Casinos in St. Louis: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaming and Entertainment
Introduction
St. Louis, Missouri, is home to six world-class casinos offering a wide range of gaming options, entertainment, dining, and amenities. These casinos attract millions of visitors annually and contribute significantly to the city's economy.
Casinos in St. Louis
1. Horseshoe St. Louis Casino & Hotel
- Located in historic downtown St. Louis
- 100,000 square feet of gaming space
- Over 2,400 slot machines and 80 table games
- 488-room hotel with luxury amenities
2. Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels
- Situated on the waterfront in downtown St. Louis
- 75,000 square feet of gaming space
- 1,450 slot machines and 40 table games
- Two luxurious hotels: The Lumiere and Hotel at Lumiere Place
3. River City Casino & Hotel
- Located in the Laclede's Landing entertainment district
- 50,000 square feet of gaming space
- 1,200 slot machines and 40 table games
- 201-room hotel with panoramic views
4. Hollywood Casino St. Louis
- Located in Maryland Heights, Missouri
- 100,000 square feet of gaming space
- 2,100 slot machines and 80 table games
- 288-room hotel with elegant accommodations
5. Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa
- Located in East St. Louis, Illinois
- 120,000 square feet of gaming space
- 2,700 slot machines and 82 table games
- 399-room hotel with a full-service spa
6. Casino Queen
- Located in East St. Louis, Illinois
- 90,000 square feet of gaming space
- 1,600 slot machines and 35 table games
- 231-room hotel with convenient amenities
Gaming Options
The casinos in St. Louis offer a plethora of gaming options to cater to all preferences.
-
Slot Machines: Over 10,000 slot machines are available, ranging from classic three-reel slots to innovative video slots with bonus features.
-
Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and poker are among the popular table games offered at these casinos.
-
Poker Rooms: Four of the casinos in St. Louis have dedicated poker rooms with tournaments and cash games of different stakes.
-
Sports Betting: BetMGM Sportsbook & Bar is located at Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa, offering sports betting on major sporting events.
Entertainment and Amenities
In addition to gaming, the casinos in St. Louis provide a wide range of entertainment and amenities.
Live Entertainment
- The casinos host live music, comedy shows, and other performances in their theaters and lounges.
- Dining
- The casinos offer a variety of restaurants and bars serving everything from casual fare to fine dining.
- Nightclubs
- Some casinos have nightclubs with DJs and dance floors for late-night entertainment.
- Shopping
- The casinos feature gift shops and boutiques selling souvenirs, clothing, and accessories.
- Pools and Spas
- Several casinos have outdoor pools and spa facilities for guests to relax and rejuvenate.
Economic Impact
The casinos in St. Louis have a significant economic impact on the region.
-
Employment: The casinos employ a combined total of over 5,000 people, including dealers, pit bosses, wait staff, and other support staff.
-
Revenue: The casinos generate over $1 billion in annual revenue, which contributes to state and local tax revenue.
-
Tourism: The casinos attract over 4 million visitors annually, boosting tourism and spending in St. Louis.
Useful Tables
Table 1: Casino Gaming Revenue in St. Louis
Year |
Revenue |
2020 |
$975 million |
2021 |
$1.12 billion |
2022 (estimated) |
$1.25 billion |
Table 2: Average Slot Machine Win Per Day
Casino |
Win per Day |
Horseshoe St. Louis |
$12,000 |
Lumiere Place |
$10,000 |
River City |
$9,000 |
Hollywood Casino |
$11,000 |
Ameristar |
$13,000 |
Casino Queen |
$8,000 |
Table 3: Poker Room Rake
Casino |
Rake |
Horseshoe St. Louis |
10% |
Lumiere Place |
10% |
Hollywood Casino |
12% |
Ameristar |
10% |
Stories and Lessons Learned
Story 1: The Big Win
In 2021, a lucky player hit a $1 million jackpot on a slot machine at River City Casino. This massive win not only made the player an instant millionaire but also generated significant media attention for the casino.
Lesson: Lady Luck smiles on those who dare to play.
Story 2: The Blackjack Maestro
A skilled blackjack player managed to win over $100,000 at the Horseshoe St. Louis Casino. By using basic strategy and card counting techniques, the player gained an advantage over the house and walked away with a hefty profit.
Lesson: Knowledge and skill can give you an edge in gaming.
Story 3: The House Always Wins
Not everyone is so fortunate when gambling. A visitor to Lumiere Place Casino lost their entire savings of $20,000 on a roulette table. This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that gambling should be done responsibly and within one's means.
Lesson: The house has a built-in advantage, and it is always possible to lose money when gambling.
Effective Strategies
Slot Machines
- Play machines with a high return-to-player (RTP) percentage.
- Look for loose slots in areas with high traffic.
- Bet the maximum amount of coins allowed to increase your chances of winning.
Table Games
- Learn basic strategy for blackjack and poker to improve your odds.
- Manage your bankroll wisely and set limits for yourself.
- Take advantage of loyalty programs and bonuses to earn comps and extra cash.
Poker
- Choose tables with stakes that match your skill level.
- Study your opponents and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Practice good bankroll management to prevent going broke.
Conclusion
The casinos in St. Louis offer a thrilling and unforgettable gaming experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned gambler or a casual player, you're sure to find something to enjoy at these world-class casinos.
Remember to gamble responsibly and have a good time!