The STL Bucket List Show

Hollywood Casino & River City Casino — Inside STL’s Casino, Sports Betting, and Live Entertainment Scene

Lucas & Marissa Farrell Episode 202

From Vegas mega-resorts to St. Louis entertainment weekends, this episode goes behind the scenes with Mike Jerlecki, Vice President and General Manager for Hollywood Casino St. Louis and River City Casino (PENN Entertainment).

We talk about what it’s really like running a casino operation, how the guest experience is built from the ground up, and what’s coming next for sports betting in Missouri.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Mike’s path through the casino industry, from valet to leadership, and why hospitality is the whole game
  • What’s changing in gaming tech, cashless wallets, mobile betting, and responsible gaming controls
  • The vision for new sports books at Hollywood and River City, massive screens, full-service food and drinks, and big-game energy
  • How casinos impact St. Louis beyond entertainment, education funding, jobs, scholarships, and community partnerships
  • Why live experiences still win, concerts, UFC, packed sports books, and the social “third space” people crave

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📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

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