## Casinos in St. Louis MO: A Comprehensive Guide to Entertainment and Excitement

Introduction

St. Louis, Missouri, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and bustling entertainment scene. Among the city's many offerings, casinos stand out as premier destinations for gaming enthusiasts and entertainment seekers alike. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about casinos in St. Louis, Missouri, from the history and legal framework to the best casinos to visit, gaming options, and amenities offered.

History of Casinos in St. Louis MO

Casinos have a long and storied history in St. Louis, dating back to the early 1900s when riverboat gambling was legalized on the Mississippi River. However, it wasn't until 1994 that Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing for land-based casinos in the state. The amendment restricted casinos to certain designated areas, including St. Louis.

In 1995, the first land-based casino in St. Louis, the Argosy Casino, opened its doors. Since then, several other casinos have been established in the city, including the Lumière Place Casino & Hotel, River City Casino & Hotel, and Hollywood Casino St. Louis. These casinos have become major tourist destinations, attracting visitors from all over the country.

Legal Framework for Casinos in St. Louis MO

Casinos in St. Louis, Missouri, are regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission, a state agency responsible for licensing and overseeing all gaming activities in the state. The Gaming Commission ensures that casinos meet strict standards for security, fairness, and responsible gaming practices.

To ensure the integrity of gaming operations, all casinos in St. Louis must adhere to strict regulations, including:

• Background checks on all employees and patrons
• Use of state-of-the-art surveillance systems
• Regular audits by independent third-party companies
• Compliance with responsible gaming programs

Best Casinos to Visit in St. Louis MO

St. Louis boasts a wide selection of casinos, each offering a unique gaming and entertainment experience. Here are some of the best casinos to visit in St. Louis, Missouri:

1. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel
* Located in the historic Laclede's Landing district, Lumière Place is one of the largest and most luxurious casinos in St. Louis. It features over 1,500 slot machines, 60 table games, and a 24-hour poker room.

2. Argosy Casino Alton
* Just across the Mississippi River in Illinois, Argosy Casino Alton is a popular destination for St. Louis visitors. It offers over 1,100 slot machines, 50 table games, and a poker room.

3. River City Casino & Hotel
* Located downtown St. Louis, River City Casino & Hotel is a modern and sleek casino. It features over 1,000 slot machines, 40 table games, and a poker room.

4. Hollywood Casino St. Louis
* Located just off Interstate 70, Hollywood Casino St. Louis is a large and vibrant casino. It features over 1,600 slot machines, 50 table games, and a poker room.

5. Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles
* A short drive from St. Louis in St. Charles, Missouri, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa is a full-service casino resort. It features over 1,800 slot machines, 50 table games, and a poker room. Plus, it offers a variety of amenities, including a hotel, spa, and multiple restaurants.

Gaming Options Available at St. Louis MO Casinos

Casinos in St. Louis, Missouri, offer a wide range of gaming options to suit every taste and budget. Some of the most popular games include:

• Slot machines: Slot machines are the most popular casino game, and St. Louis casinos offer a huge variety of them, from classic three-reel machines to high-tech video slots.
• Table games: Table games offer a more social and interactive gaming experience. Popular table games in St. Louis casinos include blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat.
• Poker: Poker is a popular card game played in casinos worldwide. St. Louis casinos offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud.

Amenities Offered at St. Louis MO Casinos

In addition to gaming, casinos in St. Louis, Missouri, offer a variety of amenities to enhance your entertainment experience. Some of the most common amenities include:

• Restaurants: Casinos in St. Louis offer a wide variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining. Many casinos also have buffets that offer all-you-can-eat meals.
• Bars: Casinos in St. Louis offer a variety of bars, from casual sports bars to elegant cocktail lounges. Most bars offer a wide selection of drinks, including beer, wine, and cocktails.
• Live entertainment: Many casinos in St. Louis offer live entertainment, including concerts, comedy shows, and dance performances.
• Spas: Some casinos in St. Louis offer spas that offer a variety of services, including massages, facials, and body treatments.
• Hotels: Most casinos in St. Louis are attached to hotels, offering convenient accommodations for guests. The hotels offer a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and business centers.

Benefits of Visiting Casinos in St. Louis MO

There are many benefits to visiting casinos in St. Louis, Missouri, including:

• Entertainment: Casinos offer a variety of gaming options and amenities to provide a fun and exciting entertainment experience.
• Socialization: Casinos are a great place to socialize and meet new people. You can play games with friends, chat with other patrons, or watch live entertainment.
• Convenience: Casinos in St. Louis are conveniently located in various parts of the city, making them easy to access by car, public transportation, or taxi.
• Economic impact: Casinos contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and attracting tourism.
• Charitable giving: Many casinos in St. Louis support local charities through donations and partnerships.

Responsible Gaming Practices

It is important to remember that gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. To ensure that you have a positive and responsible gaming experience, it is important to follow these tips:

• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose.
• Take breaks from gambling regularly.
• Don't chase losses.
• Know when to stop.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek help. The Missouri Gaming Commission has a toll-free helpline at 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633). You can also get help online at the Missouri Gaming Commission website: https://gaming.mo.gov/

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about casinos in St. Louis, Missouri:

• What is the legal gambling age in St. Louis, Missouri?
  • The legal gambling age in St. Louis, Missouri, is 21.
• **What types of games are available at casinos in