Study: Downstream Casino's economic output surpasses $1B

Downstream Casino Resort has impacted the Tri-State economy to the tune of $1 billion, according to a study by Minneapolis-based consulting firm KlasRobinson Q.E.D.

Downstream Casino officials announced the findings during the Jan. 18 grand opening of its second hotel tower, a $50 million investment that created 40 new jobs for the resort.

The study found that:

• Since its July 2008 opening, Downstream has generated more than $225 million in economic output annually and has created more than 1,640 permanent jobs. Total annual workers’ earnings equal more than $58 million.

• Downstream’s cumulative economic output represents nearly $750 million, but with the opening of the Kappa tower, the resort has surpassed $1 billion in economic output; Downstream now has a total construction and fabrication value of $361 million.

• Downstream has employed a total of 1,200, has an annual payroll of $34 million, and pays almost $12 million in employee benefits.

• Downstream spends $41 million in annual purchases of goods and services for ongoing operations.

• The resort pays more than $7 million in annual taxes.

“The results of our study reveal an impressive achievement,” said KlasRobinson principal Matthew Robinson, who researched and wrote the report. “It indicates that Downstream could serve as a model for Indian gaming's potential in creating regional economic development."

The study also broke down Downstream’s impact by state:

• In Missouri, induced and indirect impacts on the southwest Missouri region include $23.6 million annually for Jasper County, $2.7 million for Newton County, and $49.1 million statewide. The study also found that Downstream contributed to the creation of 407 Missouri jobs with annual earnings exceeding $17.4 million.

• In Kansas, induced and indirect impacts include $9.7 million in total annual output and 86 jobs with annual earnings of $3.3 million.

• In Oklahoma, induced and indirect impact include $10 million in total annual output and 86 jobs with annual earnings of $3.4 million. Downstream pays the state more than $5.7 million in annual gaming taxes, and cumulatively has paid the state more than $29 million in taxes.

“Five and a half years ago we stood out here in the woods and announced what we hoped to achieve: To create something that would benefit all the communities by providing good jobs, a foundation for sustainable economic development, and to serve as a good citizen and community partner,” Downstream Chairman John Berrey said in a news release. “We still have a long way to go, but I think these results show that we are doing pretty well so far."