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Cape Girardeau Casino Proponents Launch All-Out Press Campaign

Posted on October 27th, 2010

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The voters of Cape Girardeau, a town in Missouri, will get to decide on November 2, whether or not they would permit a casino to be built in their area. With the choices for key elective offices and statewide issues, the casino issue is another pressing concern the elections is going to address. Even the town’s newspapers have expressed their sentiments. The Southeast Missourian, an editorial pleaded for voters to say yes to the casino proposition. Among organizations that have thrown their support to the proposed gambling facility are the Cape Girardeau Firefighters Association, Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, Cape Girardeau Police Officers Association, Old Town Cape, the Cape Girardeau City Council and Cape Girardeau Area Magnet.

These organizations, with some press outfits, have been arguing that if the no vote wins, an opportunity for the development of Cape Girardeau’s downtown area would be wasted. In their statements, they believe that having the casino would be promoting the best interest of the community. On the other hand, should the voters of the town vote yes, the Isle of Capri casino is touted to attract tourists within the state and from neighboring states as well. Proponents estimate more or less a
million visitors will come to the casino every year.

The casino, with an investment price tag of $125 million, will be a huge business draw to the town. Of course, the additional job opportunities (totaling 450) and additional investments during the construction period. Residents expect more once the casino commences its operations. Sectors pushing for the casino’s realization are quick to point out the revenue both local and state governments can earn from the casino. Millions of dollars in income and taxes are projected to be funneled by the casino to the government. The government would then have the needed money to close their budget gap and fund projects and programs. Among the other points being championed by the casino proponents are the immediate effects of the casino in terms of economics.

With Isle of Capri getting a license for a casino in Cape Girardeau, the company would need to purchase land, which would provide at least $2 million to the city for every 11 acres of land bought in the North Main Street area. The city for its part, has already earmarked where some of the money will go. Half of the land revenue should be used to renovate the corridor of the Broadway. The rest of the proceeds will go the projects throughout the community. Lastly, the city’s emergency reserve fund will get $323,000. This money should be the first time a particular budget has been set aside particularly for the city’s Boardwalk area, which has been abandoned for too long.

As for the casino, once it operates, $3 million every year is expected to go to Cape Girardeau and the surrounding areas. Three-fourths of the said casino tax revenue will be allocated to the city and its schools. The remaining quarter will be given to improvements in the downtown area. This will be made possible through the Riverfront Fund, the recipient of the mix of gross gaming revenue and sales taxes. With a new casino, proponents point out that the idea is for residents of the area who go to casinos to spend their money in a local casino, so that the money will remain in the state. Moreover, the casino should draw more investment opportunities and new people into the town, which most probably would not go to Cape Girardeau if there is no casino there.

People considering a no vote believe that only the companies that own and operate the casino will benefit from its operation. Moreover, those opposing the casino argue that gambling will trigger addictive behavior among the town’s residents. However, this is countered by those for the casino saying that other entertainment choices such as video games and alcohol are as addictive as gambling, and equally dangerous, so why single gambling out? Casino opponents also argue that the economic and financial benefits of the casino are the only things going for casino proponents, and that they never consider the repercussions of a casino. Casino proponents argue that the financial and economic benefits are too big to be ignored and unfortunate should the town lose them.