Returning to Riverside: A Full-Circle Moment
By Stephen A. Crystal
Coming back to Riverside, Missouri after more than 30 years was one of those rare moments where the past and present intersect in a deeply personal way. Decades ago, I had the honor of serving as City Attorney here. At the time, we were laying the groundwork for something that, to many, felt like a long shot—riverboat gaming. It wasn’t just about bringing in gaming revenue; it was about creating a foundation for long-term industrial and commercial growth. Seeing where Riverside is today, it’s clear that vision has been more than fulfilled.
Walking through the now-thriving Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa, I couldn’t help but think back to when it was a literal riverboat docked on the Missouri River. Back then, every decision felt monumental—every step forward, a leap of faith. That boat has long since been replaced by a world-class facility, and the City itself has grown with intention and pride.
I’m incredibly grateful to Mayor Kathleen Rose for the warm welcome—and I must say, her leadership reflects the same dedication and determination that I remember in her mother, the late Honorable Betty Burch, who I had the privilege of working with during my time as City Attorney. The continuity of that commitment to public service is both rare and inspiring.
It was also a pleasure to reconnect with my longtime friends and colleagues, Joe Bednar and Douglas Searle. We’ve seen a lot of change in this industry over the years, but what hasn’t changed is the integrity and passion they bring to everything they do. It was energizing to spend time with them, reflecting not only on how far we’ve come, but where we’re heading.
That brings me to one of the most exciting developments: the opportunity to be part of Riverside’s future through our partnership with Tom’s Watch Bar. I couldn’t be more excited about what’s ahead. Riverside isn’t just a city rich in history—it’s one with a clear path forward, and I’m honored that SCCG gets to play a role in that.
I left Riverside feeling proud, inspired, and more committed than ever to the work we do at SCCG. This wasn’t just a visit—it was a reminder of why I got into this business in the first place: to help build things that last, and to be part of communities that believe in their future.
Now it’s back to Las Vegas as we prepare for IGA 2025 in San Diego. But something tells me I’ll be back in Riverside again soon.
