Because of their more remote locations, most riverboat casino operations do not have access to large population bases, resulting in a smaller volume of players and a smaller profit margin. Demographic studies and market research and analysis are keys to a successful op- eration. A great concept, a beautiful facility, and a well-trained staff mean little when you do not have a sufficient flow of customers to make your operation viable. Two successful gaming venues, Lake Charles and Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana, are over two hours' driving time from the two locations that comprise 80 percent of their customers, Houston and the Dallas Metroplex. Because Texas does not have casino gaming, a number of casino companies decided to locate their facilities as close to the Texas-Louisiana border as possible. This choice has paid off handsomely.