Missouri Casinos Employed More than 10,000 People, Paid Workers $330 Million in 2013

Washington, DC – Missouri’s 13 commercial casinos employed 10,016 permanent workers and paid its employees more than $328 million in wages, benefits and tips, according to new jobs numbers for 2013 released today by the American Gaming Association (AGA). Missouri ranks seventh nationwide for casino employment, while neighboring Iowa ranks ninth with more than 9,000 casino employees.

“Casino gaming has created thousands of jobs in Missouri that pay well above the minimum wage and offer fulfilling careers in a range of professions that extend beyond the casino floor,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “Americans feel more favorably toward casino gaming than ever before, and they recognize that gaming creates jobs, boosts small businesses and positively affects local communities. We applaud Missouri policymakers who are working with casinos in order to continue strengthening their communities as they face increased competition from neighboring states.”

In 2013, Missouri casinos generated more than $452 million in tax revenue, which funded education, public safety programs, services for veterans and early childhood programs.

Missouri is home to 13 casinos, including:

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles;
Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City;
Harrah's North Kansas City Casino & Hotel;
Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel in Boonville; and
Hollywood Casino St. Louis.
With gaming present in more markets today, consumers are no longer limited to a handful of options. Therefore, just as casinos are competing against each other, states are striving to implement the most favorable environment for gaming to thrive and benefit their communities. Gaming is viewed more favorably than ever, and it behooves lawmakers to adopt policies based on facts aboutgaming.

The AGA's “Get to Know Gaming” campaign is helping to pave the way for more states to view casino operators as partners and adopt policies that reflect that mindset. The vast majority of voters across the political spectrum recognize that casino gaming creates jobs, strengthens local businesses and benefits communities.