Casinos in St. Louis: A Comprehensive Guide to the City's Gambling Scene

Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving casino scene. With 13 casinos within its metropolitan area, St. Louis ranks as the nation's third-largest gambling market. This guide will take you on a comprehensive journey through the casinos of St. Louis, exploring their offerings, amenities, and unique features.

A Historical Perspective on Gambling in St. Louis

The history of gambling in St. Louis dates back to the early 1800s, when riverboats became a popular destination for gamblers. In 1988, Missouri voters legalized riverboat casino gambling, and in 1992, the first casino opened its doors in St. Louis. Since then, the casino industry in the city has grown exponentially.

The Casino Landscape in St. Louis

The casino landscape in St. Louis is diverse, offering a range of gaming experiences to suit every preference. From grand casino resorts to intimate riverboat casinos, each property boasts a unique ambiance and a wide selection of games.

1. Casino Queen at the Gateway Arch

• Location: 200 N Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
• Games: Slots, table games, video poker, sports betting
• Amenities: Four dining options, live entertainment, hotel

2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis

• Location: 777 Casino Queen Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129
• Games: Slots, table games, video poker, sports betting
• Amenities: Seven restaurants, live entertainment, hotel

3. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel

• Location: 999 North 2nd Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
• Games: Slots, table games, video poker, sports betting, bingo
• Amenities: Seven restaurants, live entertainment, hotel, spa

4. River City Casino & Hotel

• Location: 777 River City Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63102
• Games: Slots, table games, video poker, sports betting
• Amenities: Four restaurants, live entertainment, hotel

5. Horseshoe Casino St. Louis

• Location: 5777 North Broadway Street, St. Louis, MO 63147
• Games: Slots, table games, video poker, sports betting
• Amenities: Five restaurants, live entertainment, hotel

Gaming Options and Amenities

The casinos in St. Louis offer a vast array of gaming options to cater to all tastes. From classic slots to thrilling table games, there's something for everyone.

1. Slots

Slots are the most popular casino game in the world, and they account for the majority of gaming revenue in St. Louis. Casinos in the city offer a wide range of slot machines, from classic three-reel slots to modern video slots with interactive features and massive jackpots.

2. Table Games

Table games offer a more interactive gaming experience than slots. Popular table games in St. Louis casinos include blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker.

3. Video Poker

Video poker combines the excitement of slots with the skill-based elements of poker. Players can choose from a variety of video poker games, each with its own set of rules and payouts.

4. Sports Betting

Following the legalization of sports betting in Missouri in 2021, several casinos in St. Louis have opened sportsbooks. Sports bettors can now place bets on a wide range of sporting events, including professional and college football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and more.

In addition to gaming, the casinos in St. Louis offer a variety of amenities to enhance the guest experience. These amenities include restaurants, bars, lounges, entertainment venues, and luxury accommodations.

Economic Impact of Casinos in St. Louis

The casino industry has a significant impact on the economy of St. Louis. According to a study by the Missouri Gaming Commission, the casino industry in St. Louis generates over $6 billion in economic activity each year and supports over 30,000 jobs. The casinos also contribute significantly to local tax revenue.

Responsible Gambling in St. Louis

The casinos in St. Louis are committed to promoting responsible gambling. All casinos have programs in place to help identify and assist problem gamblers. These programs include self-exclusion lists, counseling services, and financial assistance.

Conclusion

St. Louis is a thriving casino destination with a diverse array of gaming options and amenities. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or a casual player, you're sure to find something to enjoy in the city's casinos. So, come on down to St. Louis and experience the excitement of casino gaming in one of the nation's top gambling markets.

Additional Information

1. Table 1: Key Facts About Casinos in St. Louis

2. Table 2: Gaming Revenue in St. Louis Casinos

3. Table 3: Economic Impact of Casinos in St. Louis

Stories and Lessons Learned

1. A Night to Remember

John, a 40-year-old engineer, had always dreamed of winning big at a casino. One night, he decided to try his luck at a St. Louis casino. He started off playing slots, but after a few hours, he decided to switch to blackjack. John had never played blackjack before, but he thought it would be easy enough to learn.

To his surprise, John started winning hand after hand. He quickly built up a large stack of chips. The dealer was astounded by John's luck, and the other players at the table were starting to notice. John continued to win, and by the end of the night, he had turned his $500 bankroll into $15,000.

John was so excited that he could barely sleep that night. He knew that he had been incredibly lucky, but he also realized that he had learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, it pays to take a chance.

2. The Importance of Money Management

Mary, a 25-year-old teacher, had always been careful with her money. She never spent more than she could afford, and she always saved for the future. However, Mary had always dreamed of going to Las Vegas to gamble. One month, she finally decided to take the plunge.

Mary flew to Las Vegas and checked into a hotel on the Strip. She started off playing slots, and at first, she was winning. However, after a few hours, she started to lose money. Mary quickly realized that she was not as good at gambling as she thought she was.

Mary lost all of her savings in a matter of hours. She was devastated. She had learned a valuable lesson: it is important to manage your money carefully when gambling. Never gamble with more money than you can afford to lose.

3. Be Aware of the Signs of Problem Gambling

Bob, a 50-year-old businessman, had always enjoyed gambling. He would go to the casino once or twice a month, and he would usually win a little bit of money. However, about a year ago, Bob's gambling habits started to change. He started going to the casino more often, and he started betting more money. He also started to lie to his wife about how much he was losing.

Bob's wife eventually confronted him about his gambling. Bob admitted that he had a problem and agreed to seek help. He went to a gambling addiction counselor, and with the help of friends and family, he was able to overcome his addiction.

Bob learned a valuable lesson: it is important to be aware of the signs of problem gambling. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a gambling addiction,