Casino Could Be in the Future for Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks

Article by : Erik Gibbs Nov 30, 2023

• 
• 

A significant development unfolded on Tuesday in the prolonged initiative to establish a gambling casino near the Lake of the Ozarks in mid-Missouri.

The Missouri Secretary of State’s office has approved the language for a proposed ballot initiative seeking voters’ input on amending the state Constitution to permit a 14th gambling boat license.

The subsequent step involves supporters selecting one of the four proposed petitions for circulation, aiming to collect a minimum of 170,000 signatures to secure a spot on the 2024 ballot. The measure would become law if more than 50% of voters endorse it.

Tim Hand of Osage River Gaming, anticipates a decision on the chosen petition within two weeks. The proposed casino would operate on the section of the Osage River below the Bagnell Dam.

Former state Rep. Rocky Miller opposes the ballot question, advocating for the casino location to vie for a license within the existing framework rather than enshrining a 14th casino in the state constitution.

The proposed casino near the Lake of the Ozarks may not adopt a floating structure due to the river’s fluctuating water levels in the expansive lake.

If granted approval, all state tax revenue from wagers would be mandated for education-related initiatives, encompassing programs for early childhood literacy and teacher salaries, with an estimated annual revenue of approximately $14 million.

Mr. Hand, supporting the petition, anticipates a campaign cost of up to $10 million, potentially lower if substantial opposition does not emerge, citing positive polling for their proposed questions.

The decision to pursue a ballot question followed the Legislature’s inability earlier this year to reach a consensus on placing the question on the ballot independently.

Local officials envisioned the proposed casino as a means to enhance tourism and fund capital improvement projects. They believed it could contribute to the Lake of the Ozarks’ economy by generating more year-round jobs. However, the legislative attempts to advance the project faced obstacles, with the Legislature failing three times to reach a consensus.

The disruptions caused by COVID-19 led to the demise of the 2020 proposal, and a 2022 attempt fell short due to its late introduction in the session.

In addition to the state-regulated casino proposal, the Osage Nation tribe is also pursuing the construction of a casino in Lake Ozark. Despite preparing a site for their casino, the tribe has yet to secure approval from state and federal authorities.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the provision, Miller, currently working as a registered lobbyist, criticized it, stating that he believes it’s an ineffective method of legislating.