Missouri Gaming Commission hears proposal for another casino

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1998 | 11:48 a.m.

The Lady Luck Kimmswick, a two-barge operation, would be on the Mississippi River channel in unincorporated Jefferson County. It would be the first casino south of St. Louis, which backers said is a largely untapped area for potential gamblers.

"There's still a great market for growth in the St. Louis area," said Steve Roberts, a partner in the Lady Luck Kimmswick operation.

Lady Luck Gaming Corp., headquartered in Las Vegas, operates three casinos in Mississippi and another in Bettendorf, Iowa.

The boats and adjacent ground facilities would employ an estimated 3,500 people, according to the corporation.

The corporation has had a licensing application before the commission since 1993. A lawyer for group, Jim Deutsch, said Lady Luck had already obtained most federal, state and local permits needed for the project. Roberts said the proposal also had the backing of the Jefferson County Commission.

At today's meeting, market analyst Steve Rittvo estimated the Lady Luck casino would draw 2.44 million visitors in 2002, the first year for which potential attendance was calculated.

The average patron stays for about 1 1/2 so-called cruises, Rittvo said. Patrons at Missouri casinos cannot lose more than $500 within a two-hour period that is defined as a cruise, even though the boats do not actually move on the rivers.

Also today, commissioners approved the selection of Mel Fisher as executive director. The former Missouri State Highway Patrol superintendent had held the job on an interim basis.