Gaming commission chooses Jefferson County casino proposal

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. - The Missouri Gaming Commission decided Wednesday that the St. Louis market can support another casino and that it should be built in Jefferson County.

In a 3-2 vote, commissioners approved an Isle of Capri riverboat casino in Kimmswick, about 30 miles south of St. Louis. The move shocked nearly 100 Lemay residents, who showed up wearing red T-shirts and carrying posters, in anticipation that a casino in their area would be approved.

"I can't believe it," said Frank Burton of Lemay. "Everyone of us expected that it would be built in Lemay."

The Gaming Commission staff recommended the Kimmswick site after studying data that suggested it would provide up to $16.9 million in public money, and because Jefferson County is one of the fastest growing areas of the state.

However, the building of another casino could spell trouble for the President Casino on the Admiral in downtown St. Louis. At a meeting last month, President officials asked the commission not to allow further saturation of the market here.

"We are concerned about the possible closing of the Admiral," said Gaming Commission director Mel Fisher. "But his casino would be strategically placed."

Gaming Commission staff must now begin a full investigation to determine whether the Kimmswick proposal is viable and whether the owner should be allowed to have a gambling license.

Currently, there are three Missouri casinos in the St. Louis area - Station Casino in St. Charles, Harrah's in Maryland Heights and the President. Just across the Mississippi River, there are also casinos in East St. Louis, Ill., and Alton, Ill.

Other sites under consideration for a casino included one in north St. Louis, and one at the old National Lead site just south of the city.

Some Kimmswick merchants have expressed concern about a casino in the small town.

"We're afraid that if a casino comes in here, it will ruin that quaintness and charm that we've tried so hard to create," said Mary Hostetter, owner of the popular Blue Owl Restaurant.

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