Riverboat casino operators had plenty to cheer about in The Show-Me State in October. And with Missouri sports betting getting ready to launch, there may be even more to celebrate before the year ends.
According to the Missouri Gaming Commission, casino revenues soared by 9% compared to the same month last year, climbing to a hefty $164.9 million, up from $151.3 million.
While electronic gaming devices led the charge with an impressive 11% increase, raking in $143.5 million, traditional table games saw a slight dip of 3%, ending at $21.4 million.
The strong revenue news comes in the wake of the announcement that two new casinos are in the works at Lake Ozark.
Missouri Casino Highlights and Too Performers in October
An overwhelming majority of the state's 13 riverboat casinos—11, to be precise—reported year-over-year revenue gains.
Leading the pack, Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville saw a jaw-dropping 61% surge in revenue, climbing from just over $3 million to nearly $4.9 million.
| Casino | Revenue | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| Ameristar St. Charles | $25,244,698 | +7% |
| Hollywood Casino | $23,028,853 | +8% |
| River City Casino Hotel | $22,664,143 | +6% |
| Horseshoe St. Louis | $13,052,702 | +24% |
| Century Casino & Hotel Caruthersville | $4,876,042 | +61% |
Others, like Horseshoe St. Louis and Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Boonville, enjoyed substantial double-digit growth of 24% and 20%, respectively.
Unfortunately, not all casinos shared in the highs; Century Casino & Hotel Cape Girardeau and Bally’s Kansas City experienced modest revenue declines of 6% and 1%.
Missouri Sports Betting: The Next Big Wave
Looking ahead, the Show-Me State's casinos are setting the stage for another potential windfall with the impending launch of sports betting on December 1, 2025.
Things are already starting to get real on the Missouri sports betting scene.
Four of Missouri’s highest-grossing casinos — Ameristar St. Charles, River City Casino, Hollywood Casino, and Ameristar Kansas City — are partnering with either Fanatics or ESPN BET.
The plan is to open branded retail sportsbooks in December, coinciding with the state's legal sports betting launch. It's a story we first reported in August.
This introduction is not only expected to attract a flood of bettors but also promises a significant boost to the state's coffers. Early projections anticipate the Missouri sports betting handle could hover between $3.4 billion and $4 billion, potentially generating $47.5 million in new tax revenue while earmarking up to $5 million annually for responsible gambling programs.
The impact of sports betting is poised to extend well beyond betting slips.
By integrating retail sportsbooks within casinos, operators are likely to see a spike in foot traffic as sports fans swing by not just to place bets but also to try their luck at slots and tables.
This inflow spells good news for other services, leading to higher spending on hotels, dining, and entertainment. Industry watchers point to states like Indiana, where sports betting has enriched the entire gambling ecosystem.
Industry Projections and Competitive Landscape
As anticipation builds, national operators like FanDuel and DraftKings are eyeing Missouri's potential with keen interest.
FanDuel has projected up to $400 million in annual revenue from the state's sports betting market once fully operational, while DraftKings stands by an estimate of nearly $175 million within five years.
Excitement is palpable as the December launch promises a fiercely competitive arena.
With various apps and casino venues gearing up with customer incentives, Missouri casinos are well positioned to ride this new wave, potentially seeing continued year-over-year growth into 2026. As sports betting takes off, broader economic benefits are expected across Missouri, invigorating the hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors.
October proved to be a landmark month for Missouri's casinos, setting the stage for a dynamic close to 2025 and an even more promising 2026. With sports betting on the horizon, Missouri's gaming landscape is set for a thrilling transformation.
