By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Supporters and opponents of a proposed South St. Louis County casino filled a gym at Mehlville High School Wednesday night to share their views with county officials.
Isle of Capri wants to put a casino immediately South of the Jefferson Barracks Bridge; Pinnacle Entertainment wants one at the old National Lead site further north.
Pinnacle CEO Dan Lee says a South County casino will compliment one the company recently got approval to build downtown.
"The bulk of the business is probably local, not only from the county itself, but also from Illinois, across the bridge," Lee said. "And so it's a matter of attracting people to come here, and having stuff that they would want."
Opponents of the plan say a casino will bring crime and other social problems.
"It's a quick fix," Said Harold Hendrick. "It can mean some immediate economic benefit, perhaps. But everyone of us has a friend, or a friend of a friend, who has been ruined since casinos saturated the area."
Labor and business leaders say a casino will create jobs in the area and jumpstart the economy.
The St. Louis County Gaming Selection Committee says it will make a recommendation by Tuesday.
Isle of Capri has also upped its bid it first proposed a $167 million casino complex; it's now pitching a $300 million plan.