High water forces President Casino to close

For the third time this summer, the downtown riverboat casino has closed because of flooding on the Mississippi River. It shut its doors at 4 p.m..

The strong storms of recent days have caused river levels to rise “at an alarming rate,” casino officials said, and are swamping Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. on the riverfront, making the boat inaccessible.

Current forecasts are for the river to reach flood stage of 30 feet today, and crest at 41 feet at St. Louis by Thursday.

“It is unfortunate that we will be forced to temporarily suspend our gaming operations for a third time this year due to high waters, but the safety of our employees and guests remains our top priority,” said general manager Chris Strobbe. “The river is projected to recede below flood stage some time after Sept. 20, and we will look forward to welcoming back our guests at that time.”

The President invited its customers to visit Lumière Place Casino, a few blocks up the hill, which is owned by the same company, Pinnacle Entertainment, and remains open.

Flooding closed the boat for several days in April and for five weeks in June and July, its first closures in six years.