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Is the Casino in the Cards?
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JEFFERSON CITY - The odds were split over support of a riverboat casino at a discussion.

A small group gathered to discuss the new casino at the capitol.  About half of the group supported a casino for the capital, the other half did not. The meeting heard both sides of the debate.

A representative from the Missouri Gaming Commission prepped the crowd about the approval process, then opened the floor for questions. Everyone had their own opinion and many just wanted to make sure their opinion was heard.

"The ultimate good that I feel comes from it is the financial benefit to the city. Which affects everybody that owns a home, rents a house, who lives here, because what it does in plain speaking is stabilizes the financial tax situation," said Len Stella, a gambling supporter.

"I think that there is enough gambling around in the area. There's already enough boats within driving distance to do whatever people want to do. If they want to gamble that's their problem, but I don't think they need to bring that here in Jefferson City," said Ben Clark, a gambling opponent.

Those who want to get involved with this issue can go to the polls April 8. Voters will then decide whether to allow the city to move forward with plans to get a brand new casino.

Reported by: Erica Bennett
Posted by: Kathryn Lucchesi
Edited by: Joe Chambers

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