Casinos in Branson???

Junior · September 06, 2012, 08:55:21 AM

Would it help or hurt the economic situation at Branson if they allowed Casinos on Taneycomo and Tablerock? Would it be more trouble than it is worth? Is it the next step in Branson growth? People have strong feelings about this topic. Some say yes, others no. How about you? Is it a good idea to bring casinos to Branson?

shavethewhales · September 06, 2012, 02:42:04 PM

I'll say that stimulating the right kind of growth is just as, if not more, important as stimulating growth. Sure, they could plop down a few casinos and tourism might increase, but then what else will come in? Before long Branson looses the family appeal that has built it, and they'll be left with the seedier elements and everything that comes with it.

There probably are ways to bring in casinos without the seedier elements though, but I wouldn't count on it lasting that way for long. Besides, it's more likely that the casinos would really just cannibalize the rest of Branson by offering free or discounted shows and eating to draw people in for gambling.

chittlins · September 06, 2012, 04:02:07 PM

It depends on the type. Are we talking the interstate exit casinos like those that dot Oklahoma or resort style casinos with theaters and golfing attached. I've advocated on this board before for casinos in Hot Springs that targeted the restoration of the old hotels downtown as a mechinism to to bring them back to full glory along with the bathhouses.

MissinTheGreenTrams · September 06, 2012, 04:36:49 PM

Im torn. While it would be good revenue, it just does not feel right. I dont think I would be for it.

eagle1 · September 06, 2012, 07:07:16 PM

About 20 years ago I thought casino's would be a good idea here until I started listening to some of the locals while I was visiting the grandparents each year and soon changed my mind. I was able to see what that did to Cripple Creek and Black Hawk/Central City in the mountains in Colorado, it ruined the local businesses and the people that used to make a living there before the casino's and were forced to move on. It would end up taking over the town and could total lose that "family orientated" feel along with many local businesses as they would have to add machine's or something to keep up. After awhile they may be gone or sold out to "big name" casinos. Now having something available closer to Branson that is only an hour or less away would be okay. If they had a casino boat deal, that would be cool but don't want to see Branson turn into something it really is not...

chittlins · September 08, 2012, 01:32:49 PM

Quote from: eagle1 on September 06, 2012, 07:07:16 PM
About 20 years ago I thought casino's would be a good idea here until I started listening to some of the locals while I was visiting the grandparents each year and soon changed my mind. I was able to see what that did to Cripple Creek and Black Hawk/Central City in the mountains in Colorado, it ruined the local businesses and the people that used to make a living there before the casino's and were forced to move on. It would end up taking over the town and could total lose that "family orientated" feel along with many local businesses as they would have to add machine's or something to keep up. After awhile they may be gone or sold out to "big name" casinos. Now having something available closer to Branson that is only an hour or less away would be okay. If they had a casino boat deal, that would be cool but don't want to see Branson turn into something it really is not...

Downstream Casino is just across the border from Joplin. Never pulled a slot or laid down a chip but have caught several shows there. They have been advertising a performance by Boston here in NWA recently. Like I said, what type of casinos are we talking about.

Junior · September 08, 2012, 03:30:06 PM

If you opened Branson to casinos, you could have everything from places in downtown that offer slots only on the low end, or full blown casino resorts along Taneycomo and Table Rock. Casino/hotel/theater/shops places could pull in a crowd...although a different crowd than what Branson is used to. This, of course, would change Branson. However, The Branson of the 1950s and 60s was different than the Branson of the 1970s and 80s...and Branson in the 1990s and first ten years in the 2000 is a different place, too. Branson reinvents itself about every ten to twenty years to keep up with trends that pull tourists in. Believe me, as a kid living in Branson, I never would have imagined all the development along Green Mountain Road, which was a gravel road when I lived there. I never would have imagined four shopping malls like there is now...well, two and a half now that red roof is dead and Branson Meadows is half to three quarters dead. Also, never would have imagined how mom and pop business has given way to corporate places, and the only survivors from the old days in music shows are Presleys and Baldknobbes...Branson is always changing...But, would casinos work there? I don't know.

tiffanylynnt · September 08, 2012, 11:51:54 PM

I never really thought of casinos for Branson, and I know a lot of people who would have a big problem with it. But the way I see it, if you don't like it, don't go. It would be great revenue, but its unlikely that it would fit in.

chittlins · September 09, 2012, 08:02:20 AM

Quote from: tiffanylynnt on September 08, 2012, 11:51:54 PM
I never really thought of casinos for Branson, and I know a lot of people who would have a big problem with it. But the way I see it, if you don't like it, don't go. It would be great revenue, but its unlikely that it would fit in.

Look at this way. People in Arkansas have had a big problem with liquor sales on Sunday. Over time a liberal city like Eureka took advantage of our convoluted alcohol laws and passed Sunday Package Sales. Benton Co is about to go wet. Tontitown and Springdale are eying Sunday sales. It's all in the name of revenue. Benton Co is tired of seeing all that money go across the border, Tontitown wants it's own police and Springdale needs the sales tax to make up for lost retail as it's been killed by the surrounding towns like Rogers and Fayetteville.

Junior has point about the types but unless you go the route of riverboat which is allowed in Mo. It will take a state law change to allow resort type establishments. I figure Branson and/or Taney Co could zone and regulate the locations and requirements for such establishments just like municipalities zone for residential to commercial to industrial development.

