Construction begins soon on northeast Missouri’s first casino

Thursday, May 11, 2000 | 10:28 a.m.

Local officials hope the Mark Twain Casino will give an economic boost to this Mississippi River town of 1,100 people, about 35 miles north of Hannibal.

John Morthland, a Hannibal attorney representing the casino, said developers will accept bids until May 24 and will award contracts soon after.

The initial work will involve clearing and leveling the ground to make way for the 38,000-square-foot casino, which will cost between $12 million and $15 million. The casino will float in an artificial basin filled with river water.

"Its been a long time coming," said Mayor Harold Ludwig. "I wish they were down there with a shovel right now."

Casino officials previously told the council the casino could be up and running within 10 months of the start of construction. That would put the opening at around April 2001.

The casino will employ 250 to 300 people and provide an estimated $1 million to $1.6 million in annual revenue for the town. Casino officials expect to host a job fair 3-4 months before the casino opens.

Developers William Grace and Ward Sauvage are planning to build a restaurant, lounge and retail shop in addition to the casino.

The casino will offer at least 450 slot machines and 14 blackjack and craps tables. Developers recently got clearance from the Missouri Gaming Commission to operate a docked facility instead of one that cruises the Mississippi River. None of the casinos in Missouri cruise the river.

Missouri's other casinos are in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, along with one at Caruthersville in the Bootheel region and one in St. Joseph. A casino is also planned at Boonville in central Missouri.