The Missouri Gaming Commission has unanimously approved a resolution instituting a moratorium on the acceptance of new applications to open and operate casinos.
Only one casino company, Wild Rose of Iowa, has paid a $50,000 fee to the Gaming Commission for consideration of the company opening a casino at Sugar Creek in Jackson County. A group in Cape Girardeau wants to construct a casino in that city.
Commission Executive Director Gene McNary says it’s unfortunate to put everything on hold, but commissioners want to wait to see whether the Secretary of State approves a ballot initiative that would ask Missourians to stop any new casinos from setting up shop. McNary says if it is determined by the Secretary of State that the issue will not be on the November ballot the resolution will be null and void and the moratorium will be lifted.
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