GAMBLING IMPACT

The numbers speak for themselves. Gambling companies have sunk almost $626.5 million in Missouri and provided nearly 10,000 jobs since the first casino came to the state a little over a decade ago. When three new gambling operations are completed, the industry will have invested a total of $1.5 billion in Missouri.

One of the new casinos -- Harrah's/Players in Maryland Heights -- will cost upwards of $270 million, making it the largest private development project of any kind in the St. Louis area in almost 30 years. It eventually will have more than 3,000 employees. Coupled with projected new jobs at the other two new casinos -- both in the Kansas City area -- almost 6,000 more jobs will be added. Expansions of gambling operations in the Kansas City and St. Joseph areas will add more than 1,000 jobs. In all, the gambling industry in Missouri soon will be responsible for the employment of more than 17,000 people.

In 1995, the seven operational casinos paid $120 million in wages plus benefits totaling $12.4 million. During the same year, gambling companies purchased more than $111 million in materials.

Missouri's riverboat casinos attract tourists, and tourists spend money in restaurants, motels and retail businesses around the casinos. That spinoff spending further stimulates local economies.

Currently, no less than 18 corporations or partnerships are expressing interest in obtaining Missouri Gaming Commission licensing for additional gambling operations in the state. That is further indication that the gambling industry will continue to have a huge impact on the economy.