Circuit Judge Benjamin Culbertson has ordered Sun Cruz Casino to start paying passenger boarding fees to Horry County.
When the boat first arrived in 2010, Sun Cruz and Horry County agreed the operator would pay a $7 per passenger fee instead of a tax based on the boat's revenue.
Earlier this year, Sun Cruz operators refused to pay the fee because they felt the county was not doing enough to stop illegal gambling in local businesses.
When Horry County didn't get paid, the county sued.
On July 23rd, the judge ordered Sun Cruz to start paying the weekly passenger fees immediately.
The week ending July 29th the county received a check for $20,202.
At this time, Sun Cruz is not required to pay past due amounts but could be forced to once the case is resolved.
In April, Horry County spokesperson Lisa Bourcier said Sun Cruz was estimated to owe the county more than $500,000.
