The story was inspired by Mr Lucky. Star Mike Connors originally envisioned a grittier version with the floating casino being run down. However, the success of The Love Boat prompted the final version to be more glamorous.[2]
References
^TV WEEKEND DEALING WITH THE AGED: HOW KIN TRY TO COPE O'Connor, John J. New York Times 1 Aug 1980: C.22
^Tempo: Mike Connors finds he can't win with 'Casino' film
Witbeck, Charles. Chicago Tribune 31 July 1980: a9.