Isle of Capri opens new casino

Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001 | 10:47 a.m.

BOONVILLE, Mo. -- State regulators allowed a Caribbean-themed floating casino to open today in this community with a long and storied riverboat heritage.

The Missouri Gaming Commission staff approved gambling and liquor licenses for Isle of Capri, the state's 11th floating casino complex on the Missouri River between the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas.

Kevin Mullally, the commission executive director, said gambling would be allowed to begin Thursday afternoon.

"We're ready to open the doors and let the games begin," said Jeff King, general manager of the $75 million boat-in-a-moat.

With its shimmering neon and pastel colors transforming Boonville's drab riverfront, town leaders hope the casino will boost their economy as well.

The license was approved after a mock gambling session Wednesday attended by state regulators and several hundred guests who used play money.

The Gaming Commission had already given general endorsement to Isle of Capri's suitability, but deferred to commission staffers about final licensing after Wednesday's test.

The staged gambling session included simulations of a robbery at the tellers' cage and two gamblers trying to cash out more than $10,000 in winnings without filing federal tax paperwork, King said.