St. Louis planning to make bid for casino license

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis is losing a state gambling license when the President Casino closes for good by this summer, but the city is already trying to get the license back.

Missouri has a cap of 13 casino licenses. Earlier this month, President owner Pinnacle Entertainment announced it would shut down the aging President no later than July 1, leaving that license up for grabs.

On Monday, St. Louis officials said they will make a bid for that state gambling license.

Communities, gambling companies and developers have until May 1 to submit a "Notice of Interest" to the Missouri Gaming Commission.

St. Louis Development Corp. director Rodney Crim said the city needs to replace the $2 million in taxes, and the jobs, that will be lost with the closing of the President.