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Missouri Casino Fees Could Be Tied to Property Tax

MISSOURI – As reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "The casino tax revenue gravy train could slow for St. Charles and some other cites, while property owners could get a tax break under legislation pending in the Missouri Senate.

"Beginning in 2007, the measure would require a city to reduce property taxes if the city's take from casino admission fees is a bigger proportion of overall city. revenue than in 2006.

"The measure also would bar cities from using that revenue on anything but capital improvements. Gamblers typically don't pay the admission fee, the casinos pay it themselves.

"Now some cities with gambling boats use a portion of the fees to cover operating expenses, such as collecting trash in Maryland Heights and paying some employees in St. Charles. St. Louis restricts its admission fee money to capital costs.

"The bill's sponsor, Sen. Chuck Gross, R-St. Charles, says he wants to cut the property tax burden and wean cities from relying too much on casino money for day-to-day spending. Counties with casinos in unincorporated areas also would be affected…"

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