Lake Ozark could quickly turn into dwelling to 2 separate on line casino tasks as metropolis officers and builders take main steps towards increasing the area’s gaming and leisure choices. At a latest assembly, the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen voted to approve two casino-related tasks — one led by the Osage Nation and the opposite proposed by a bunch of personal traders. The session drew a big crowd of residents keen to listen to updates on the town’s plans.
“We would certainly welcome both developments and wish them both well,” mentioned City Attorney Christopher Rohrer following the unanimous approval of the 2 on line casino measures.
The first set of payments permits the Osage Nation to maneuver ahead with its long-planned entertainment district, which features a resort, on line casino, and occasion amenities on the nook of Bagnell Dam Boulevard and Osage Beach Parkway. According to the agreements, the Osage Nation will contribute 2.5% of adjusted gross gaming receipts and a 1% resort payment on resort stays. The tribe additionally agreed to pay the usual metropolis charges for water and sewer companies, present $100,000 yearly for police companies, and fund the addition of a brand new flip lane alongside Bagnell Dam Boulevard.
“We are committed to you and this partnership,” mentioned Osage Nation CEO Kimberly Pearson throughout the assembly, in keeping with Lake Expo.
Mayor David Ridgely described the challenge as a milestone for the town. “This partnership with the Osage Nation represents a defining moment for the City of Lake Ozark,” he mentioned. “These agreements show what can be achieved when governments work together in good faith to strengthen our community and prepare for the future.”
The Osage Nation, which bought 27 acres for the challenge in 2021, acquired federal clearance to function below the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The growth will function a on line casino, resort, assembly areas, and an occasion middle, and the tribe has additionally mentioned establishing an Osage Nation Welcome Center close by.
Private Group Makes Another Casino Bid
While the Osage Nation’s challenge has cleared native hurdles, one other on line casino proposal is being revived by non-public traders working below the brand new title Lake of the Ozarks Community Gaming (LOCG). The group beforehand tried to move Amendment 5 in 2024, which sought to permit on line casino gaming on the Osage River, however the initiative failed with 52.5% of voters opposing it.
“Yes, we are getting the band back together,” mentioned investor Andy Prewitt, confirming that the group has reassembled for one other try. Prewitt famous that the group just lately secured help from Miller County and was on the agenda for the Lake Ozark City Council assembly scheduled for November 12.
LOCG hopes to assemble signatures for a brand new constitutional modification by the tip of November to qualify for the 2026 poll. “So this time around, we have an extra 45 days to collect signatures,” Prewitt defined. “We should have more than enough time and more than enough signatures, which will allow us an additional four months of campaign time.”
Another member of the group, Tim Hand, emphasised persistence. “Just about every major initiative ever passed required more than one try at the ballot box — that’s just Missouri politics,” he mentioned.
The new initiative would once more suggest permitting a state-licensed on line casino on the Osage River, downstream from Bagnell Dam, and dedicate state tax revenues from the ability to early childhood schooling.
Voter History and Regional Impact
The 2024 on line casino proposal was narrowly defeated, with 47.5% of Missourians voting in favor. Support was strongest in Kansas City and St. Louis, although all three major Lake space counties — Camden, Miller, and Morgan — opposed the measure. The deepest opposition got here from Miller County, the place the proposed website would have been positioned.
Despite the setback, LOCG stays optimistic. The metropolis’s latest decision in help of their effort marks an early step towards reintroducing the measure in 2026.
“So, last year our signature collection started 45 days after this current spot,” Prewitt mentioned, noting that the delay beforehand hampered their marketing campaign. “We ended up having barely enough signatures and actually having to force a recount in congressional district two, which cost us four months of campaigning.”
The group’s renewed push additionally coincides with the Osage Nation’s personal on line casino plans, doubtlessly setting the stage for two main gaming locations inside the identical area.
