If you're in the Gateway to the West and looking for some action, you've got options. While Missouri law restricts casinos to riverboats, the St. Louis metro area offers a solid mix of land-based riverboat casinos and nearby Illinois options. Whether you're a slots enthusiast, a poker player, or just want a night out with dinner and a show, there's a spot for you.
Top Casinos in the St. Louis Area
Your closest bets are the two major riverboat casinos right in Maryland Heights. Ameristar Casino Resort Spa is a massive complex with over 130,000 square feet of gaming, featuring 2,500 slots, 80 table games, and a dedicated poker room. They also have a hotel, multiple restaurants, and a spa. Just down the road, Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis offers a similar scale with a vibrant atmosphere, 1,800 slots, 45 table games, and live poker. Both are about a 20-25 minute drive from downtown St. Louis.
Crossing the River to Illinois
For a different scene, head east across the Mississippi. In Alton, Illinois, you'll find Argosy Casino Alton, which has been a staple for decades with over 1,000 slots and table games. Further east in Collinsville, about a 30-minute drive from downtown STL, is the newly renovated DraftKings at Casino Queen. This one's a big deal for sports bettors, as it's attached to the DraftKings Sportsbook, and it features a large gaming floor and a hotel with views of the St. Louis skyline.
What to Expect: Games, Limits, and Atmosphere
Missouri casinos are required to be "riverboats," but don't expect a cramped paddle wheeler. These are permanent, docked structures that feel like any major land-based casino. You'll find penny slots all the way up to high-limit machines, with popular titles like Buffalo Gold and Wheel of Fortune. Table minimums typically start at $10 for blackjack and roulette, going up to $25 or more on weekends. Poker rooms at Ameristar and Hollywood spread Texas Hold'em games with buy-ins from $60 to $300. The Illinois casinos offer a similar mix, with the added benefit of legal, in-person sports betting at venues like DraftKings at Casino Queen.
Beyond Gambling: Dining, Hotels, and Entertainment
These aren't just gambling halls. Ameristar's buffet is legendary in the area, and Hollywood has a great selection of quick bites and sit-down options like Final Cut Steakhouse. If you're planning a staycation, both Ameristar and Hollywood have full-service hotels attached. For big-name concerts and comedy shows, check the event calendars at The Event Center at Ameristar or The Soundstage at Hollywood Casino.
Online Alternatives for Missouri Players
While Missouri hasn't yet legalized online casinos, you can still play social and sweepstakes casinos from your phone in St. Louis. For real-money online play, many St. Louis players sign up with offshore sites that accept US players. These sites offer slots, table games, and live dealers, and they often welcome you with bonuses like a 100% match up to $500 with a 30x wagering requirement. Popular deposit methods on these sites include Visa, Mastercard, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for faster transactions.
FAQ
What's the closest casino to downtown St. Louis?
The two closest are Ameristar and Hollywood Casino in Maryland Heights. They're both roughly a 20-25 minute drive west of downtown, depending on traffic on I-70.
Can I bet on sports at Missouri casinos?
No, sports betting is not legal in Missouri as of now. If you want to place a legal sports bet in person, you need to go to an Illinois casino like DraftKings at Casino Queen in Collinsville, which has a physical sportsbook.
Do I need to bring cash, or do they have ATMs?
You should bring cash, but all the casinos have plenty of ATMs on site. You can also get cash advances at the cage with your debit or credit card, though fees will apply. For table games, you buy chips directly from the table using cash.
Is there a dress code for St. Louis casinos?
The dress code is very casual. You'll see people in everything from jeans and t-shirts to dressier night-out attire. The main rule is that you must be wearing shoes and a shirt—they won't let you in without them.
What's the legal gambling age in Missouri and Illinois?
You must be 21 years or older to gamble at all casinos in the St. Louis area, whether in Missouri or Illinois. You'll need a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) for proof of age.