The Missouri Gaming Association promotes the benefits of casino gaming by helping casino companies operate and deal with legislative, regulatory and legal issues. The association supports its members with research and analysis on a variety of market and regulatory issues, as well as communication with policymakers about topics impacting the industry.

The gaming industry provided 10,435 local jobs in 2011, down 5.7 percent from 11,071 in 2010, according to the association’s report. The casinos’ payroll was $343 million, up slightly from $342 million in 2010.

Missouri’s casinos also funded several educational and nonprofit organizations. According to the Missouri Gaming Association, the state’s casinos funded $341 million for education last year, up 3.9 percent from $330 million in 2010. Nonprofit organizations received more than $2 million, which is the same amount given in 2010.

The association elected new officers for the year. They include: President – Lyle Randolph, vice president and general manager of Lady Luck Casino in Caruthersville, Mo; President-Elect – Sean Barnard, senior vice president and general manager of Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City; Secretary – Neil Walkoff, senior vice president and general manager of River City and Lumière Place in St. Louis; and Treasurer – Ryan Hammer, senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s St. Louis.