7 companies submit economic analyses of proposed casino operations to state gaming commission

Seven companies hoping to win permission to build Missouri's 13th casino submitted economic analyses of their proposed operations to the Missouri Gaming Commission on Thursday, spokeswoman LeAnn McCarthy announced.

Two companies, Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. and St. Louis Capital Partners LLC, submitted the required reports for proposed Cape Girardeau gambling boats. Both companies made presentations to the Cape Girardeau City Council on July 8 in an effort to win city endorsement of their applications.

No details of the analyses were released. The analyses will be turned over to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, which will report to the gaming commission July 28 with a preliminary review of the proposals.

Three companies, Bluestone Diversified Investments LLC, Casino Celebrations LLC and KPS Capital LLC or NEW CO, submitted economic reports for casinos that would be within the city of St. Louis. One report, for North County Development LLC, identified its proposed location in St. Louis County, and the seventh economic report was submitted by Epic Gaming LLC for a proposed casino in Sugar Creek, Mo., near Kansas City.

The economic analysis for each proposed casino was a required element for any proposed casino site but are not the same as a formal application to be considered for a license. Formal applications, and the accompanying $50,000 fee, are due by Sept. 1.

rkeller@semissourian.com

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