Casino gambling

When Missouri voters were asked in 2008 to eliminate casino loss limits, remove other gambling restrictions and cap the number of casino licenses, the inducement was a promise of at least $100 million more each year for the state's public schools. Perhaps due to the recession, the 12 operating casinos (one is under construction) took $1.73 billion from gamblers last year, resulting in an addition $22 million for schools.

Those who see the glass as half full celebrate the increase in school dollars at a time when state revenue is coming up short. Those who see the glass as half empty wonder if the $100 million promise was little more than hype.

Part of the revenue equation hinges on the ability of casinos to entice more gamblers to play -- and lose. Last week the Missouri Gaming Commission voted to revoke the license of a poor-performing St. Louis casino. The license is likely to go to another St. Louis gambling complex already under development.

Technically, the commission's decision opens up a license to a bidding competition, including efforts in Cape Girardeau to develop a casino and entertainment complex. This is no crap shoot. The winner will be the proposal that promises to return the most bucks to the state.