A Missouri casino vote will decide whether a proposed Lake of the Ozarks gambling venue will sink or swim on Nov. 5.
Here’s why voters need to weigh in:
Current Missouri gaming laws emphasize the “river” in Missouri riverboat gambling. All Missouri casinos have to be within 1,000 feet of the Missouri or Mississippi River banks.
A “yes” vote for Amendment 5 on the Missouri General Election ballot would ease those requirements. It changes the state constitution to allow a casino on the Lake of the Ozarks (emphasis on “lake”) shoreline.
The Lake of the Ozarks casino would still need to be within 500 feet of the lake’s 100-year flood stage.
What happens if Missouri Casino Vote Passes?
Missouri has 13 riverside casinos, but a 14th casino resort in a vacation-friendly destination would draw plenty of interest. The Columbia Missourian notes that Bally’s Casino has interest, but any operators would have to bid for the license.
Ballot issues like Amendment 5 require a state audit to ensure the state’s economic well-being. Findings suggest a Lake of the Ozarks casino would generate about $14 million in state taxes, which would go toward early childhood literacy programs.
The amendment also doesn’t create a lakeside casino bloom around the state. It specifically authorizes a casino “the portion of the Osage River from the Missouri River to the Bagnell Dam.”
Lake of the Ozarks is technically a man-made reservoir that dates back to 1931. The Bagnell Dam originally altered the flow of the Osage River to generate hydraulic power. Now, the 54,000-acre lake is popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Residents along the lake worry about traffic congestion, but some locals like the idea of a casino as an off-season form of entertainment.
Other Missouri Gaming Options: Best Sweepstakes Casinos | Top Social Casinos | Best Social Sportsbooks
How to Vote on Amendment 5
Starting Oct. 22, early voters can go to their designated voting location to fill out their ballots.
Voters have access to materials so they fully understand amendment issues before they cast their ballots.
Election Day voting takes place from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Expect longer lines, since 2024 is a presidential election cycle. Stay in line, however. As long as you arrive before the 7 p.m. deadline, election workers will get you through the line to cast a ballot.
Don’t Forget Missouri Sports Betting Amendment
Voters will also consider Amendment 2, the Missouri sports betting measure. It allows online betting apps to launch in the state through its own change to the constitution.
A successful Nov. 5 vote allows the Missouri Gaming Commission to set a go-live date for legal online sports betting apps. The amendment stipulates a launch can be no later than Dec. 1, 2025.
The state’s pro franchises and both major-party gubernatorial candidates support Amendment 2 and licensed sports betting.