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A group of private investors isn’t giving up on their dream of a casino by the Osage River. They’re back at it, hoping to spark a showdown with the existing casino in Lake Ozark. Last year, they came close—voters turned them down, but just barely. Now, the group says the local mood has shifted, and they’re ready to give it another shot.
Osage River Gaming Revives Casino Bid After Last Year’s Defeat
Osage River Gaming and Conventions (ORGC) confirmed it will relaunch its campaign to amend Missouri’s constitution, targeting a location along Highway 54 near the Osage River. Investor Andy Prewitt said the group has restored backing from Miller County officials and intends to present its proposal to the Lake Ozark City Council this week. If the council grants approval, ORGC plans to begin collecting petition signatures by the end of November, according to local media outlet Lake Expo.
Last year, ORGC poured a lot of money into supporting Amendment 5. That amendment would’ve let them put a casino below Bagnell Dam, but it fell short—52.5% voted no, 47.5% said yes. Prewitt says they aren’t just dusting off last year’s blueprint. They’re tweaking the ballot language and plan to send the new version to the Missouri Secretary of State soon.
ORGC Navigates Legal and Legislative Challenges
Investor Tim Hand emphasized that persistence is key, pointing out that many successful ballot measures in Missouri required multiple attempts before gaining public approval. Hand noted that if ORGC’s proposal reaches the 2026 ballot, it could face additional hurdles from Initiative Petition Reform, a legislative effort designed to make constitutional changes, including new casino licenses outside the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, more difficult.
Under current Missouri law, casinos are permitted only on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, and the state limits the number of gaming licenses. Last year’s plan aimed to expand this framework by granting a new license for the Osage River location, with casino tax revenue earmarked for early childhood education programs.
Big cities like Kansas City and St. Louis were mostly on board, but rural voters, especially in southern Missouri, shot the plan down. Even in the Lake of the Ozarks area, where the casino would’ve gone up, local counties voted no. Still, ORGC thinks the tide could turn. They’re counting on changes in the economy, stronger ties with local leaders, and more face-to-face conversations to win over skeptics.
If this proposal clears the hurdles, Lake Ozark could become ground zero for Missouri’s next big casino fight. ORGC’s push shows just how determined these investors are, wading through legal and political obstacles to bring new gaming options to the state.
Prewitt said the team remains optimistic:
“We’re taking lessons from last year’s campaign and engaging with local stakeholders to ensure that this proposal aligns with community interests while also supporting economic growth and public programs.”
Source: Gambling News
