Missouri Riverboat Casino Revenue Experiences Slight Decline in December

The Missouri sports betting market has been hot news from the Show Me state for this year, but it's not all great news coming out of America's newest legal sports betting state.

The Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC) has reported the revenue numbers for December 2024, indicating a slight dip in the revenues brought in by the state's riverboat casinos. According to the report, the AGR for the month was $164.7 million, 3% less than the $168.9 million recorded a year earlier. 

The 13 riverboat casinos in Missouri reported 2.39 million admissions in December 2024, down 6% from the 2.55 million last December. In addition to the lower attendance, the win per admission was somewhat lower, averaging $68.92 in December 2024 compared to $70.45 in the prior year.

The leaders among casinos in December were the Hollywood Casino in St. Louis, with more than $22.4 million in AGR, Ameristar Casino in Kansas City, with $17.1 million, and River City Casino in St. Louis, with $22.8 million.

However, the results of several of the smaller properties were much harsher. For example, Mark Twain Casino in La Grange saw its revenues down 14% compared with December 2023. St. Jo Frontier reported $3.8 million, 16% less than the $4.5 million a year earlier.

While year-on-year revenue figures fell, Missouri increased its AGR month-on-month, with the $164.7 million total far higher than the $153 million generated in November 2024.

Year-to-date trends

Through December, the AGR for all riverboat casinos so far in the 2025 fiscal year—which started in July 2024—is $938.2 million. That number is a 1% decrease from the $950.1 million collected the prior year. Admissions figures for the fiscal year also reflect a decline. Admissions have reached about 13.8 million patrons, compared to 14.4 million in the prior fiscal year. 

Despite these declines, the results reflect that win per patron has remained relatively stable.

Casinos continue to offer major economic impact

Riverboat casinos contribute a big part of the state tax revenues in Missouri. In December 2024, taxes derived from these facilities provided approximately $34.6 million to public programs, including education, infrastructure, and community services. Admission fees collected from casino patrons added another $4.7 million to state and local coffers during the month. Across the six months of the fiscal year, these gaming locations were responsible for $27.6 million.

Economic benefits from the gaming industry exceed revenues derived from tax collections. Casinos employ thousands of Missouri citizens and stimulate indirect economic activity with vendors and service providers in their communities. Additionally, these casinos serve as attractions that drive tourism, further enhancing the economic contributions.

Missouri casino gambling expansion rejected

Missouri's 13 riverboat casinos represent the maximum allowed under current laws. Last year, that could have changed, but voters rejected the idea. The November 2024 ballot included Amendment 5, a measure that would have authorized an increase in the number of licensed riverboat casinos to 14. Specifically, it would have led to a casino on the Osage River. 

However, the initiative failed despite lobbying from Bally's Corp and the Osage River Gaming and Convention Committee. Fifteen years of lobbying couldn't prevent voters from rejecting it by a 52%- 48% margin, keeping the current limit intact.