The Missouri Gaming Commission begins hearing presentations, this week, from companies wanting licenses to open as many as six casinos in the St. Louis area. Four companies have filed the six applications – for two casinos in St. Louis City, three in St. Louis County, and one in Jefferson County. The company presentations mark the start of a process leading to a recommendation by Gaming Commission staff. Public hearings follow in mid-May. They’ll be followed about two weeks later by the recommendation. Kevin Mullally, the Executive Director of the Commission, says there are no guarantees. The Commission could eventually decide on some, all, or none of the applications. There are currently five casinos in the St. Louis area – three in Missouri and two on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.