MISSOURI

Currently there are 11 casinos operating in Missouri. Riverboat gaming in Missouri got off to a slow start without slots, but with their introduction in December, 1994, things really picked up. However, the US$500 loss limit has kept the state's casinos at a competitive disadvantage. The Kansas City and St. Louis casino markets appear to be approaching saturation. Instead of expanding the markets, the new casinos have taken market share from the existing operating casinos. Thus the Missouri Gaming Commission is reviewing the Kansas City, St. Louis and other casino markets before reviewing additional applications and awarding new licenses.