Fate of St. Louis casino put on hold by gaming commission

The Missouri Gaming Commission on Wednesday put off a discussion of the future of the President Casino in St. Louis, leaving groups hoping to apply for the only likely available gambling boat license on hold.

The agenda for the commission meeting in St. Charles, Mo., included an item to consider the future of the President, owned by Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. Federal authorities have declined to issue a permit allowing the casino, which is on the Admiral riverboat, to continue operating past the life span of its hull. The casino is expected to close by July 19.

Cape Girardeau business owner David Knight, who is hoping to develop a casino complex along North Main Street, said he had been hoping the commission would make a definitive ruling on the future of the license.

"We have been waiting on the decision of the gaming commission to give us direction as to which way to go," Knight said.

As the meeting began, commission director Gene McNary said no action was planned for the meeting, and the item was removed from the agenda. Last month, commissioners denied a request from Pinnacle Entertainment to replace the aging President with a new casino in St. Louis while maintaining the same license.

In response, Pinnacle filed an appeal with the Western District Missouri Court of Appeals in Kansas City challenging the decision. Pinnacle owns Lumiere Place, opened in 2007, and is building a new casino complex in south St. Louis County.

Along with Knight, developers in Sugar Creek, Mo., and St. Louis County are pursuing plans to seek a license if one becomes available.

A 2008 state law caps the number of casino licenses in Missouri at 13. If the President stops operating, its license could be opened up for bidders from around the state.

Staff writer Rudi Keller contributed to this report.

Pertinent addresses:

Cape Girardeau, MO.

St. Charles, MO