Casino On The Ballot: Lake Of The Ozarks Investors Turn In 320,000 Signatures

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — Missourians will almost certainly be voting on whether to allow a casino at Lake of the Ozarks, in November.

More than 320,000 signatures were turned into the Missouri Secretary of State on Sunday, in support of putting the question to voters. Missouri casino gaming is restricted to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers by the state constitution, so the proposal to open a casino license to the Osage River would require a vote of the people.

A group of investors known as Osage River Gaming & Conventions has been working on a constitutional change for years; after four failed attempts to get the question on the ballot through the legislative process, the group opted to embark on a signature-gathering campaign in 2024.

The signatures will be subject to the state's verification process. Around 173,000 certified signatures were needed to ensure the issue went on the ballot.

ORGC says their polling — along with polling conducted nationally by Bally’s, the gaming corporation with whom they hope to partner on a casino — indicates the amendment will easily pass.

A press release issued by the group on Sunday is republished below.

*Press Release*

The Osage River Gaming & Convention (ORGC) committee turned in over 320,000 signatures today in their effort to bring a new gaming casino to the Lake of the Ozarks.

If approved by the voters, this multi-faceted tourism resort will include a new gaming casino, hotel, convention center, food/beverage options, spa, and other attractions that will provide a year-round economic boost to the region.

Specifically, the new convention center is a much needed addition that will benefit all of the existing businesses in the Tri County region and beyond. This project is also expected to create 500 construction jobs and 700 - 800 permanent jobs.

State revenue generated from this project will go to support Missouri schools, specifically early-childhood literacy programs in public institutions of elementary education. Additionally, local revenue generated from this project can be used to provide public services including much needed upgraded utility and road infrastructure.

Adding the Osage River to the list of waterways that allow gaming requires a change to the Missouri Constitution which restricts it to just the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Any constitutional change requires a statewide vote of approval.