Missouri Casinos Luck Out
Luck seems to be with Missouri’s gambling industry, despite the struggling economy.
The latest figures from the Missouri Gaming Commission show overall casino revenue went up 7% in July, taking it to nearly $147 million.
Some casino’s reported an increase of more than 14%.
At Lady Luck in Caruthersville, manager Lyle Randolph says numbers are up just a bit, about 1%. Randolph says people still want to be entertained. And lucky for Missouri, it appears most residents choose to look for a good time close to home.
“I was here last week and spent $20,” said Michael Thomas. “I walked out with $240. I think it helps the economy. It keeps spirits up.”
“I think what we’re seeing is customers who want to say close to home and still look for good, safe value with a short drive,” said Randolph.
Meanwhile, some visitors say they choose to take the short drive to Missouri’s casino’s, over Illinois where smoking is banned.
“We are fortunate not to have a ban here,” said Randolph. “And, as we speak the experience here is changing. We’ve recently re branded as ‘Lady Luck’ and we’re in the midst of a renovation.”
Visitors say it’s enough to keep them coming back, knowing if they play their cards right they could walk out a few dollars richer.
“It’s money management,” said Thomas.
Caruthersville Mayor Diane Sayre says checks from the casino remain consistent. She still sees Lady Luck as a benefit due to capital improvements projects, and jobs created. Meanwhile, new casinos in St. Louis made up $14 million of the $147 million in revenue.
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