinois’ Gaming Commission marks a major step in Players’ restructuring effort. The firm is shifting its focus toward riverboat gaming and away from its traditional business of providing discounts to hotels and casinos for members of its gaming clubs.