Missouri's 13th casino is now open for business. The Missouri Gaming Commission gave final approval Tuesday, and moments later the new $135 million Isle of Capri casino opened in Cape Girardeau.
Missouri has a cap of 13 casino licenses and all are now operating. First-day visitors lined around part of the casino waiting to get inside the facility that includes five restaurants, nearly 1,000 slot machines and table games. CEO Virginia McDowell lauded her company’s efforts to build the casino so quickly and hire local workers: "We had 9,000 applications for jobs, and we picked the 700 best people you are going to meet when you go through those doors. And I am proud to say 80 percent of those people live within 50 miles of Cape Girardeau.” The 135 million dollar project was finished 2 months ahead of schedule. The casino employs 725.
