Missouri Gaming Commission News and Information

A casino locating in Cape Girardeau has been discussed and debated for nearly two decades, and the most recent process of determining which community and casino applicant would receive the state's final license was nothing short of thorough.

Cape Girardeau citizens had the opportunity to vote on whether they support the operation of a casino in the city. After a spirited but respectful debate, which took place on these pages and throughout the community, voters resoundingly said yes: 61 to 39 percent. The result removed a question before the State Gaming Commission of whether Cape Girardeau welcomed the effort.

Read more here.

This story is courtesy of Tim Logan and the St.Louis Post Dispatch-

After months of intrigue, it looks like a decision is coming soon on who'll win Missouri's 13th and final casino license.

The state Gaming Commission set a Dec. 1 date for discussion, and a likely vote, on selecting a "priority applicant" for the license, which is being sought by Isle of Capri Corp. in Cape Girardeau, the Koman family in north St. Louis and Epic Gaming in Sugar Creek, near Kansas City.

While the final award of the license won't happen next week – that doesn't happen until the day the casino actually opens – selecting a priority applicant essentially ends the process. Whoever is chosen can then begin construction.

The Gaming Commission is expected to weigh several factors, including a market study that was recently finished by the state Department of Economic Development. Applicants, and other casino companies, have released their own studies, each touting the virtues of their respective site. The DED study is expected to balance all those and spit out an impartial choice.