Missouri Gaming Commission

MISSION STATEMENT : The Missouri Gaming Commission will strive to promote a positive impact on the State by ensuring the integrity of charitable and commercial gaming.

History of Riverboat Gambling in Missouri

Missouri Gaming Commission was established in 1993 by the 87th General Assembly as specified by Chapter 313 RSMo to regulate excursion gambling boats. The Commission's role is to ensure that criminal elements do not infiltrate licensed gaming operations and that games are conducted fairly, according to their rules and with full disclosure.

November 3, 2006 marked the 14th anniversary of the Missouri voters' approval of riverboat gambling in Missouri. However, policy debates and legal wrangling delayed the opening of the state's first riverboat operation until May 27, 1994. The industry now holds 12 licenses at 11 casino properties and employs approximately 10,900 people with an annual payroll of approximately $275 million. More on History ...

History of Bingo Games in Missouri

Legalized by the voters in 1980, bingo is the oldest form of legalized gaming in the state. It was the first form of a legal lottery in the state since the enactment of the Missouri Constitution in 1865. Bingo was and is restricted to certain charitable, religious, veteran, fraternal and service organizations. Individuals who work the bingo games must be volunteers and cannot receive any type of compensation for assisting with the operations of the bingo game. In addition, all bingo proceeds must be used for charitable purposes.