The Isle Casino Cape Girardeau in Missouri recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with a 7-foot birthday cake, a ribbon-cutting and a performance by the band Dr. Zhivegas who performed at the casino’s grand opening on October 30, 2012. Cape Girardeau Mayor Harry Rediger said, “I still remember that day at the end of October. Cut that ribbon and said, ‘Well, what’s going to happen?’ The casino has been a great addition to our city. We had some naysayers when we had the vote. But I know we made the right choice, and like the old quote, the rest is history.”
According to the Missouri Gaming Commission, in the fiscal year ending in June, casino revenue rose from $45.7 million in its first year to $65.8 million this past year. Casino Vice President and General Manager Lyle Randolph attributes that to a greater emphasis on non-gambling areas, including restaurants, bar and banquet space. “One of the adjustments we made is on the food and beverage and events side of the operation. We’re still seeing growth in our special events in our banquet area,” he said. Also in the most recent fiscal year the casino attracted more than 1.8 million visitors, which has remained fairly steady. “In my opinion, the reason the casino is here is for the betterment of the area, to provide economic stimulation,” Randolph added.
One of the county’s largest employers, the casino employs 411 people with a total annual payroll including benefits of $12.6 million , Randolph said. “And, I’m proud to say, 115 of those 411 employees have been here since day one.”
The city also has benefited from $15.2 million in gaming and admissions taxes. Rediger said, “A major part of our police station has been funded through casino funds. A number of smaller projects that were very well-received in the city. We funded a dog park with casino funds. With regular capital funds, that could not have been achieved.”
Rediger added, in addition to bringing more visitors to Cape Girardeau, the casino transformed a formerly blighted area. “People say some casino visitors don’t benefit us because they come in and then they just leave, but they do benefit us. Even if they don’t stop in to visit, if they’ve been here, we can get them back.”
Earlier this year, Eldorado Casinos bought Isle of Capri but Randolph said the change will not affect the casino’s operations or its relationship with the city. “We have a great working relationship with the city. I think Eldorado is a great fit for us,” he said. Rediger added, “We wondered after the sale, ‘Are they going to change their name? Change their personnel?’ But they’ve stayed the course. They’re dedicated with their current personnel.”
