Missouri Riverboat Casinos Generate $158.6M, Up 3.3% in November

Missouri’s riverboat casinos recorded $158.6 million in revenue for November, up from the previous year’s figure of $153.6 million and representing a year-on-year increase of 3.3%.  

 The figures, published by the Missouri Gaming Commission, reveal that of this total, slots generated $137.1 million, up 3.3% year-on-year from $132.7 million. Table games revenue also increased last month, rising 3.4% from $20.8 million to $21.5 million year-on-year.  

 The figures cover the month leading up to the launch of legal sports betting in the state, which launched on December 1. So far, the new regulated market has been deemed a success, with geolocation firm GeoComply recording over 250,000 active accounts in the first day and 520,000 active accounts in the first week.  If you're one of those new bettors or looking to join them, check out our picks for the best online sports betting sites in Missouri.

Ameristar St. Charles Tops the Revenue Chart 

All but four of the state’s riverboat casinos showed a year-on-year revenue rise, including the market leader Ameristar St. Charles, which recorded a 5.2% increase from $23.1 million last year to $24.3 million.  

 The second-highest revenue generator, River City, increased its revenue by 4.9% to $21.8 million, while Hollywood Casino and Horseshoe St. Louis saw significant gains of 8.1% and 11.7%, respectively. 

At the other end of the scale, Century Cape recorded a revenue decline of 5.9%, from $6.2 million to $5.9 million, and sister venue Century Caruthersville also saw a year-on-year drop in revenue, from $5.3 million to $5 million.  

Overall revenue held steady against October’s total, showing a 0.6% drop.  

Century Casino Opens BetMGM Sportsbook in Cape Girardeau 

November’s revenue results may have been lower compared to October, but that didn’t stop Century Casino at Cape Girardeau from marking the launch of legal sports betting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  

The occasion was the opening of the BetMGM sportsbook based at the casino, which operators hope will prove a big attraction thanks to its live sports screens, self-service betting kiosks, and bar.  

The Vice President and General Manager of Century Casino, Lyle Randolph, stated that the response to the addition of the sports betting service had been immediate and was good news for a venue that he said was uniquely positioned to capitalize on it.  

 “Anytime we can add an additional amenity that can bring people in, we are the only retail sportsbook between St. Louis and Memphis, so another regional opportunity for people to come and have a new experience,” he said.  

Sports Betting at Casinos Goes Live Statewide  

The positive approach to sports betting has been echoed at many casino venues across the state in the days since the market officially launched on December 1.  

Casinos across the St. Louis area were able to activate betting kiosks immediately and staged launch-day celebration events. Horseshoe Casino hired a dozen new staff to help run its betting areas, and the casino’s Senior Vice President Glenn Keenan emphasized the important role that casino staff have to play in guiding new bettors through apps, kiosks, and counter wagers.  

Eight sportsbook brands have been granted licenses to operate in the state, with five of those tied to casino operators. Additionally, two untethered online licenses have been awarded. Sports teams in the state are also allowed to link up with sportsbook operators.  

The state has set a 10% tax on sports betting revenue and has committed to spending at least $5 million of that a year on problem gambling support services.  

If you're curious about how to play risk-free, there are also sweepstakes-style platforms where you can collect free sc coins and spin your way through casino-style games without spending a dime.