By Amanda Lubinski
ALubinski@cherryroad.com

On the November ballot, voters across the state are being asked if they want to expand casino license options in the state to include one along the Osage River at Lake of the Ozarks. Previously, casinos could only be built on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

According to KCUR and The Beacon, members of the KC Media Collective, the amendment is the result of a 10-year effort to build a casino and entertainment center at the lake.

One proposed casino plan located near the Bagnall Dam hangs in the balance of the outcome of Amendment 5. The plan is spearheaded by Bally’s, which has a casino in Kansas City; and RIS, a developer based in Eldon. The site is part of the Eagles’ Landing development, which sits on both sides of U.S. Highway 54.

However, the plan may face upcoming competition as the Osage Nation, an indigenous group, is also hoping to build a casino at the lake in the near future. If voters approve the Lake of the Ozarks license under Amendment 5, the Missouri Gaming Commission will then get to award it.

Official ballot language for Amendment 5 reads, “Do you want to amend the Missouri Constitution to:

• allow the Missouri Gaming Commission to issue one additional gambling boat license to operate on the portion of the Osage River from the Missouri River to the Bagnell Dam;
• require the prescribed location shall include artificial spaces that contain water and are within 500 feet of the 100-year base flood elevation as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
• require all state revenues derived from the issuance of the gambling boat license shall be appropriated to early-childhood literacy programs in public institutions of elementary education?”

According to The Beacon and KCUR, if passed, the amendment would override a state law that only allows 13 casino licenses by adding a 14th dedicated to the Osage River proposal.

“The proposal needs a simple majority statewide to pass. The revenue from the state’s gaming tax, estimated to be $14.4 million annually, will be allocated toward early childhood literacy efforts,” reports The Beacon and KCUR.

State government entities estimate one-time costs of $763,000, ongoing costs of $2.2 million annually, initial fee revenue of $271,000, ongoing admission and other fee revenue of $2.1 million annually and annual gaming tax revenue of $14.3 million.

“The Yes On Five initiative has worked with Bally’s to garner support for the amendment. John Hancock, spokesperson for the Yes On Five initiative, estimates there will be about 700 permanent jobs created at the casino, which doesn’t count temporary construction positions,” reports the Columbian Missourian. “The Missouri State Highway Patrol … also indicated that it would request the equivalent of nine more full-time positions to help police the area.”

“Local governments estimate unknown revenue,” reports The Beacon and KCUR. The city of Lake Ozark gave its support of the casino development plan in December.