The Isle of Capri Casino is the only place to legally gamble between St. Charles and Kansas City. And, it could see some of its business heading south in the future.

The Isle of Capri Casino in Boonville is currently the closest place to gamble in mid-Missouri, beating the competition by almost two hours. The casino opened in December of 2001, with a huge financial impact on Boonville.

"With the casino coming in, the city was able to re-develop some of the areas in town that weren't necessarily as eye appealing as others, so we were able to add some green space," explained Bari Richter, Isle of Capri General Manager.

The casino says it helped change the look of the city.

"There's a veterans' memorial park that's along the riverfront that we helped put into place along with a veterans' committee. We've also contributed to the Historical Founder's Park that's right off of Main Street. We helped contribute to a statue that was put into that park," said Richter. But, some of that gambling business could go elsewhere.

Jefferson City, less than 60 miles away, is considering a riverboat casino. This would also give Columbia residents the choice of which casino to spend their money.

The casino could mean more money for schools, police and fire officials in Jefferson City, and fewer dollars for Boonville.

"A casino going into Jefferson City is really a decision that the local community has to make. It has to be a decision that they're comfortable with, and that they would like to see as part of the opportunities they have in their community," explained Richter.

Boonville City Councilman Bob Irish said Jefferson City would not want to put in a casino. When asked why, he simply responded "because they they'll take business away from us."

Other city officials refused to comment on camera.