I view it like this, It's everywhere why let that money walk away. I can't understand why a resort area like Hot Springs is hamstrung considering it's history with gambling while we (Arkansans) allow Tunica, Sheveport, and the Indian casinos of Oklahoma take money away all the while. We have the regulatory board in place that governs the dog and horse tracks.

Here, I think of the money Branson puts out to prop up the theaters and how that money could be redirected to other infrastucture needs like the renewal of 76.

mhguy77 · September 09, 2012, 10:00:23 AM

A few years back Rockaway Beach wanted gambling, Frankly I thought it was far enough away that the family atmosphere of Branson could be saved if rules and zoning were passed that kept it out of Branson. They could even run free shuttles to the casinos from the hotels in Branson. That was shot down. A few weeks ago I was up in Branson and was very surprised at the empty concrete pads all over 76. Its depressing. It would be a great place for a major player to come in as the land can probably be bought cheaply. Consider the red roof mall, if that were purchased they could certainly build a large entertainment complex on that expanse of ground. Branson needs some help folks.
Its in rough shape and I don't see anything making it better right now. The landing that was once a bright spot has all but gone the way of the Branson Meadows mall.
If gambling were zoned properly and adult entertainment was kept away it may not be such a bad idea.
And I for one think that it will happen. There is some old powerful blood in Branson that has fought against gambling and won up to this point but I think we will see things change with the passing of the guard.
And that wont be many years from now.

eagle1 · September 09, 2012, 03:08:26 PM

Keep in mind city of Branson has already passed a "new look" so to speak for 76 (10 million $+ project), that project is supposed to start soon and will "dress" up the strip so that should be great. Also with the businesses damaged in the tornado, some coming back some not. BUT due the "red tape" and tons of litigation going on right now those properties that are not coming back cannot sell until some kind of settlement is done. There are I'm sure lots of large developers that are hanging out just waiting to come in and buy. I'm just on the fence as I don't want gambling in Branson to "take over". There was just an article this week that the city of Branson & the Chamber states the sales tax is down and mainly because of the shows not bringing what they used to. To me that is a sign we need "newer" entertainment, Branson as a whole has to think about the generations that are coming now not the older generation they are used to surviving on.... $:-\$

Gilligan · September 09, 2012, 06:51:40 PM

The hubs and I had this very conversation about 76 last weekend (minus the gambling issue). We come to Branson often for three main reasons - SDC, Table Rock Lake, Taneycomo. Last weekend was the first time we have actually been on the strip in a long time. The reason we were there was because I talked him into making a stop at Krispy Kreme.

We both noticed the shabby look of the strip and the many empty buildings. We also noticed the traffic! It took us over an hour to cover 2 miles. If the sales tax is down, and the theaters aren't full, what are all these people doing? As hot as it was, we did consider going to an afternoon show, but ...it's not that we are picky, it's just that we have already seen the few we like. I'm not knocking shows or Branson, but they both need some help. We did spend an evening at the Landing. We ate at Garfields (which was really good), and walked around a bit. We both noticed that there were quite a few people at the Landing, but like us, not that many were walking around with shopping bags. We hit the coffee shop after dinner, and that's all the spending we did. I think, like most people, we hold onto our money a little tighter these days. Personally, I don't want casinos moving in because I think it will change the culture of Branson. But, would I stay away if casinos were built? No, I wouldn't. I don't know what the answer is.

Junior · September 10, 2012, 05:17:46 PM

My brother, who operates a catering business in Branson, says you see a lot of people in town, but not too many are buying things. He tells me they visit the free and cheap places at Christmas to see lights, but then wind up going back to the motel rather than a show, or going to a fast food place rather than a sit down place. The economy stinks, and that is why things are happening in Branson as they are. Just wait 'til after the presidential election...my guess is worldwide you will see things fall in an extreme way by this time next year. In Europe, it will only take Greece, Spain, or Italy to topple, not pay off loans on time, and then there will be a worldwide domino effect. I'm glad I've got a season pass this year, because I don't know if I'll be able to that next year.

Gilligan · September 10, 2012, 06:41:13 PM

Sadly (and with much fear) I believe you could be right, Junior. My son, a criminal justice and military science graduate, had an instructor that told the class that within 5 yrs. you will see the U.S. in a major fire fight (and it happened) and, within 50 yrs. the U.S. will fall. I pray that it is not so, but it sure is scary.

sanddunerider · September 10, 2012, 07:12:03 PM

without getting into the whole political debate thing...let me say this...

Junior is right, there is a huge balance of right and wrong weighing on this election..

I think that lots of people are tightening up expecting the worst in november...

you hear the people (preppers), preparing for the worst, stocking up on cash..... cash mind you, NOT savings in the bank, people are keeping the freezer full, some buying the dehydrated food and putting it in the closet....people buying guns and ammo that have never owned them before.....and the list goes on and on...

i ask, Can millions of people be wrong?

If you want to help make a change, please VOTE this year!! It will make a difference....

OK....sorry! I get a little "excited" on the above topic.....

As far as season passes next year i will buy mine for SDC, Grand Country, and a couple of the other shows in town... with the cheap motel rates we get at Homestay, free admittance to SDc and shows, for me it is still a relaively inexpensive weekend.... i can see us maybe bringing more sandwhich stuff to eat, maybe cut back to 1 nite instaed of 2 nites for motel.....BUT I will be there....