SCOTT CITY AWAITS CASINO DECISION

SCOTT CITY -- Scott City might have an answer to its $60 million gaming boat question from the Missouri Gaming Commission by December, Lady Luck Midwest region vice president Michael A. Hlavsa said.

Hlavsa addressed the Scott City Council and about 20 members of the community Monday at the council's regular meeting. He said almost all of the paperwork has been completed and turned in to the commission and all that is left is to wait.

The commission, Hlavsa said, has become cautious recently about approving gaming licenses because of some boats losing money and the saturation of markets like Kansas City. A boat in Scott City has the potential to impact Caruthersville's already struggling casino, which is causing the commission to evaluate the situation closely.

Hlavsa said Caruthersville is too far away, as is Metropolis and St. Louis, and if the boat in Scott City draws in the projected 137,000 people annually it will make about $30 million. The boat would employ approximately 600 people, and if the project is extended to include a hotel and golf course more than 250 more jobs will open.

"The Missouri Gaming Division is expanding gaming in slow logical steps," Hlavsa said. "The next step is to have investment bankers come in and give their opinion about the markets."

The placement of the casino boat, near Interstate-55 and Nash Road and next to a frequented truck stop, would also mean much of the casino's income would be coming from outside the area.

"Truckers make great gaming customers," Hlavsa said. "They have a lot of spare time and they like to spend it in a casual environment. I would be happy to provide them with that casual environment."

In other city business, the board named six new members to the police commission: Lisa Wasiloski and Dale Littlepage for two-year terms, Denny Mills and Bill Barnett for three-year terms and James Yetman and Jerry Garms for four-year terms.

The nominees were all accepted with four approving votes, three against and one abstention. Marsha Zimmerman, whose husband is a lieutenant on the police force, abstained from voting while Brenda Moyers, Fred Lange and Norman Brant all opposed the nominations.