The Missouri Gaming Commission has given the green light to Isle of Capri Casinos to take over operations at Casino Aztar in Caruthersville.
The Commission had taken on a supervisory role at the casino, in January, when difficulty arose in finding a buyer after Aztar decided to get rid of the property. Isle of Capri stepped in and has now been granted authority to take over operations.
Casino Aztar employs close to 300 people and has a huge economic impact in Caruthersville and Pemiscot County. Caruthersville Mayor Diane Sayre welcomes the Commission’s decision: "We were always a little worried and concerned about an owner and somebody taking on the new ownership in the city of Caruthersville," says Sayre. "The creation of jobs and additional revenue to the city is very important. The casino has been a big corporate sponsor and it plays a big role in our community, economically as well as creating jobs."
Isle of Capri, which already operates casinos in Kansas City and Boonville, and is headquartered in St. Louis, has agreed to buy the Caruthersville property for $45-Million. The Gaming Commission will supervise operations at Casino Aztar until the acquisition is completed within 60 days.
Download/Listen: Caruthersville Mayor Diane Sayre (:30 MP3)
