Missouri suspends new casinos, voters to decide

Missouri suspends new casinos, voters to decide The Missouri Gaming Commission decided to suspend any considerations for new casinos in the state, it was announced Monday. The suspension of new casinos in the states will affect one pending casino application in Kansas Cit, as well as two more casino talks - in Cape Girardeau and St. Louis. According to the Missouri Gaming Commission, the reason behind the freeze of future casino plans is needed because the issue of capping the number of casinos will be on a measure attached to the general election ballot on November 4th. The gambling companies Ameristar Casinos Inc. and Pinnacle Entertainment began the initiative to limit the casino licenses in Missouri to 13 (the current number of existing casinos and those being built) and according to supporters, the initiative has gathered enough signatures to be added to the November ballot. The measure, however, still needs certification by the secretary of state. If approved, besides limiting the casinos in the state to 13, would also repeal the $500 in two hours loss-limit and would raise the state casino tax by one percent to 21%. The proposal is projected to generate up to $130 million annually.

Published on 06/18/2008