In an effort to change the gaming landscape in Missouri, the Osage River Gaming and Conventions (ORGC) is making another attempt to establish a casino along the Osage River. This follows their previous attempt last year, which was rejected by Missouri voters. The proposed site is strategically located near Highway 54, a move that reflects ORGC’s determination to gain a foothold in the Lake Ozark area.
Investor Andy Prewitt announced that the group has regained support from Miller County officials and plans to present their proposal to the Lake Ozark City Council in the coming days. Approval from the council will be crucial as ORGC intends to begin gathering signatures for a petition by the end of November, according to reports from Lake Expo.
Last year, ORGC invested heavily in promoting Amendment 5, which aimed to permit the construction of a casino on the Osage River beneath Bagnell Dam. Despite their efforts, the amendment was narrowly defeated, with 52.5% of voters opposing and 47.5% supporting the initiative. Prewitt emphasized that the new proposal would not simply replicate last year’s plan. Instead, the group is developing revised ballot language and intends to submit it to the Missouri Secretary of State for approval soon.
Tim Hand, another key investor, remarked on the challenges of gaining public approval for such initiatives, noting that many successful ballot measures in Missouri have required multiple attempts. He views perseverance as an essential part of the process, particularly in a state where changing constitutional measures is an arduous task.
Should the ORGC’s proposal make it onto the ballot in 2026, it will face additional challenges due to a legislative measure known as Initiative Petition Reform. This reform seeks to make it more difficult to amend the state constitution, potentially complicating future efforts to allow casinos outside the traditional confines of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Current state laws restrict casino operations to these rivers, with a set number of gaming licenses available. ORGC’s past proposal sought to expand these regulations by introducing a new license specifically for the Osage River site. The anticipated tax revenue from the casino was intended to support early childhood education programs.
While the 2024 proposal found some support in urban areas such as Kansas City and St. Louis, rural voters, particularly those in southern Missouri, were largely opposed. Even in the Lake of the Ozarks region, where the casino was to be constructed, there was significant local opposition. However, ORGC remains optimistic that evolving economic conditions and ongoing community discussions could sway voter opinion in favor of the casino this time.
Lake Ozark, a popular destination known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, could soon be at the center of one of Missouri’s most significant casino debates. Supporters of the proposal argue that a new casino could boost local tourism and generate substantial economic benefits for the area. However, opponents worry about the potential social and environmental impacts, as well as the competition it might create with existing casinos.
In contrast to ORGC’s ambitions, there are voices within Missouri that express skepticism about the need for additional casinos. Critics argue that the current number of casinos adequately meets the demand and that expanding gaming operations could lead to oversaturation in the market. They caution that the financial benefits promised by new casinos often do not materialize to the extent projected, and the social costs can outweigh the economic gains.
The debate over the Osage River casino proposal underscores a broader discussion about the role and regulation of gambling in Missouri. With fluctuating economic conditions and differing public opinions, the outcome remains uncertain. As ORGC continues to push forward with its plans, the coming months will be critical in determining whether the proposal can gain the necessary support to move forward.
As the situation develops, Lake Ozark stands at a crossroads, with potential economic growth on one hand and the preservation of its community character on the other. The decision ultimately rests with Missouri voters, who will weigh the potential benefits against the possible drawbacks.
