The prospect of establishing a casino resort at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri is inching closer to realization, pending approval from the state's voters. If greenlit, the development promises to introduce a new destination featuring a hotel, casino, spa, dining venues, retail outlets, and a convention center, as reported by Gambling News.
Recent developments have seen over 320,000 Missouri residents sign a petition advocating for the construction of a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks. This groundswell of support follows four previous unsuccessful attempts to include a casino referendum on the state ballot. However, momentum appears to be shifting, with signs indicating a potential breakthrough in bringing the issue before voters.
Missouri's existing legal framework restricts the construction of casinos to areas adjacent to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. Therefore, any expansion of permissible locations necessitates a constitutional amendment, subject to approval via a public vote.
Notably, while Missouri regulations technically categorize casinos as "excursion and gaming boats," recent legislative adjustments have broadened this definition to encompass "non-floating establishments." This modification underscores the state's evolving approach to casino regulation, signaling a more inclusive stance towards land-based gaming ventures.
