“The +11.6% result versus December of 2019 compares to our +5.7% estimate versus December 2019, from our spend per a tracked visitor analysis,” said Deutsche Bank analyst Carlo Santarelli in an analyst statement.

Santarelli also noted that the December calendar in Missouri was favorable, with nine weekend days in the month compared to eight in both December 2019 and 2020.

The casinos that comprise the St. Louis market – Hollywood Casino St. Louis, River City Casino & Hotel in Lemay, Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel in St. Louis, and the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles – generated $82.0 million in gaming revenue, an increase of $7.8 million over November 2021 and a 23.1% year-over-year increase.

Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa in Riverside, Harrah’s North Kansas City, Casino KC, and Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kanas City — the Kansas City market — brought in $56.2 million in revenue, a 22.0% increase over 2020 and $2.4 million more than November.

The Out State markets — Century Casino Caruthersville, St. Jo Frontier Casino in St. Joseph, Mark Twain Casino in La Grange, the Isle of Capri in Boonville and Century Casino Cape Girardeau – generated $24.9 million, an aggregate increase of 21.9% over 2020.

Three casinos in the St. Louis market were the top revenue generators for the month. Ameristar Casino in St. Charles produced the most revenue in December with $27.3 million, up 14.1% year over year. River City Casino & Hotel in St. Louis brought in $21.9 million, a 55.2% year over year increase. The Hollywood Casino St. Louis saw an increase of 38.3% to $204.

Outside the St. Louis market, Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City brought in $16.8 million, an 18.7% increase from 2020.

Harrah’s North Kansas City generated $14.8 million, a year-over-year increase of 12.3%, and Argosy Riverside produced revenue of $14.6 million, a 16.8% jump.

Isle of Capri Casino Boonville lead the Out State markets with $7.4 million, an increase of 28.2% year-over-year.

By Rege Behe