A new casino could soon be part of the landscape at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, following a recent presentation at a Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen meeting. The proposal, presented by Osage River Gaming & Convention (ORGC) in collaboration with Bally’s Corporation, outlines plans for a multi-faceted development that includes more than just a casino. The project envisions a hotel, conference center, and retail spaces, all designed to boost local tourism and generate significant revenue for the region. If approved, the casino would bring with it an estimated 500 construction jobs and up to 800 permanent positions, along with substantial tax and fee revenues for the city.
A Partnership for Growth
ORGC, the group behind the proposed development, has teamed up with Bally’s Corporation, a major player in the U.S. gaming industry. During the meeting, Bally’s Senior Vice-President of Corporate Development, Christopher Jewett, detailed the benefits the project could offer the Lake of the Ozarks region. According to Jewett, the proposed casino is expected to not only stimulate the local economy but also attract additional tourists to the area. Jewett emphasized that the project is about more than just gambling—it includes plans for entertainment and retail that would make the Lake of the Ozarks a year-round destination.
“We’re not just building a casino; we’re building a complex that will enrich the community,” Jewett explained. He highlighted the creation of jobs, the influx of visitors, and the long-term revenue gains as some of the many positive aspects of the proposed development.
Economic Impact: Jobs and Revenue
One of the most striking aspects of the proposal is its projected economic impact. If given the green light, the casino and its accompanying facilities would create significant employment opportunities, both during the construction phase and after its completion. Specifically, the project is expected to generate:
500 construction jobs over the course of the 18-month building period.
700 to 800 permanent positions once the casino is operational.
In terms of financial benefit, the proposed development would bring in:
$2.1 million in annual admission and other fees for the city.
$14.3 million in annual gaming tax revenue for the state.
Combined, these figures suggest that the Lake of the Ozarks could see an economic boost of approximately $16.4 million annually from the casino’s operations.
This level of revenue is particularly significant for Lake Ozark, a city known primarily as a summer tourist destination. The casino could help transform the region into a more balanced, year-round economy, drawing visitors even during the off-season. Local officials have already expressed optimism that the influx of tourists, combined with the new jobs, could lead to further development in the area.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges: The Path to Approval
While the economic benefits of the casino are clear, the project still faces legal and regulatory hurdles. Under the current Missouri Constitution, gaming is only allowed on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. This means that, for the Lake of the Ozarks casino to become a reality, voters must first approve a constitutional amendment allowing gaming on the Osage River, where the casino would be located.
This issue is set to come before voters on November 5, when a ballot measure will propose the necessary constitutional change. The petition to get the proposal on the ballot was initially met with some uncertainty. Questions were raised about whether enough valid signatures had been collected to move forward, but Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft confirmed earlier this month that the petition had indeed met the required threshold. This ruling followed a decision by a Cole County judge, who allowed the proposal to proceed to the November ballot.
Competing Propositions: Casino and Sports Betting
The proposed casino at Lake of the Ozarks isn’t the only gaming-related issue that will appear on Missouri’s November ballot. Another measure seeks to legalize sports betting in the state, further expanding the scope of legal gambling. If both proposals pass, Missouri could soon become a hub for a variety of gaming options, drawing new visitors and generating even more revenue for the state.
The push for legalized sports betting comes at a time when states across the country are racing to tap into the lucrative sports wagering market. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down a federal ban on sports betting, many states have legalized it, leading to millions in new tax revenues. In Missouri, proponents of sports betting argue that it would complement the casino industry and offer residents and tourists more entertainment options.
A New Era for Lake of the Ozarks?
The prospect of a casino at Lake of the Ozarks has drawn a mixed response from the community. Some residents and business owners are excited about the potential economic boost, while others have expressed concerns about how a casino might affect the area’s character. Historically, the lake has been a popular destination for families, offering boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Opponents of the casino argue that gambling could change the family-friendly atmosphere of the region, bringing with it potential social problems.
However, supporters of the casino, including local officials and business leaders, believe that the economic benefits far outweigh these concerns. They argue that the additional revenue, jobs, and tourism dollars would provide a much-needed boost to the region. For them, the casino represents a chance to diversify the local economy, which currently relies heavily on seasonal tourism.
Next Steps: Awaiting Voter Approval
As the November ballot approaches, both sides are gearing up for what is likely to be a contentious campaign. Proponents of the casino are emphasizing the economic benefits, while opponents continue to raise concerns about the social impact of expanded gambling. Bally’s Corporation, for its part, has already begun working on marketing and outreach efforts to win over voters.
If the casino proposal is approved, Bally’s expects to begin construction almost immediately, with an estimated 18-month timetable for completion. This means that, if all goes according to plan, the Lake of the Ozarks could have its first casino up and running by early 2026.
The November vote on the Lake of the Ozarks casino represents a major turning point for both the region and the state of Missouri. The potential creation of over 1,300 jobs and $16.4 million in annual revenue could transform the local economy, making the area a year-round destination for visitors and residents alike. However, the project’s success ultimately depends on the outcome of the upcoming ballot measure, which will determine whether gaming on the Osage River is allowed under the state constitution.
As voters head to the polls in November, they will be making a decision that could shape the future of Lake of the Ozarks for decades to come. Whether the proposed casino becomes a reality or not, the debate over the economic and social impact of expanded gambling is sure to continue long after the votes are counted.